A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs in the lower part of the urinary system. In general, women are at a higher risk of developing UTIs than men. The infection can be severe, resulting in a lot of pain and discomfort. To avoid this, it is important to understand the risk factors and prevention tips of UTI.

Risk factors

• Women have a shorter urethra than men, which decreases the distance that the bacteria needs to traverse to reach the bladder.
• Increased sexual activity or too many sexual partners increase the risk in women.
• Women using diaphragms for birth control as well as spermicidal agents are more prone to UTI.
• A decrease in estrogen hormones after menopause can also lead to frequent infections.
• Blockages in the urinary tract or kidney stones can also trap the urine in the bladder and cause UTI.
• Babies born with abnormalities in the urinary tract can also cause the urine to back up in the urethra and lead to infections.
• A weakened immune system due to diabetes or any other ailments.

Prevention tips
Once you have understood the risk factors of UTI, being aware of the prevention tips is also crucial to maintain overall health and avoid the condition.

• Wipe from front to back: Because the rectum is the primary source of UTI, it is important to wipe the genital area from front to back. This decreases the risk of getting the infection. Cleaning the genital area properly is even more important in case of diarrhea.
• Drink loads of fluids: Staying hydrated is the key to prevent UTI. This makes you pee more frequently, flushing the infection-causing bacteria out of the system. So you must aim to have 6 to 8 glasses per day.
• Avoid holding your pee: Avoid holding in your urine as that can promote the growth of bacteria in the bladder. Try to urinate after every couple of hours to empty the bladder properly. This is all the more important for pregnant women as pregnancy may increase the risk of UTI.
• Avoid using scented hygiene products: The vagina contains many different types of microbes that helps in keeping it healthy and the pH level balanced. Scented products, such as deodorants, scented pads, douches, etc. can promote the growth of harmful bacteria, leading to infections.
• Taking probiotics: Probiotics help in increasing the good bacteria in the gut and the urinary tract. This can decrease the risk of UTI. You can take probiotics in the form of fermented foods, like kefir, yogurt, tempeh, or sauerkraut.
• Consume cranberries: Cranberries is the best home remedy for preventing UTI. They are rich in compounds called proanthocyanidins that stop the infection-causing bacteria from entering the tissues of the urinary tract.

These are the most common risk factors and prevention tips of UTI that women must know about. You must consult a doctor immediately in case of any symptoms.