On an ordinary afternoon, Ms. Li walked into my office with a sad face. For months, she suffered from repeated urinary tract infections, each time accompanied by tingling and discomfort, which greatly affected her daily life. Her pain reflects a shocking reality: urinary tract infections are 6 times more common in women than in men! This number is not just a statistic, it hides the troubles and helplessness of countless women behind it.
Why do urinary tract infections "favor" women so much? Is it just because of the difference in physiological structure? More importantly, in the face of such a high incidence of health problems, how should women take measures to make "convenience" more convenient and avoid urinary tract infections? These questions not only touch the surface of health science, but also go deep into the essence of how we can improve and maintain health through the details of daily life.
Anatomical design differences: short circuit to infection
The length of the female urethra is only about 4 centimeters, compared to the male urethra is about 20 centimeters. This significant anatomical difference has a direct impact on the ease with which bacteria can invade. The opening of the female urethra is located at the front end of the urethra, close to it, and this layout greatly increases the chance of bacteria entering the urethra from the external environment, especially common pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli. A short urethra means that bacteria are able to reach the bladder more quickly, causing infection.
The link between sexual activity and infection: the price of love
Sex is a common trigger for urinary tract infections, especially in women. Physical friction during sex can make it easier for bacteria to enter the urethral opening, especially those located in the perineal area. In addition, not cleaning or urinating in a timely manner after sex also provides an opportunity for bacteria to invade and multiply. Therefore, personal hygiene habits after sex, such as urination and cleaning, become important measures to prevent urinary tract infections.
Changes during pregnancy: The delicate balance of the body is disrupted
During pregnancy, physiological and hormonal changes in a woman's body have a direct impact on the risk of urinary tract infections. As the fetus grows, the enlargement of the uterus can compress the bladder, leading to retention of urine and providing a breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, the relaxation of urethral muscles caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy also increases the likelihood of urine reflux, further increasing the risk of infection.
Increased risk after menopause: the effects of estrogen
As they age, women who enter menopause experience a decline in estrogen levels, which has a direct impact on the defense mechanisms of the urethra and bladder. Estrogen helps maintain the integrity of the urethra and bladder mucosa, and its reduced levels make these tissues more susceptible to bacterial attack. In addition, a decrease in estrogen may also lead to relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of urinary incontinence, which indirectly increases the likelihood of urinary tract infections.
The high incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women is a problem that cannot be ignored, but most UTIs can be effectively prevented through a range of practical strategies. Here are some practical and scientific precautions:
Personal hygiene: the first line of defense
Personal hygiene is essential to prevent urinary tract infections. Proper cleaning, including wiping from front to back after each toilet use, can significantly reduce the risk of germs spreading from the area to the urethra. In addition, washing** and urination should be performed immediately after sex to help flush out bacteria that may enter the urethra.
Increasing the amount of water: A natural flushing mechanism
Increasing your daily water intake by at least 2 litres in moderation can help boost urine output, which helps flush bacteria out of the urethra and reduces the risk of infection. Maintaining adequate fluid intake not only helps prevent urinary tract infections but also promotes overall health.
Healthy urination habits: Empty in a timely manner
Avoiding holding urine is an important strategy to prevent urinary tract infections. Holding urine for long periods of time causes urine to become trapped in the bladder, providing an opportunity for bacteria to multiply. Therefore, you should go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need to urinate and urinate as soon as possible after sex.
Choose the right clothing: Breathability is key
Wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding tight pants can reduce moisture and temperature, which can lead to a lower environment for bacteria to thrive. Breathable clothing helps to keep the area dry, further reducing the chance of infection.
Timely diagnosis and effectiveness** of urinary tract infections are essential for recovery. The following are the diagnosis and strategies for urinary tract infections:
Accurate diagnosis: the importance of cornerstones
Urinalysis can quickly detect abnormalities in the urine, such as an increase in white or red blood cells。Urine culture and sensitivity testing are the "gold standard" for confirming the diagnosis of urinary tract infection and its causative agent, and can guide the selection of the most effective antibiotic. In patients with a repulsive urinary tract infection, further imaging tests, such as ultrasonography, may also be required to rule out anatomical abnormalities.
Pertinence: Choose the right one
Antibiotics are selected based on urine culture results**, usually for 7 to 14 days. For mild or moderate infections, oral antibiotics are usually sufficiently effective; For severe infections, intravenous drugs may be required. It is important that patients take the entire course of antibiotics and should not stop the antibiotics on their own, even if symptoms disappear early.
Prevention**: Long-term strategy
Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections may need to take longer-term precautions, such as low-dose prophylactic antibiotics** or non-antibiotic prophylaxis, such as cranberry products, although their effectiveness remains controversial。In addition, changing lifestyle habits that may contribute to UTIs, such as increasing fluid intake and improving personal hygiene, are also important parts of prevention**.