Is There a Main Culprit for Getting UTIs?

About 40% of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. 

UTIs can be uncomfortable and disruptive. If you experience more than one in six months, or three or more a year, they’re considered recurrent. If you frequently suffer from a UTI, you may wonder: Is there a cause?

Here at Women’s Care of Beverly Hills, the OB/GYN team wants you to know that there is no single culprit when it comes to UTIs, but several factors can increase your risk.

The cause of UTIs

Most UTIs occur when bacteria, most commonly E. coli, enter the urinary tract. This can happen when bacteria from the skin or rectal area travel to the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder.

While that is the underlying cause, the reason you have bacteria entering the urinary tract varies from person to person.

Common risk factors

Several everyday habits can make UTIs more likely:

Sexual activity

Intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, which is why UTIs are sometimes more common in sexually active individuals.

Holding urine too long

Not emptying the bladder regularly allows bacteria more time to grow.

Dehydration

Drinking less fluid means less frequent urination, which reduces the body’s natural ability to flush out bacteria.

Wiping back to front

When you clean yourself after going to the toilet, wiping back to front can transfer bacteria toward the urethra.

Certain birth control methods

Diaphragms and spermicides may increase the risk of UTIs in some patients.

Another possible cause is hormonal changes as women go through menopause. You experience changes in vaginal tissue that make infections more likely.

UTIs are usually the result of multiple small factors coming together.

Symptoms of a UTI

Early recognition of UTI symptoms means you can treat the infection early. Common signs of a UTI include:

• A burning sensation when urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate, even with little output
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pressure or discomfort

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to seek care. We find UTIs are typically easy to treat, but delaying treatment can allow the infection to worsen.

UTI prevention tips

While not all UTIs can be prevented, a few simple habits can lower your risk. Stay hydrated and urinate after sexual activity. Avoid holding urine for long periods of time and wear breathable, cotton underwear.

If you’re getting UTIs often, or if symptoms feel more severe than usual, reach out to Women’s Care of Beverly Hills. Recurrent infections may need additional steps and evaluation to reduce your risk and protect your urinary health.

Do not tolerate frequent UTIs

There is no single lifestyle habit causing UTIs, but understanding the many contributing factors can help you take steps toward prevention. With the right care and guidance, most UTIs can be treated quickly and managed effectively so you can get back to feeling like yourself.

Reach out to Women’s Care of Beverly Hills today by phone or make an appointment online to support your urinary health.