Whatever fun you’re up to this summer, nothing ruins the good vibes like a UTI. Whether you're lounging poolside in your swimsuit (eek), or are getting busy with your boo, UTIs are more common come summertime. As the heat and humidity rise, it's easier for germs to grow. What's more, people who don't stay hydrated could have a higher risk of getting a UTI, as well. Thankfully, with some good preventive measures and best practices, you can help keep things feeling fresh straight through to Labor Day.

What Is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection that happens when bacteria, usually from the skin or rectum, enters the urethra and infects any part of the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.³ The most common UTI type is a bladder infection.⁴ Though UTIs are possible in men, they are more common in women. 50 to 60 percent of women will develop UTIs in their lifetimes and some will experience a recurrent UTI (RUTI), which is when you have a UTI more than three times in one year.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

Those with a UTI may experience some or all of the following symptoms:³

A strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away—even when your bladder is empty.
A burning sensation when urinating.
Urinating frequently and passing small amounts of urine.
Urine that looks cloudy or appears red, bright pink or cola-colored.
Strong-smelling urine.
Pelvic pain (in women).

What causes UTIs?

There are a number of risk factors³ for UTIs, including:

Being female: Women have a shorter urethra than men, which means there’s less distance for bacteria to travel to reach the bladder.
Being sexually active: Being sexually active tends to lead to more UTIs, since it allows for the potential introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract. Having a new sexual partner also heightens risk of developing UTIs.
Some birth control types: Using diaphragms may increase UTI risk, as can using spermicidal agents.
Menopause: After menopause, women experience a reduction in circulating estrogen, which causes changes in the urinary tract. These changes can increase the risk of UTIs.
Warm weather: Warm temperatures are conducive to germ and bacteria growth.
Dehydration: When you don’t stay hydrated, you prevent your body from being able to flush out the bacteria that can lead to infections.
Holding in urine: Urinating often ensures you rid your body of bacteria and germs that can lead to UTIs.

What can you do to prevent UTIs?

These steps may help lower the risk of UTIs:

Drink lots of liquids.
Wipe from front to back.
Empty your bladder and drink a full glass of water soon after intercourse.
Avoid potentially irritating feminine products like deodorant sprays, douches and powders.
Avoid diaphragms, unlubricated condoms or condoms treated with spermicide.
Try to urinate after having sex to help flush any bacteria out.
Cultivate a healthy gut microbiome, which can impact urinary microbiota.

Treatment for UTIs

UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. Most women are given a three-day course while men, pregnant women and those with extreme symptoms may need a slightly longer course. Symptoms typically subside within three to five days of the start of treatment.⁶

Next up: Use these science-backed tips to keep your urinary tract healthy. Plus, shop more vitamins to boost your nutrition, immunity and energy this summer.

References:

Wagenlehner F, Lorenz H, Ewald O, Gerke P. Why d-Mannose May Be as Efficient as Antibiotics in the Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Lower Urinary Tract Infections-Preliminary Considerations and Conclusions from a Non-Interventional Study. Antibiotics (Basel). 2022;11(3):314. Published 2022 Feb 25. doi:10.3390/antibiotics11030314
Lenger SM, Bradley MS, Thomas DA, Bertolet MH, Lowder JL, Sutcliffe S. D-mannose vs other agents for recurrent urinary tract infection prevention in adult women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2020;223(2):265.e1-265.e13. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2020.05.048
Urinary tract infection (UTI) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
"Urinary Tract Infection | Antibiotic Use | CDC." https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html.
Simmering JE, Polgreen LA, Cavanaugh JE, Erickson BA, Suneja M, Polgreen PM. Warmer Weather and the Risk of Urinary Tract Infections in Women. J Urol. 2021;205(2):500-506. doi:10.1097/JU.0000000000001383
"Urinary tract infection (UTI) - NHS inform." 13 Feb. 2023. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/kidneys-bladder-and-prostate/urinary-tract-infection-uti

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and we recommend that you always consult with your healthcare provider. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians or medical practitioners, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Perelel.