Risk factors for UTIs Poor hygiene and wiping 'back to front' (rather than front to back) after going to the toilet can enable bacteria from the bowel and vagina to enter the urethral opening to the bladder more easily.
Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
Wiping from back to front can transfer bacteria from the anus and rectum closer to the urethral opening, making a UTI more likely to develop. Wiping from front to back pushes unwanted bacteria away from the urethral opening.
The fact is, some types of toilet paper (*ahem* looking at you overpriced fluffy stuff) can actually increase your chances of getting a UTI. Many tree-based toilet papers are produced with harmful chemicals like chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, and irritating scents.
Wiping improperly can increase the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI) and vaginitis in women, and UTIs, itching and general discomfort in men. So, you've got to make sure you're using proper wiping technique to avoid infection.
Wiping back to front is associated with a greater risk of developing urinary tract infection than wiping front to back.
Although no formal study has been conducted about this yet, certain sexual positions, such as the “woman on top” may potentially make females more susceptible to UTIs. Thus, you may want to choose positions that generate less friction to avoid further irritations.
Girls can have vaginal infections for all sorts of reasons that have nothing to do with sexual contact — such as stress, for example. Even if you're not having intercourse, fingering and oral sex can lead to infection. Ask your boyfriend to wash his hands before touching your genitals.
If you think you have a UTI, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your OBGYN or primary care physician. Many women will try to self-treat it, or worse, just hope it goes away on its own.
Hygiene issues, such as wiping from back to front or otherwise not wiping properly can cause bacterial contamination3 that leads to infectious bacterial vaginitis. Yeast infections are a fairly common cause of vaginitis.
She goes on to explain,"when you are wiping more than two or three times, that is called faecal smearing.. "So it is essentially when too much faecal matter stays at the entrance of the anus even after you have finished your poo."
Wiping too roughly can cause micro cuts in the vaginal area as well, which can lead to irritation, swelling, and infection. Experts recommend that a woman should dab, rather than wipe, to avoid this type of damage.
Anatomy and/or genetics
Women are more prone to UTIs mostly because of their anatomy. A woman's urethra is shorter than a man's. Plus it is located near the openings of the vagina and anus, meaning there's more opportunity for bacteria from both those areas to spread—or be wiped—into the urethra.
Urinating often when you have a UTI can reduce the risk of a worsening infection. This happens because urination puts pressure on the bacteria. The longer you hold urine, the higher the risk for bacteria to build up in your system. Make sure to use the restroom as soon as possible if the urge arises.
The Right Way to Wipe
Wipe backward from the perineum , the space between the genitals and anus, moving toward and past the anus. Use additional wads of toilet tissue as needed until the paper is mostly clean. Never scrub the skin around the anus, called the perianal area, as this can cause microtears in the skin.
UTIs usually require antibiotics to be treated, meaning you'll need to visit a healthcare provider. Telehealth services can make it easier to schedule an appointment. Getting started on your antibiotic right away and drinking plenty of water are some of the most important steps in helping to get rid of a UTI fast.
Treatment for UTIs
Your symptoms will normally pass within 3 to 5 days of starting treatment. Make sure you complete the whole course of antibiotics that you've been prescribed, even if you're feeling better. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol can help with any pain.
Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS)
PBS is not caused by an infection, but it can feel like a urinary tract infection or UTI. Painful bladder syndrome is also referred to as bladder pain syndrome and interstitial cystitis.
“Patients can experience more UTIs during the summer due to inadequate fluid intake, especially in the historic heat waves we've been experiencing,” said Dr. Carmel, a urology specialist at UTSW, ranked No. 11 in the nation for urology care by U.S. News & World Report. “Dehydration is a leading risk factor for UTIs.”
Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs, although fungi rarely can also infect the urinary tract. E. coli bacteria, which live in the bowel, cause most UTIs. The female anatomy contributes to women's increased likelihood of contracting a UTI.
Best UTI Sleeping Position? The most comfortable sleeping position for anybody struggling with a UTI would be any that put the least pressure on your pelvic muscles, such as the foetal position, or if you prefer sleeping on your back, spreading your legs apart.