From The Straits Times    |
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Image: 123rf

 

We think it’s safe to say that for all women, UTIs (urinary tract infections) are a pain. Literally. It’s a recurring houseguest that we wish we knew how to keep away – so we spoke to two doctors to tell us the likely culprits that are responsible. 

 

1. By soaking in contaminated water

Swimming in a clear blue pool, taking a dip in a hot spring, and cliff-diving into the sea – frolicking in any body of water is fine, unless it’s contaminated. That’s when you might end up with an infection. So if you know you’re prone to getting UTIs, skip the skimpy bikini, and go for more coverage instead.

 

2. By not peeing after sex

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That post-coital bathroom break means you immediately flush out any germs that could have entered the bladder. This is way more common in women than men because a woman’s urethra – the tract that leads to the bladder – is shorter, so germs take less time to travel to the bladder and cause an infection.

 

3. By picking the wrong sex position

The missionary position is a big culprit. If you have a retroverted womb – which means it tilts backwards towards the spine – this position means bacteria gets into your bladder more easily. Up to 20 per cent of women have a retroverted womb, so see your gynaecologist or get an ultrasound to be sure. Oh, and just because your man is well-endowed, it doesn’t mean you’re at a higher risk of picking up a UTI – that’s just a common misconception.
 

4. By not wiping the right way

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Wash and wipe from front to back when you use the loo, so you don’t transfer bacteria to your vagina. Also, don’t overdo the cleansing – too much washing can do more harm than good. The body has a natural defence against UTI (it’s the good bacteria called lactobacillus), but if you’re constantly washing with antiseptic soap, this reduces the lactobacillus in the vagina. Stick to regular soap, and wash only when you’re taking a shower.

 

So, why does it keep showing up?

If you can’t shake the UTIs, one major reason could be poor hygiene. Experts point to a particular bacteria called uropathogenic E coli that lives in the gut, so if you’re not wiping correctly, or are practising poor hygiene during sex (like not washing your hands after doing a number two, and then having sex), this bacteria can enter the urethra and stick to the bladder wall. The population of this E coli tends to fluctuate, which is why UTIs can seemingly recur and stop for no reason.

See a doctor for a urine test. This will help identify which antibiotics can best treat your condition.

 

Our experts:
Dr Christopher Chong, urogynaecologist, and obstetrician and gynaecologist, Gleneagles Hospital
Dr Sam Peh Oon Hui, urologist, The Pan Asia Surgery Group

 

This article was first published in the September 17 issue of Her World magazine.