Why urinary tract infections are more common in women

Most women have or will suffer from a urinary tract infection at least once in their lifetime; therefore, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and prevention of these health problems. Next, we explain why urinary tract infections are more common in women.

What is a urinary tract infection

According to Harvard Health, urinary tract infections affect the organs that produce and remove urine from the body, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. There is a classification for urinary tract infections.

On the one hand, lower respiratory tract infections are the most common. They occur in the bladder and can also spread to the upper urinary tract. Bacteria found in the intestines spread from the anus to the urethra and eventually the bladder, causing infection.

Then there are upper urinary tract infections, which mainly affect the ureters and kidneys. They usually occur because bacteria travel through the bloodstream from different parts of the body and lodge in the kidneys.

Why urinary tract infections are more common in women

An article published on the U.S. National Library of Medicine website reports that women are more likely to get urinary tract infections for one main reason: The anatomy of the female lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) is very close to the reproductive organs and anus. Additionally, the female urethra is shorter, shortening the distance to the bladder and making it easier for bacteria to enter.

The article states that because the vulva and vaginal structures are more susceptible to any other type of infection arising from sexual relations, through the use of feminine intimate hygiene products that interfere with the normal vaginal microbiota or through the transfer of bacteria from the anus.

Urinary tract infections occur more frequently at different stages of a woman’s life. According to the U.S. Office of Women’s Health, we are especially vulnerable during the following stages.

• pregnancy period. Pregnancy and the perinatal period are times when urinary tract infections occur frequently.
• Menopause. Decreased estrogen levels can cause vaginal tissue to thin and dry, allowing bacteria that infect the urinary tract to multiply.
• Have an active sexual life. Sexual intercourse can spread bacteria from the vagina to the bladder.

What are the symptoms of urinary tract infection?

According to Harvard Health, a urinary tract infection may cause the following symptoms.

• Frequent need to go to the toilet.
• Strong need to urinate.
• Pain, discomfort, or burning when urinating.
• Pain, pressure, or tenderness in the bladder area.
• Urine looks cloudy or smells bad.
• Fever with or without chills.
• Nausea and vomiting.

With proper treatment, urinary tract infections can resolve within a few days. To reduce risk and prevent, the following measures are recommended.

• Drink enough water: Important fluids inhibit the growth of bacteria by clearing the urinary tract.
• Wipe from front to back: This prevents bacteria in the stool from spreading to the vulva and urethra.
• Urinating after sex: Helps eliminate bacteria that accumulate in the urinary tract.
• Urinate when needed: Don’t resist the urge to go to the bathroom. The longer urine stays in the bladder, the longer bacteria have to grow.

Main image: Image from Freepik

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