Urinary tract infection (UTI), a common urological problem amongst women, is the infection of any part of the urinary tract. The infection can be in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and/or urethra. Depending on the part of the urinary tract being infected, the sufferer experiences varying symptoms. Mostly, the lower part of the urinary tract, which comprises the bladder and urethra, gets infected by gastrointestinal bacteria, Escherichia coli.

Wondering why women are at a greater risk of urinary tract infection than men? Read on to know the reasons shared by experts from the Best Nephrology Clinic in Hyderabad.

• Women have a shorter urethra than men.

Urethra, the tube passing urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, is very short in women. This allows the gastrointestinal bacteria to easily and quickly reach the urinary bladder from the rectum and cause infection.

• Women have their urethral opening in proximity to their rectum.

The bacteria that grow in the rectum can easily enter the urinary tract of females because of their urethral opening, present close to their anus.

• Sexual activity increases the risk of UTI in women.

Use of sex toys, diaphragms, spermicides, or sexual intercourse with an infected partner may cause bacteria causing infection to enter the urethra.

• Menopausal and pregnant women are at a higher risk of UTI.

Pregnancy and menopause are the two life stages of women when they face hormonal fluctuations, which increase the risk of UTI. Also, in pregnant women, the expanding womb (uterus) increases the urine flow, which further increases the risk of urinary tract infection.

• Diabetic women are more susceptible to UTIs.

Diabetic women have an impaired immune system and so can easily catch infections, including those of the urinary tract.

• Women peeing through urinary catheters are at high risk of UTI.

If catheters are not frequently replaced with new ones and there is growth of bacteria in them, the bacteria can easily enter the urinary tract to cause infection.

• Women who have inadequate hygiene practices can easily catch UTI. 

Women who use public toilet seats to urinate or defecate and do not wipe from back to front after using the washroom can experience urinary tract infection due to bacteria spread.

If you are experiencing urinary urgency, frequent urination, burning/pain while urinating, and pelvic pain or passing cloudy, strong-smelling, bloody urine, you most likely have a urinary tract infection. In that case, you must promptly visit a top-notch nephrologist at Jade Clinics. Best Nephrology Clinic in Gachibowli to get your concern timely and appropriately addressed.