HEALTH

5 surprising causes of UTIs – and how to reduce your risk

8 June, 2023 . 0

Got that familiar burning sensation? If you’re struggling with persistent a urinary tract infections, it might be time to look beyond the usual suspects.

Urinary tract infections affect one in two Australian women, with reports indicating they’re responsible for more than 2.5 million GP appointments, 100,000 visits to emergency, and 75,000 hospitalisations each year.

If you’re struggling with UTIs yourself and have eliminated the most common causes, it might be worth looking beyond the usual suspects.

Here are five surprising reasons why you might get persistent or recurring urinary tract infections:

1. Your meaty meal

Esherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria has long been linked with a range of health issues, from vomiting and diarrhoea to serious infections within the body, but a recent study from George Washington University suggests that strains of the bacteria found in meat could also be the cause of more than half a million urinary tract infections in the United States each year.

When researchers evaluated samples of both the DNA of E. coli taken from raw meat products purchased in a specific area, and the DNA samples of E. coli taken from patients in the same area with UTIs, they established that eight per cent of the infections could be attributed to meat.

2. Your bicycle

Thinking about taking up cycling? There’s good and bad news to report, according to a study by researchers at the University of California, which found female cyclists may be more likely to develop urinary tract infections than swimmers or runners.

For the study, over 3000 women who belong to sporting organisations were surveyed and it was found low- and high-intensity cyclists – compared to non-cyclists – had higher odds of reporting a previous UTI.

The good news? The same study found cyclists reported better sexual function than swimmers and runners.

3. Your hay fever medication

We all know holding off on going to the bathroom is a key cause of urinary tract infections, but some pharmaceuticals – notably antihistamines – can cause your bladder to retain urine, which gives UTI-causing bacteria more than a fighting chance to thrive.

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t take medication as needed, but be aware of the potential risk and compensate by drinking plenty of fluids, and making a concerted effort to empty your bladder fully whenever you go to the bathroom.

4. Your contraceptive

Condoms are essential for safe sex, but studies show spermicide-coated condoms are linked to an increased risk of urinary tract infection in women caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus – a urinary tract pathogen that’s known to be the second most common cause of UTIs in young women.

Unlubricated condoms also present an increased risk, particularly for first-time urinary tract infections.

Your best bet? Opt for a spermicide-free condom brand and use liberal amounts of lubricant.

5. Your office chair

We all know sitting down for lengthy periods is linked to a wealth of health issues, but according to a study by the Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, prolonged periods of sitting can lead to the development of UTIs.

Admittedly, this study was conducted on middle aged men (almost 70,000 of them), with researchers tracking the participants – and their periods of activity and inactivity – over two-and-a-half years.

Study findings show those who spent five or more hours each day sitting were more likely to develop lower urinary tract symptoms.

What exactly these results mean for the female population has yet to be determined, but why not take this as encouragement to take regular, active breaks from sitting?

How to reduce your risk of UTIs

The following lifestyle habits can help prevent urinary tract infections:

Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the bladder.
Wipe from front to back.
Urinate as soon as you feel the urge, rather than holding on.
Empty your bladder straight after sex.
Avoid wearing synthetic underwear.
Avoid irritants such as personal hygiene washes and bath products that can play havoc with the good bacteria in your vagina.

Read more on keeping your urinary tract healthy:

Written by Dilvin Yasa.