Health Matters: How to Prevent UTIs in the Summer

Although most individuals enjoy warmer weather, it will probably cause health problems, especially for girls. As humidity and temperature increase, the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) increases. UTIs are infections that occur when bacteria are found in the urinary tract, including the bladder, kidneys, and urethra. Bacteria can escape from the skin or rectum and enter the urethra. UTIs might be painful but normally go away quickly with antibiotics. Unfortunately, urinary tract infections are common amongst women, akin to: 60 percent women and 12 percent men will experience a urinary tract infection once in their life and are more susceptible in the summer.

A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel to the bladder. Below are some signs to look out for:

Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

• Frequent urination
• Burning sensation when urinating
• A powerful and chronic need to urinate
• Cloudy, bloody or strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain or pressure in the lower abdomen
• Fever or chills

How to prevent urinary tract infections

Here are some suggestions to help reduce your risk of developing a UTI so you may live your best life this summer.

1. Stay hydrated

Stay hydrated this summer. Drinking enough water will dilute your urine and encourage frequent urination, which helps flush bacteria out of your urinary tract.

2. Don’t hold your bladder

You should relieve yourself steadily and never hold your bladder, because should you do, bacteria are more likely to settle and multiply in the bladder.

3. Wear loose underwear and a swimsuit

When temperatures rise, lots of us feel like spending time in large bodies of water, akin to swimming pools or the ocean, where damp underwear and swimsuits can breed bacteria that may cause infection. To prevent urinary tract infections, change out of wet swimsuits this summer as soon as you stop having fun with water activities.

4. Urinate immediately after intercourse

During sexual activity, the urethra is exposed to bacteria from the genital areas of various partners. Add to this the heat and humidity of summer, and your risk of developing a UTI after intercourse is even greater. After intercourse, it’s important to urinate as soon as possible in order that your body can flush out harmful bacteria.

5. Change your contraceptive method or feminine products

Consider rethinking contraceptives and female products as they will irritate the urinary tract and lead to bacterial growth.