Urinary Tract Infections among women generally are inconvenient, frustrating and painful. For premenopausal women, they can become even more frequent. The good news is that when you know the reasons for this, you can manage your health and prevent them.
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During the premenopausal years, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common for some women. If you’re wondering why, issues such as hormonal shifts, lifestyle habits, anatomy and even stress play a huge role in this frustrating problem.
Why are UTIs common before menopause?
Anatomy: Women tend to be more prone because the actual urethra is shorter than in men, which allows bacteria to travel more easily into the bladder. Although, during the menopausal years, hormonal shifts also influence vaginal bacteria and urinary tract health.
Sexual activity: Another major factor. Intercourse can also introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. This happens when you’re not hydrated enough and when the bladder isn’t emptied quick enough afterwards. Spermicides and diaphragms may also increase the risk by disrupting healthy bacteria.
Lifestyle: Tight clothing, (especially synthetic items), dehydration, prolonged moisture form swim- or gym-wear, and holding in urine for long times can create space for bacteria to thrive.
Stress also contributes. Chronic stress hugely compromises the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections.
Symptoms to watch for
The first tell-tale sign is a burning sensation during urination, pelvic discomfort, the constant urge to urinate, and more severely, blood in the urine. Some women even experience lower back pain and may be a bit feverish.
In these cases, really the only thing that will help are antibiotics prescribed by a medical professional. So it’s important to seek their advice when these symptoms show up.
How to treat – and prevent – UTIs
Over-the-counter medication may help with the discomfort but they won’t clear the infection. A healthcare professional is crucial here. To help prevent future UTIs:
- Drink lots of water
- Urinate after intercourse
- Wear breathable, cotton underwear
- Try to avoid heavily scented intimate products
- Don’t hold in urine for long periods of time
- Change out of wet clothes quickly
- Many women also swear by cranberry supplements to reduce recurrent UTIs but evidence remains mixed.
The takeaway
Frequent UTIs are terribly frustrating as one more issue for premenopausal women. But it’s important to visit a doctor, not just to treat, but to identify underlying causes and to discuss long-term prevention strategies.
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Featured image: Pexels
