Causes of urinary tract infection in women

Urinary tract infection is a common symptom of urinary diseases. It is usually accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty urinating. However, there are certain differences in the symptoms for patients with different physical constitutions. Women are more likely to suffer from urinary tract infections than men, mainly due to different physiological structures. Generally, acute urinary tract infections often cause very serious irritation, while the symptoms of chronic urinary tract infections are relatively mild. Let’s talk about the causes of urinary tract infections in women below.

1. Menstruation and sexual activity. Menstrual blood is the best culture medium for bacteria. Menstrual hygiene, especially the cleaning and disinfection of menstrual products, is an important part of reducing bacterial invasion. Sexual activity can push bacteria from the anterior urethra into the posterior urethra and bladder through mechanical pushing action. Sexual activity is an important part of married life. Of course, it is impossible to "throw the baby out with the bathwater". However, in cases where the disease recurs and the cause is related to sexual activity, appropriate abstinence is appropriate. It is more important to take the following measures: drink a cup of boiled water before sex to increase urine volume; go to the toilet to urinate after sex to flush and discharge the bacteria pushed in by sexual action before it invades the mucosal tissue. If these two methods still fail to prevent urinary tract infection, take antibacterial drugs once after sex. The prevention effect is ideal and the side effects are minimal.

2. The particularity of the structure of the female urogenital system. The female urethra is shorter and more relaxed than the male urethra, making it easy for bacteria to enter. Moreover, the female urethra opening is close to the vagina and anus. There are a large number of bacteria around the vagina and anus. Vaginal secretions are also a good culture medium, making it easier for bacteria to reproduce. Therefore, women should enhance their awareness of self-protection. The way to prevent urinary tract infection is to clean frequently and minimize the number of bacteria to reduce the chance of disease.

3. During pregnancy, the enlarged uterus will press against the bladder and ureters. Endocrine changes also slow down the dilation and peristalsis of the ureters, causing a slow urine flow or the formation of a mild effusion. This situation also facilitates bacterial invasion and reproduction, causing disease. In the past, some people used antibiotics for prevention, but this method is not advisable. Because the misuse of antibiotics may have certain negative effects on the mother and fetus, not to mention the long ten months of pregnancy, it is difficult to prevent. The author believes that the safest way is to observe closely, check urine regularly, and seek timely treatment once any abnormality is discovered.

In addition, long-term holding urine can easily cause urinary tract infection in women. Since urine stays in the bladder for too long, a large number of pathogens will take advantage of the opportunity to enter, leaving ample time for reproduction. Moreover, an overfull bladder can also cause increased urine pressure and urine reflux. Therefore, we should try to hold urine as little as possible in our lives. Paying attention to the above measures can effectively prevent it.