Nelson Morales

Why do women experience UTI more than men?

High heels and salesladies at the Simply Shoes store in SM Sangandaan in Caloocan, October 11, 2017. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Kevin Alabaso

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — It is no secret that women experience urinary tract infection (UTI) more than men, as several local and international studies have also supported this finding.</p><p>But why are women more prone to having UTI?</p><p>Health and wellness expert Dr. Lulu Marquez said UTI is one of the most common bacterial infection in the vagina, and that 1 in 2 women experiences UTI at least once in their lifetime.</p><p>With this, Marquez listed the common causes of UTI in women:</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>1. Shorter urethra</strong></div><p>In an anatomical perspective, women have a shorter urethra compared to men, which makes them more susceptible to bacteria.</p><p>&quot;Anatomically, &#x27;yun &#x27;yung rason. Shorter urethra kaya madali puntahan ng bacteria, especially e.coli bacteria from the anus,&quot; Marquez said in DZMM TeleRadyo&#x27;s Private Talks.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>2. Improper wiping technique</strong></div><p>The health expert also said that the simple act of washing the genital area from the back to the front might unknowingly transfer bacteria from the anus to the vagina, which then opens the possibility for infections to incur.</p><p>Marquez advised that it is prudent to wash from the front to the back gently and also with the use of bidets.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>3. Sexual activity</strong></div><p>She also emphasized the importance of peeing before and after sexual intercourse to reduce the chances of having UTI.</p><p>&quot;Intercourse can push the bacteria into the urethra... You urinate before and after sex to be able to flush out the bacteria,&quot; Marquez said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>4. Holding urine</strong></div><p>Women who hold off peeing can also increase their chances of having UTI, according to Marquez.</p><p>She said that holding the pee for long instances allows the bacteria to make the bladder a breeding ground, which then leads to infection.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>5. Scented soaps</strong></div><p>Women are more prone to UTI if they often use scented soaps, powders or strongly-scented sprays to mask foul-smelling odor from their vagina.</p><p>Marquez said if there is a foul-smelling odor, that means there might be an infection that should be addressed medically rather than using fragrance products which might further disrupt the environment of the genitals or cause further infection.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>6. Extremely tight underwear</strong></div><p>The health expert also cautioned women against wearing extremely tight underwear such as thongs that could  irritate the vagina.</p><p>&quot;Tight synthetic underwear can trap moisture and can create a breeding ground for the bacteria,&quot; Marquez also said.</p><p>She added that wearing comfortable cotton underwear is advised and avoid wearing overly tight pants for too long as it would be the same as wearing extremely tight underwear.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>7. Hormonal changes</strong></div><p>Several changes in the body&#x27;s hormones can trigger UTI, including menopausal transition or pregnancy.</p><p>&quot;Bababa &#x27;yung estrogen niyo during menopause so ninipis &#x27;yung urethra at &#x27;yung vaginal wall so prone ka sa UTI. &#x27;Yung pregnancy naman increases pressure in the bladder, and full emptying of the bladder is mahirap so pwedeng mag-thrive &#x27;yung bacteria kasi hindi ka nakapaglalabas agad ng ihi,&quot; she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>8. Diabetes</strong></div><p>Marquez said being diabetic may also contribute to having UTI as it weakens &#x27;your immune system.</p><p>She added that diabetics that simply have their blood sugar rise are prone to having UTI.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>9. Spermicides or diaphragms</strong></div><p>Marquez also cautioned those using birth control products such as spermicides or diaphragms as it can also have effects on the vagina.</p><p>&quot;Mai-irritate &#x27;yung vaginal tissue and it can alter the balance of the good bacteria in the vagina,&quot; she said.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>PREVENTION</strong></div><p>Marquez said one of the easiest ways to prevent UTI is to drink plain water and avoid softdrinks or energy drinks.</p><p>She also advised urinating regularly and to clean from front to back with non-scented wipes to avoid chemical imbalance in the genital area.</p><p>&quot;Syempre &#x27;yung paggamit ng mga mababangong produkto, iwasan &#x27;yan kasi natural smell is okay,&quot; she said.</p><p>She also advised wearing breathable and comfortable underwear when going out for long periods of time. </p><p>&quot;Diba may mga silk na underwear na ginagamit pang sexy feeling, pwede &#x27;yun. Pero ang sinasabi namin na &#x27;wag &#x27;yun suotin ay pag nagwo-work o nasa labas,&quot; Marquez said.</p><p>She also warned against skimping on the use of sanitary napkins. Women should not wait for sanitary napkins to be full before changing them since it can also introduce bacteria to the body.</p><p>Keeping the blood sugar in control is also one of the ways to avoid getting UTI since the immune system would not be weakened and that it would have a better chance to fight off possible infections.</p><p>Marquez advised that women should immediately seek medical help when it is painful to urinate, when there is a burning sensation when urinating, or when the urine itself has an unnatural odor.</p><p>She also warned against brushing off symptoms since untreated UTI may lead to complications in the kidney.</p>

<p>It is no secret that women experience urinary tract infection (UTI) more than men, as several local and international studies have also supported this finding.</p>

It is no secret that women experience urinary tract infection (UTI) more than men, as several local and international studies have also supported this finding.