We’ve got your back: Five things to know about your spine
JUN 27, 2022Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
Read More Additional information about 5 things to know about your spine | St. Joseph Health
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for 25% of all clinical bacterial infections in women. And around 50%-60% of women are bound to experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. It can be valuable to be aware of urinary tract infections' causes and preventive steps. Let's take a look at why women are more likely to get these infections.
UTIs form when unwanted microbes enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. E. coli bacteria—which live in the bowel—cause most UTIs. Men and women can both experience this infection. However, certain factors make UTIs over 10 times more common in women.
Anatomy is a big player in why UTIs occur more frequently in women than men. A female urethra is about six inches shorter than a male's urethra, allowing bacteria to have better access to a woman's bladder. The urethral opening is also closer to sources of bacteria, like the anus and the vagina. Sexual activity is often a means of moving bacteria around near the urethral opening.
The following factors can encourage unwanted bacterial growth:
A UTI could present itself in one or many different ways. Symptoms may also vary based on the infection's primary location—kidney, bladder, urethra, or ureters. Common symptoms of urinary tract infections include:
Your body can get rid of the bacteria on its own, but treatment options like antibiotics can help speed up the process, with symptoms often going away within 24 to 48 hours. However, some people have UTIs that do not go away with treatment or keep coming back, also known as chronic UTIs. If this is the case, you will need to take stronger medication for a longer period to get rid of the infection.
You cannot always avoid a urinary tract infection. Here are five steps to prevent an infection from setting in.
If you experience any symptoms of a UTI, schedule an appointment with a St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network primary care physician to get the antibiotics needed for treatment. A St. Joseph Health OBGYN can also help you, especially if you're pregnant.
What causes UTIs & UI? | NICHD - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Urinary tract infections | Office on Women's Health
Urinary tract infection - adults: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
How to Prevent UTI: 9 Ways to Avoid a Urinary Tract Infection
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Management in Women - PMC
Five interesting facts from St. Joseph Health that you should know about your spine.
Read More Additional information about 5 things to know about your spine | St. Joseph HealthThese five cherry recipes will have you running to the orchard to pick a whole bunch. The fruit’s health benefits make these tasty delicacies even more enticing.
Read More Additional information about Healthy cherry-based recipes | St. Joseph HealthMany people missed their recommended cancer screenings in 2020, but new interest in wellness may be the key to reprioritizing preventive health.
Read More Additional information about How to resume cancer screenings post-COVID | St. Joseph HealthLooking for a doctor? Perform a quick search by name or browse by specialty.