Tips to prevent urinary tract infections (utis) in summer
For many women, it's one of the inconveniences of summer. Symptoms can range from a simple burning sensation and constant urge to urinate, to pain in the lower back and abdomen, and even fever.
Cystitis affects two out of every three women, and 80% of those affected have multiple episodes throughout their lives. It's an inflammatory process that occurs in the bladder and is associated with the presence of bacteria in the woman's urinary tract. The "culprits" are part of the bacterial flora in the genital tract and rectal cavity.
Cases of cystitis see a significant increase during the summer due to swimming and splashing in pools and beaches. Often, many of us aren't adequately prepared with multiple swimsuits to change into as frequently as needed. Wet swimwear affects the microbiome and can disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the genital area.
Additionally, summer is linked to social activities, time spent away from home, and extended excursions. All these factors can lead to irregular bathroom habits, delaying the natural expulsion of microorganisms, which are eliminated from the body through urine.
Here are some tips to prevent cystitis in summer:
While some women are more prone to suffering from cystitis, especially in the summer, there are certain mitigating factors that can reduce the number of cases or, at least, minimize their effects.
- It's very important to maintain proper hygiene and always wipe from front to back to avoid contact with bacteria in the anal area. However, it's important to be careful, as excessive hygiene can damage the vaginal microbiota.
- The moisture from wet swimwear, combined with the summer heat, creates the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply. Hence, the need to change swimwear periodically.
- Coffee, tobacco, and alcohol are highly irritants, responsible for increased itching and burning sensation in the vaginal area.
- It's important to drink between two and three liters of water per day. We can't stress enough how beneficial water is for the body. In this case, for instance, it increases the frequency of bathroom visits, and thus the natural expulsion of germs through urine.
- Following the previous advice, it's important not to hold in urine. It's essential to urinate whenever necessary.
- To prevent constipation, increase consumption of fruits and vegetables to ensure sufficient fiber intake. Everything is interconnected.
- Try to use cotton underwear and avoid overly tight garments. This way, the area will remain free of moisture, making it harder for bacteria to thrive.
- While sexual activity itself doesn't cause cystitis, it's important to practice good hygiene. Especially, urinate immediately after sexual activity to facilitate the elimination of bacteria.
For women who don't overcome recurrent cystitis with appropriate prevention measures, we recommend seeking an appointment with one of our specialists to evaluate the case and provide relevant guidance, such as prescribing antibiotics or specific vaccines.
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