Will hovering on a public toilet seat help me avoid UTI?

And other burning questions you want answered

Life as a woman is often spent exercising everywhere but at the gym. Doing a version of Kegel exercises while you struggle to pee post-sex, juggling seven things in your hands because of the lack of pockets, and squatting awkwardly to get the tampon in are just a few examples. And the most popular one — hovering over public toilet seats to avoid infections because it seems like anything you do while living life can give you a urinary tract infection (UTI.) But can it, really?

We’ve heard horror stories about UTIs — burning sensations, itching, pain, and even fever and chills. So it’s natural that we do anything to avoid contracting one. But what can actually cause UTIs and what’s just an urban myth? “People think using a public toilet while travelling can cause a UTI. This is not true. Unless you use contaminated water to wash the genital area, using public toilets alone does not cause UTIs,” says Dr Madhushree Vijayakumar, consultant – obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Hebbal, Bengaluru.

We spoke to two experts who turned into myth busters to settle the record how we really contract UTIs.

What is UTI?

Dr Vijayakumar says that UTI can refer to a range of conditions, from minor urethral irritation to more serious kidney infections, of which bacteria is the primary cause. In rare cases among immunocompromised patients, it may also be caused by fungus.

“The most common cause of UTIs is E.coli, which is usually present in the intestines. Apart from that, structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, medical conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis, and a weakened immune system can also cause UTIs. Pregnancy, menopause, certain types of birth control methods like a diaphragm, kidney stones, using urinary catheters or recent urologic surgery also are risk factors for UTI,” says Mumbai-based Dr Nandita Palshetkar, obstetrician, gynaecologist and director of Bloom IVF India & President of IVF Society of India (ISAR).

You can recognise a UTI infection through symptoms like the persistent need to urinate, strong-smelling urine, painful urination, cloudy or sometimes even bloody urine, abdominal and pelvic pain, and a burning sensation during urination.

What’s the fact?

Dr Vijayakumar and Dr Palshetkar elaborate on a few myths regarding the infection.

Myth #1: UTI is sexually transmitted.

Fact: UTIs are non-communicable and can’t be passed on to a partner through casual or sexual contact. What this means is that if someone has a UTI infection, they won’t pass it on to their partner. However, if oral sex is involved, and the partner transfers oral bacteria to the urethra, it can lead to a UTI.

Myth #2: Men don’t get UTIs.

Fact: UTIs aren’t gender-specific. While women are slightly more prone to them due to the shorter length of the urethra, (easier access to bacteria), men can also develop UTIs.

Myth #3: UTIs always have symptoms.

Fact: Not all urinary tract infections cause noticeable symptoms; some people may unknowingly get infected, especially older adults or those who use a catheter.

Myth #4: Washing the vagina with soap and water prevents UTIs.

Fact: The body has its mechanisms to prevent infections. The vagina and urethra have normal microorganisms that protect against infections. Cleansing with plain water is sufficient.

Myth #5: All UTIs cause kidney damage.

Fact: All UTIs do not cause kidney damage. If the infection is superficial and limited to the urethra, or is a mild cystitis, it is less likely to cause kidney damage. Early diagnosis and timely medical consultation can help in the prevention and appropriate management of UTIs.

Myth #6: UTIs will go away on their own.

Fact: Most urinary tract infections require treatment, so if you notice symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

Unusual ways you can get UTI

When it comes to medical conditions, we often get carried away by the most reasons that could trigger an infection, but how many are actually true? Turns out you can contract UTI in ways other than the E.coli bacteria losing its way and entering your urinary tract.

Dehydration due to inadequate water intake, infrequent urination (holding in urine allows bacteria to multiply in the bladder) and sexual intercourse with a partially filled bladder (which can irritate the base of the bladder) can result in UTIs. “Honeymoon cystitis, a bacterial infection that affects newly intimate couples, occurs when organisms or bacteria from one partner transfer to the other until the female becomes acclimated,” says Dr Vijayakumar. This means that when a couple becomes newly intimate or resumes sex after a long abstinence, bacteria from one partner may find its way to the urethra of the other partner during any sexual act, intercourse or otherwise, which could potentially cause a UTI. Women are prone to honeymoon cystitis more than men because of the short length of the urethra, which makes it easier for UTI-causing bacteria to move upwards towards the bladder, explains Dr Vijayakumar.

Dr Palshetkar says, “A diet high in sugar enhances the likelihood of UTI cases since E.coli thrive well in sugar-rich products. Diabetes mellitus patients are also more vulnerable to UTIs due to impaired immunity and not completely emptying their bladders.”

How to prevent UTIs?

Anticipation is the best strategy for any battle, literal or otherwise. To avoid a UTI, here are a few ways in which you can prepare your body to fight bacteria in case it lands up in your urinary tract:

• Stay hydrated by consuming three to five litres of water every day.

• Try to urinate every three to four hours.

• Urinate before and after having sex to help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract.

• Avoid douches and powders in the genital area, as these can cause irritation and make it easier for bacteria to spread.

• Consuming probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria, can help keep the urinary tract healthy.

• When going on a planned outing, bring drinking water and make sure to empty your bladder in a clean restroom where you can wash your genitals with uncontaminated water.

• Opt for mild, unscented soaps and avoid any products that could irritate your genital area.

• In humid weather, wear breathable cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants whenever possible.

• Include cranberries, tender coconut and lime juice in your diet, as these alkalize urine and increase fluid intake.

Note of caution: This story is for educational purposes with inputs from trained experts. Please consult your healthcare provider to know what best suits your needs.