Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection — Page 3

Urinary tract infection in women

It is more common to see a urinary tract infection in women than in men. The female urethra is shorter than the male urethra, making it easier for bacteria to travel up the urinary tract. A woman’s urethra is also close to her vagina and anus, both sources of bacteria.

Research shows that UTIs affect up to 50 percent of women, and many women will experience multiple urinary tract infections in their lifetime. Recurrent UTIs seem to run in families, indicating that genetics may increase the risk of urinary tract infections in women.

Women are more at risk for UTIs during and after pregnancy. Those physical changes can weaken or stretch the muscles of the pelvic floor, which supports the urinary tract. Hormonal changes due to medication, pregnancy, or menopause can thin and dry the skin in the vagina and urethra, another factor contributing to urinary tract infections.

Researchers have identified ways to decrease your risk of developing a UTI, including:

• Urinating after sexual activity to flush microbes out of your urethra
• Drinking plenty of water
• Not holding in urine
• Exercising to keep your pelvic floor muscles strong

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