How to prevent urinary tract infection

I believe everyone has heard of the disease called urinary tract infection, right? The disease is mostly suffered by women. This year, with the development of the economy, the incidence of this disease is still on the rise. So what are the causes of urinary tract infections? How can we prevent it?

The high temperatures in summer make urinary tract infections more common. Without proper care, it can develop into female urethral cancer. Among cases of urinary tract infections, female patients account for a large proportion. What can cause a UTI in hot weather? You must know how women can avoid and prevent urinary tract infections.

1. After going to the bathroom, wipe from back to front with toilet paper. Women have unique physiological characteristics. The urethral opening is close to the anus. The urethra is only 3-5 cm long, straight and wide, and the urethral sphincter is weak, so bacteria can easily retrograde along the urethral opening to the bladder. Improper wiping after defecation can greatly increase the risk of urethral contamination. In addition, the female vulva is particularly rich in sweat glands, which can easily make the vulva moist for a long time, allowing bacteria to take advantage of the situation.

2. Frequent sexual activity or lack of attention to hygiene. Urinary tract infections in women caused by sexual intercourse are relatively common, especially among newly married women. A survey from Taiwan showed that about a quarter of women have experienced "honeymoon cystitis."

3. Holding urine for too long. When urinating, urine has a flushing effect on the urethra. If you do not urinate for a long time, this flushing effect will be reduced, which will increase the risk of bacteria growing in the urethra. In addition, because women have shorter urethras, holding urine can easily cause ascending urinary tract bacterial infection, and in severe cases may even cause pyelonephritis. Research surveys have shown that the incidence of urinary tract infection in people with obstructed urine flow is 12 times higher than that in normal people.

4. Diabetic patients. Due to endocrine disorders and decreased body resistance, diabetic patients have an increased risk of various infections. Among them, urinary tract infection is very common, reaching 16%-35%. It is worth noting that diabetic patients often suffer from nerve damage and decreased sensitivity to infection, which means that 10%-20% of diabetic urinary tract infection patients do not feel any symptoms and only show bacteriuria.

5. People with urinary tract obstruction. Ureteral and kidney stones, urethral stenosis, etc. can all cause urine retention, making it easy for bacteria to multiply and cause infection.

6. Decreased estrogen levels, such as after menopause. The decline in estrogen secretion in elderly women leads to atrophic changes in the vagina and urethra, making them more susceptible to dysuria, urgency and urinary tract infections.

7. Recently had urethral catheterization and instrument examination. Catheterization, cystoscopy, urinary tract surgery, etc. can damage the mucosa and bring pathogens from the anterior urethra into the bladder or upper urinary tract, causing infection. According to statistics, the incidence of persistent bacteriuria after a catheterization is 1%-2%.

Through the introduction of the above article, I believe everyone has a certain understanding of urinary tract infection? The occurrence of this disease is largely due to the fact that female friends do not pay attention to personal hygiene. Therefore, if we want to prevent this disease well, we must first start with personal hygiene.