Patient/caregiver was instructed on risk factors for UTI in females as follows:
UTI is more common in females compared to males owing to the urethra located in close proximity to the vagina and anus. This proximity increases bacterial access to the urethra, thus increasing risk for UTI. Also, the urethra is shorter in females and the bacteria now have to travel shorter distance to infect other parts of the urinary system and cause UTI.
Birth control practices:
- Women adopting some contraceptive measures, such as, diaphragm and spermicidal agents, are at higher risk for presentation with UTI.
- The diaphragm inserted into the vagina can press against the urethra and make it difficult to completely empty the urinary bladder.
- Backed-up urine is a very favorable medium for growth of bacteria, thus resulting in UTI.
- The natural environment in the vagina favors the growth of friendlier microorganisms and inhibit growth of any UTI causing microorganisms.
- Use of spermicidal agents can disturb this natural environment in the vagina by killing the friendlier microorganisms.
- This can contribute to growth of opportunistic microorganisms in the vagina.
- Proximity of urethra to the vagina provides easy spread of infection from vagina to the urethra resulting in UTI.
Douching and tub bath:
- Women practicing vaginal douching and tub bath can be at increased risk for UTI.
- The soap used for vaginal douching and tub baths can irritate the urethra and damage the urethral lining.
- Damaged urethral lining can be an easy target for bacteria to colonize, resulting in UTI.
Constipation:
- Poor bowel movements and history of chronic constipation can increase risk for UTI.
- Bowels backed-up with stool can exert pressure on the urinary bladder and prevent it from emptying completely during voiding.
- This leads to back-up of urine in the bladder. Retained urine is a very favorable medium for growth of bacteria, thus resulting in UTI.
