Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health issue, especially among women, yet common misconceptions about them can lead to confusion, misdiagnosis, and ineffective treatments. Here, Dr. Jennifer Linfert with Lexington Women's Care Sandhills helps separate fact from fiction so you can stay informed and healthy.
Myth 1: Poor hygiene, baths and intercourse can cause UTIs.
Although it is important to keep the vulva and vagina clean and dry, overwashing or using soaps inside the vagina can disrupt the natural flora of the vagina. While baths themselves do not cause UTIs, bubble baths, scented soaps, shower gels and body washes can all disrupt the normal bacterial flora in and around the vagina, increasing the risk of infection. Avoid using these products and avoid douching as well.
Sex does not directly cause UTIs, but bacteria can be introduced into the vagina and surrounding vulva during intercourse, increasing the risk of infection. Bacteria can travel from the vagina and the vulva into the urethra and subsequently colonize the bladder, which can increase the risk of UTIs. It is important to urinate after sex to flush out the bacteria from the urethra.
Myth 2: UTIs can go away on their own.
Although some UTIs may resolve on their own, most UTIs require appropriate antibiotic treatment to resolve completely. Bacteria cause UTIs, so antibiotic therapy is needed. If left untreated, inappropriately treated, or only partially treated, UTIS can spread from the bladder to the kidneys, causing a much more serious infection like pyelonephritis or sepsis.
When diagnosed with a UTI, it is essential to complete antibiotic treatment, stay adequately hydrated, go to the bathroom when needed, and wipe front to back afterward. Holding your urine can lead to inappropriate growth of bacteria in the bladder. Voiding regularly helps to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract, decreasing the risk of infection.
Myth 3: Cranberry juice cures UTIs.
Although some data suggest that cranberry juice and supplements may help with symptomatic UTIs, the studies are inconsistent and inconclusive. It is unknown how much cranberry juice is required nor how long one would have to consume it to be effective. Cranberry juice should not be used as a replacement for medical intervention. If you have signs or symptoms of an UTI, it is important to see a provider, have a urinalysis and culture performed, and then complete the entire course of prescribed antibiotic.
Myth 4: Only women get UTIs.
Although UTIs are more common in women than men, men still do get UTIs. Women are more susceptible to UTIs because their urethra is shorter than a man's urethra, which allows bacteria to travel to the bladder more easily. The urethra is the canal that travels from the bladder to the outside, delivering urine. In addition, men who have certain medical conditions, renal stones, prostate cancer, and are uncircumcised are more prone to UTIs.
Myth 5: Tight clothing causes UTIs.
Tight clothing does not cause a UTI but can trap moisture, causing bacteria to grow and spread. Spending time in wet clothing may also provide a better environment for bacteria to grow, leading to potential infections. Change out of wet clothes as soon as possible to prevent this. Wearing looser clothing is ideal.
Jennifer B. Linfert, MD, FACOG, Lexington Women's Care Sandhills
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