Probably the most common cause of a UTI in women (who account for the vast majority of all urinary tract infections reported), is sex.
The physical act and the nature of a female anatomy makes women much more susceptible than men.
Their urethra is substantially shorter and the distance from the anus to the urethra opening is also much shorter.
No real surprises there.
But did you also know that using a spermicide, independent of the frequency of intercourse will also increase the risk and occurrence of a UTI in women? If you add the use of a diaphragm the risk is more substantially increased.
If you're currently using a diaphragm and spermicide as your primary birth control method, and are suffering from recurring UTI, you may want to consider an alternate method of birth control.
There are other issues which can increase the odds and frequency of a UTI including an enlarged prostate in men (increasing the risk of a UTI in men over 60), kidney stones, or a congenital urinary tract defect or abnormality.
Anything that causes a restricted or reduced flow of urine or causes a person to urinate less frequently can cause an increase in the number of UTI's.
There is only anecdotal evidence that pregnancy can increase the risk of UTI, but it is generally accepted that if a UTI does develop during pregnancy, there is an elevated risk of the urinary tract infection progressing to a kidney infection.
Some clinicians suggest this risk is increased during weeks 6 through 26.
There is also some evidence that a UTI during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight.
If you're pregnant and suspect you have a UTI, you should contact your health-care provider right away.
It's important to remember that while there are certain circumstances which can increase the chances of developing a UTI, or situations where the risk associated with a UTI are increased, as many as 50% of patients with a UTI will rid themselves of the infection without any intervention.
Most infections are caused by intercourse or improper personal hygiene and steps can easily be taken to avoid recurring infections.
However there are definitely situations where impeccable hygiene and abstinence (or very careful intercourse) do not address a recurring UTI.
Additionally if you are suffering from a UTI and want relief, there are definitely steps you can take to provide immediate relief and address the root cause of your UTI without the typical treatment of harsh antibiotics and Dr.
visits.
The physical act and the nature of a female anatomy makes women much more susceptible than men.
Their urethra is substantially shorter and the distance from the anus to the urethra opening is also much shorter.
No real surprises there.
But did you also know that using a spermicide, independent of the frequency of intercourse will also increase the risk and occurrence of a UTI in women? If you add the use of a diaphragm the risk is more substantially increased.
If you're currently using a diaphragm and spermicide as your primary birth control method, and are suffering from recurring UTI, you may want to consider an alternate method of birth control.
There are other issues which can increase the odds and frequency of a UTI including an enlarged prostate in men (increasing the risk of a UTI in men over 60), kidney stones, or a congenital urinary tract defect or abnormality.
Anything that causes a restricted or reduced flow of urine or causes a person to urinate less frequently can cause an increase in the number of UTI's.
There is only anecdotal evidence that pregnancy can increase the risk of UTI, but it is generally accepted that if a UTI does develop during pregnancy, there is an elevated risk of the urinary tract infection progressing to a kidney infection.
Some clinicians suggest this risk is increased during weeks 6 through 26.
There is also some evidence that a UTI during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight.
If you're pregnant and suspect you have a UTI, you should contact your health-care provider right away.
It's important to remember that while there are certain circumstances which can increase the chances of developing a UTI, or situations where the risk associated with a UTI are increased, as many as 50% of patients with a UTI will rid themselves of the infection without any intervention.
Most infections are caused by intercourse or improper personal hygiene and steps can easily be taken to avoid recurring infections.
However there are definitely situations where impeccable hygiene and abstinence (or very careful intercourse) do not address a recurring UTI.
Additionally if you are suffering from a UTI and want relief, there are definitely steps you can take to provide immediate relief and address the root cause of your UTI without the typical treatment of harsh antibiotics and Dr.
visits.