Sex, Drinking Increase Risks for UTIs
Reported April 30, 2009
(Ivanhoe Newswire) — After interviewing college-age women, researchers found that increased sexual activity and recent alcohol consumption were associated with an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections.
Researchers worry that a young woman experiencing urinary frequency and urgency may not recognize that she has her first UTI, but it’s crucial that she seek immediate medical treatment.
A nurse surveyed women who visited the University of Florida’s student health care facility between July 2001 and April 2005 about their lifestyle habits and dietary intake. Results showed that frequency and urgency were the most common symptoms of UTIs and the infections were most commonly found in women who had increased sexual activity and recent alcohol consumption. Using sanitary napkins during menstruation also appeared to increase the risk for first-time UTIs.
Hesitating to urinate, direction of wiping and the use of tampons did not appear to correlate with increased UTI risk, and co-existing chlamydia, gonorrhea and yeast infections did not contribute significantly to urinary symptoms, researchers said.
The researchers said it’s necessary for women experiencing symptoms like urinary frequency and urgency to seek immediate medical assistance because left untreated, UTIs can lead to kidney infections and sepsis.
SOURCE: Research presented at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association.