UTI

What is UTI?

Women are more likely to get a UTI than men because women have shorter urethras than men, so bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to reach the bladder.
Body Factors, Birth Control, Abnormal Anatomy and Immune System Can add to your chances of getting a UTI
- Body Factors
  - Women who have gone through menopause increase risk of getting a UTI
  - Sexual intercourse can also affect how often you get UTIs.
- Birth Control
  - Women who use diaphragms have also been found to have a higher risk of UTIs
- Abnormal anatomy
  - Anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract may also lead to UTIs.
- Immune System
  - Issues such as diabetes (high blood sugar) also put people at higher risk for UTIs because the body is not able to fight off infections

Certain forms of birth control, such as spermicidal foam and diaphragms, are known to increase the risk of UTIs in women. Drink plenty of water (enough that your urine is clear or a light yellow)
Urinate when you first get the urge. Holding urine can increase bacteria growth in your bladder.
Cranberry juice or tablets may help prevent UTIs.
Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to avoid germs from the anus getting into the urethra
After sex, urinate and drink a glass of water to help flush bacteria that may have been pushed into the urethra during intercourse.
Avoid genital cleansing products such as douches and deodorants. These remove your body’s natural protective secretions and oils
Take showers instead of baths

Women are more likely to get a UTI than men because women have shorter urethras than men, so bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to reach the bladder.
Factors that can add to your chance of getting a UTI:
Body Factors
- Women who have gone through menopause increase risk of getting a UTI
- Sexual intercourse can also affect how often you get UTIs.
Birth Control
- Women who use diaphragms have also been found to have a higher risk of UTIs
Abnormal anatomy
- Anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract may also lead to UTIs.
Immune System
- Issues such as diabetes (high blood sugar) also put people at higher risk for UTIs because the body is not able to fight off infections

Certain forms of birth control, such as spermicidal foam and diaphragms, are known to increase the risk of UTIs in women. Drink plenty of water (enough that your urine is clear or a light yellow)
Urinate when you first get the urge. Holding urine can increase bacteria growth in your bladder.
Cranberry juice or tablets may help prevent UTIs.
Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to avoid germs from the anus getting into the urethra
After sex, urinate and drink a glass of water to help flush bacteria that may have been pushed into the urethra during intercourse
Avoid genital cleansing products such as douches and deodorants. These remove your body’s natural protective secretions and oils
Take showers instead of baths