Advice & Support

Reducing Urinary Tract Infections in Summer

5 Tips to Reduce the Risk of Urinary Tract Infections During the Summer

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common types of infection. Read more for our 5 tips to reduce UTI during the summer season.

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common types of infection. This infection is usually caused by a bacterium called E. coli that is present in the digestive system and finds its way into the urinary system. For the women, this type of infection is more troublesome and more frequent because of the smaller size of their urethra compared to men; which implies that bacteria like E.Coli should not travel very far to reach the bladder.

This type of infection is a seasonal problem also - urinary tract infections are more common in summer. Regarding this, a number of factors favour the appearance of bacteria and, consequently, of urinary tract infections. The causes are varied - the lack of hydration, an increase in the frequency of sexual intercourse, tighter underwear.

Here are some tips to enjoy the summer safely without anything stopping you:

1. Be hydrated and drink water: it prevents the accumulation of germs in the urinary tract, eliminating them in the urine.

2. Avoid underwear and swimsuits too tight: by ensuring adequate perspiration of the female intimate area, you will also avoid vaginal infections.

3. Good hygiene: take a shower with fresh water after a swim in the sea or in a pool to avoid irritation by salt, sand or chlorine. After using the toilet, wash from front to back to prevent bladder infection.

4. Keep the genital area dry: in summer, women spend a lot of free time on the beach or in the pool, so it is common to keep a wet swimsuit for hours. Humidity in the vaginal area favours the appearance of infections. It is therefore advisable to always wear a dry swimsuit (do not keep it wet for more than 30 minutes) and to have clean underwear to change.

5. Urinate after sexual intercourse: during intercourse, bacteria in the genital area can enter and accumulate in the urethra, which can lead to infection of the bladder. Therefore, the specialists insist on the importance of urinating right after. In addition, doctors point out that, unlike men, female ejaculation does not occur through the urethra, so the only way to drag and expel all the substances or particles that are introduced during penetration, is by urination It is therefore advisable to urinate, preferably within 45 minutes after penetration.

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Sources:
- "A Method to Assess Seasonality of Urinary Tract Infections Based on Medication Sales and Google Trends". Rossignol L, Pelat C, Lambert B, Flahault A, Chartier-Kastler E. (2013)
- "Recurrent Cystitis after Intercourse: Why the Gynecologist has a say". Graziottin A.
- Urinary tract infection: symptoms and treatment of urinary tract infection https://www.passeportsante.net/en/Maux/Problemes/Fiche.aspx?doc=infection_urinaire_pm

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