Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common bacterial infection that causes frequent urination or a feeling to urinate even after emptying the bladder. It can also induce pain and burning while urinating. In severe cases, patients may also notice blood in their urine or experience abdominal pressure and cramping. While anyone and everyone is prone to UTI, there are certain groups of people who may be more susceptible to the condition, according to Dr N Sapna Lulla, Lead Consultant-Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru.
Women Are More Prone To UTIs
Bacteria that cause UTI usually live in the vaginal or anal areas, which, without proper care and preventive measures, can enter the urethra and travel to the bladder, causing an infection. Women have a shorter urethra, which facilitates easier bacterial entry and hence increases their risk of UTIs, said Dr Lulla.
Shockingly, women contract UTIs up to 30 times more often than men do, and four in 10 women who develop a UTI are likely to experience another episode of the infection within six months, according to the Office on Women's Health.
Elderly Individuals
Age is also a major risk factor for UTIs. Older adults, specifically women, may be at a greater risk of developing the infection. According to Dr Lulla, this could be due to weakened immune systems and other age-related factors. Additionally, post-menopausal women (between ages 45 and 55) who have a previous history of UTI have a four-fold higher likelihood of contracting the condition, according to a study published in the journal Aging Health.
People Who Indulge In Frequent Sexual Activity
UTI is common among people involved in frequent sexual activity, especially with multiple partners, said Dr Lulla. This is because during sex, it becomes easier for the bacteria on the skin to travel to the urinary tract. However, a UTI is not a Sexually Transmitted Infection as it is not something that can be transmitted to a partner during sexual activities.
Individuals With A Compromised Immune System
Being immunocompromised means someone has a weak immune system. When this happens, the body is unable to fight off foreign pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi, leading to severe infections. This includes a UTI. According to Dr Lulla, individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with diabetes or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), face heightened vulnerability to the condition.
Also Read: Habits That Can Help You Prevent a UTI
People With Urinary Retention
Urinary retention is a condition characterised by the inability to empty all the urine from the bladder, and because the urine does not completely flow out, it gives the bacteria a chance to thrive and infect the urinary tract. Moreover, in some cases, people with urinary retention have to use a catheter to drain urine from the bladder. Prolonged use of a urinary catheter further increases the risk of an infection.
Conclusion
A UTI is a common bacterial infection that can affect anyone. However, certain groups of people, such as women, older adults, people with a weakened immune system, and those suffering from urinary retention, are more at risk of the condition.
Staying hydrated is one of the easiest and most important ways to reduce the risk of an UTI. Furthermore, taking proper measures and adopting healthy intimate hygiene can reduce the risk of infection. People who indulge in frequent sexual activity must not forget to pee before and after the act, and it is important to remember to wipe from front to back rather than back to front to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract.