Summer facilitates bacterial growth
High temperatures in summer not only cause fatigue but also entail many health risks, including urinary tract infections. This is a common bacterial infection, especially in women, and tends to increase in hot and humid weather.
Experts say that high temperatures create favorable conditions for bacteria to multiply faster. In particular, Escherichia coli bacteria, a type that often exists in the intestines, can easily develop and migrate to the urinary tract if hygiene or body care conditions are not suitable.
One of the common causes in summer is dehydration but many people do not drink enough water. When urine levels decrease, bacteria have conditions to stay longer in the bladder, thereby increasing the risk of infection.
According to Dr. Jennifer Linehan - a urologist at the Saint John’s Health Center, California, USA - holding urine for a long time when going to work or moving outdoors also makes bacteria more likely to accumulate in the urinary tract. She emphasized that this habit is very common in women in the summer but is less noticed.
Wearing damp clothes that sweat for too long or using hot winter melon material also creates a favorable environment for bacteria to grow around the intimate area.
What do women need to do to prevent disease?
Experts believe that women are at higher risk of urinary tract infections than men due to their biological structure. Women's urethras are shorter, so bacteria easily migrate to the bladder. The close distance between the urethra and the anus and vagina also increases the risk of bacterial infection.
Hormonal changes during menstruation or perimenopause can also change the natural environment in the intimate area, creating conditions for bacteria to grow.
To prevent the disease, doctors recommend drinking enough water every day, not holding back urination, changing into wet clothes immediately after exercise and prioritizing breathable cotton underwear. Proper hygiene, wiping from front to back after going to the toilet and urinating after sex also helps limit the risk of infection.
Mr. Jeevan Kasara - Chairman of Steris Healthcare in India - warned that many women tend to reuse old antibiotics when symptoms appear. According to him, this can make bacteria resistant to drugs and worsen the disease.
Signs such as painful urination, frequent urination, pain in the lower abdomen or bloody urine need to be examined early. If accompanied by fever or back pain, the patient may have a kidney infection and need emergency medical treatment.
