How to Prevent Summertime UTIs

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are a common but uncomfortable condition. You know that you have one if you experience pain or burning when you urinate, needing to use the bathroom frequently, pain in your belly or lower back, and fever or chills.

Summertime is a fun time with a lot of activities to enjoy, but some factors make UTIs more likely to occur in the summertime. Here’s what you need to know about why summer can make UTIs more likely to occur as well as how to prevent them. If you think you have a UTI, call Dr. Neeraj Kohli.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

Urinary tract infections can be uncomfortable. Symptoms include cloudy, discolored, or strong-smelling urine, needing to urinate frequently, pain or burning sensation during urination, and pelvic pain.

Women are four times more likely to get UTIs than men. However, summertime increases the risk of UTIs for everyone. Younger women between ages 18 and 40 are at extra risk. General good advice for preventing UTIs is to urinate whenever you need to, rather than hold it in, and for women to wipe from front to back after urinating.

Swimming

Swimming-related activities are the No. 1 risk factor for developing a UTI in the summertime. Sitting around in a wet swimsuit can allow bacteria to grow, and this bacteria may get into your urinary tract, causing infection. 

To prevent UTIs caused by swimming, make sure to change out of your wet swimsuit as soon as possible. Sweaty clothes can also have a similar effect. Dry off thoroughly after taking off wet clothing, and change into dry clothes. 

Dehydration

The heat of the summer is part of what feels good about the season. But heat also makes you more likely to become dehydrated. The more time that you spend outdoors, the greater your risk for dehydration.

Make sure to drink more water than usual in the summer, especially when you’re outdoors. Cranberry juice is also recommended for decreasing the risk of UTIs. Drinking enough fluids flushes out the bacteria that can cause UTIs, making them less likely to occur.

Increased sexual activity

Sexual activity is a risk factor for UTIs all year long, especially for women. If you’re more sexually active activity during the summer, you increase your risk of UTIs.

To prevent UTIs caused by sexual activity, make sure to urinate after sex. This helps flush out any bacteria that may have gotten in your urinary tract. Also talk to your doctor about your birth control method because some forms make UTIs more likely.

Risks of not treating UTIs

It’s important to see a doctor as soon as you have symptoms that make you suspect you have a UTI. Untreated UTIs can cause permanent kidney damage. 

Studies have found that UTIs are becoming resistant to some antibiotics, so it’s important to stay in contact with your doctor. If you’re not getting better, you may need a stronger antibiotic. Be sure to finish all of your antibiotics as prescribed.

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a UTI, you can get relief. Contact Dr. Kohli today or request an appointment online.