How good are you at holding your pee? It is a common, painful and uneasy qualification required as a woman to make a road trip where one dodges all public restrooms.
Women often have to control their urge to pee once they step outside, as public restrooms are not known to be the most hygienic. Sometimes, the toilets are left in such unsanitary conditions that even squatting doesn’t help. They have to use public washrooms like they’re entering and exiting a crime scene- nothing can be touched!
Unfortunately, women are inherently at a greater risk than men to contract Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). It is because of the anatomical differences in gender that women easily contract UTI and other such infections. It is estimated that about 50 per cent of women report contracting UTI in their lifetime; more so, pregnant women.
One of the major factors of UTI is not peeing often enough, and holding it in. But it can also be contracted due to several other factors such as sexual intercourse, dehydration, urinary tract abnormalities and sometimes age – older people are more prone to get UTI.
The infection is caused by bacteria or yeast coming into contact with your urinary tract. It then multiplies and causes swelling and pain. Dr Rupali Satija, DNB Family Medicine advises women to maintain general hygiene with simple steps, such as wiping from front to back after using the bathroom and washing your hands properly.
Symptoms Of UTI
Sometimes UTI could be asymptomatic. In most cases though, you might experience a burning sensation during urination, the constant urge to urinate, fever, or lower abdominal pain. It is best to consult your doctor and avoid self-medicating as UTI can pose to be a great risk to your health, if not treated properly.
Busting Common Myths
• Women are more prone to contracting UTI, but men can get it as well.
• Sexual intercourse is not the sole cause of UTI. It is one of the most common reasons but one can still get UTI if one has never been sexually active.
• UTI is generally not associated with infertility but in severe cases it can damage the reproductive organs.
• Contracting UTI doesn’t mean that one will not be able to conceive.
Preventive Measures
It is essential to see a doctor as soon as possible, report the symptoms to them, and then start medication. If a patient is taking medicine and there’s still no improvement in their condition, then it is a case of resistant bacteria. Before beginning any treatment, the patient will be advised to undergo specific testing to rule out kidney infection, urinary obstruction, or urinary tract infection. Antibiotics will be prescribed once the infection stage of the patient has been identified. Dr Rupali recommends getting checked immediately with a doctor and not waiting it out to self-medicate. She advises:
• to maintain good personal hygiene of the intimate areas
• to wash your hands every time after using the toilet
• to refrain from using any chemical products down there
• to avoid douching
• to wear breathable cotton undergarments/clothes
• to keep yourself hydrated
• to talk to your partner about maintaining hygiene while engaging in sexual activity as his personal hygiene is also important
Image source: Teen Vogue, Everyday Health