You’re not alone if you’re struggling with repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs). One recent study showed that, following a first UTI, up to 44% of women experienced another — and, to make matters worse, half had a third UTI if their first two happened within six months of each other.
Trusted, board-certified OB/GYN Daniel Kushner, MD, is a UTI specialist who understands what you’re going through with chronic infections. He brings empathetic, patient-centered care to our Westchester County patients at offices in White Plains and Queens, New York.
From finding out why your chronic UTIs happen to getting long-term relief, we have you covered. This blog delves into three possible reasons why you keep getting UTIs. Some of them might sound familiar.
When you hold your urine for long periods or fail to fully empty your bladder during urination, bacteria can quickly accumulate and multiply, leading to UTIs. This may be more common for those with certain conditions, such as diabetes, which can affect bladder control.
Holding your urine could even lead to kidney damage or, in the most severe cases, a burst bladder.
Prevention tip: Try to make frequent bathroom breaks part of your routine, and avoid waiting too long to empty your bladder. Don’t rush through urination; take the time to ensure you fully empty your bladder — but don’t strain.
Did you know that the way you wipe can significantly affect your UTI risk? When you wipe from back to front, it sharply increases the risk of transferring bacteria from the anus area into your vagina. From there, it can quickly reach the urethra (the urine tube) or move upward in the urinary tract to cause a UTI.
Prevention tip: This one is easy: Simply wipe from front to back to reduce your risk of UTIs. It’s a small change, but it’s well worth developing this new habit.
Sexual activity isn’t a direct cause of UTIs, however, it can help spread bacteria into your urinary tract. Once there, the bacteria can take hold and cause a UTI. Frequent sex is such a common factor with urinary tract infections that UTIs in newlyweds are often called “honeymoon cystitis.”
Prevention tip: Honeymoon cystitis, and all other sex-related UTIs, are largely preventable with a few good habits. First, keep up with good general hygiene practices, like front-to-back wiping. Another important change is urinating both before and after sex. In addition, gently clean your genitals before and after sex to prevent bacteria from spreading.
We encourage women to adopt the practices outlined above to reduce the likelihood of urinary tract infections. If you’re struggling with frequent UTIs, Dr. Kushner’s comprehensive approach — which includes a full evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and testing — can help uncover the root cause of the problem.
Once you have a diagnosis, we help you take steps to mitigate the controllable factors that contribute to your recurrent UTIs. In addition, we offer proven solutions like antibiotics to lessen the length and intensity of your UTIs. Soon, you’ll be able to leave them behind you for good, so don’t delay in getting help.
To learn more about managing and preventing UTIs, call us at 718-793-1995 (Queens office) or 914-422-0222 (White Plains office). Or you can click to schedule an appointment online now.
