Urinary tract infections are common, especially among women. They're easy to treat and usually clear up in a week. Most infections involving the lower urinary tract are classified as uncomplicated because they occur in normal, healthy people. Complicated urinary tract infections develop in people who have structural or functional abnormalities of the urinary tract or when normal bacterial flora have been changed by catheterization or surgery or have been disrupted by antibiotics used for the treatment of other conditions or prophylaxis against infection. Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

The urine travels through your ureters to your bladder, where the urine is stored until you can eliminate it at an appropriate time. Human urine is typically sterile — free from bacteria and other infectious organisms — as it leaves the body. However, infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. The resulting inflammation creates the painful symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

What causes UTI?

More than 80% of UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium found in the gastrointestinal tract. There are several reasons why this particular bacterium is so prevalent among UTIs:

-E. coli is exceptionally hardy and can survive without food or water for long periods. It can remain infectious after being frozen or dried out for months. E. coli was originally an intestinal organism, which means it prefers dark, moist environments with many nutrients from faecal matter available to thrive. The bladder is just such an environment. Also, if E. coli bacteria from the bowel get into the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder), they can travel up to the bladder, where it multiplies and causes infection. UTI is more common in women because of the anatomy- the urethra is shorter than a man, and that's why especially while having sex, the bacteria get pushed up to the urinary tract.

Other causes:

• ‣ Lack of vaginal lubrication
• ‣ Lack of partner's vaginal hygiene
• ‣ Family history
• ‣ Not drinking enough fluids
• ‣ Holding the urine for a longer time
• ‣ Weak immunity system
• ‣ Hormonal changes in pregnant women
• ‣ Catheters in hospital
• ‣ Week bladder muscles
• ‣ Diabetes and obesity
• ‣ Stretched pelvic muscle after childbirth

Symptoms of UTI:

• ‣ Frequent urination
• ‣ Vaginal dryness
• ‣ Blood or mucus discharge in urine
• ‣ Pain while passing urine
• ‣ Burning sensation while passing urine
• ‣ Nausea
• ‣ Fever
• ‣ Abdominal pain
• ‣ Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
• ‣ Pressure in the lower pelvis
• ‣ Pain during sex
• ‣ Pain in the vagina or penis
• ‣ Fatigue

Why is UTI common during summer?

While a urinary tract infection (UTI) can occur at any time of the year, it's most common during the summer months. Your chances of getting a UTI are more common in the summer than in the winter or fall. There are several reasons you're more likely to get a UTI during the summer. Although there's no sure way to prevent a UTI, some of these causes may be easier to avoid in cooler weather. Dehydration occurs in summer when your body loses fluids due to sweating or not drinking enough water. Dehydration can lead to UTIs. With summer temperatures reaching the highest point of the year, not staying hydrated could make a UTI more common. Holding in your urine for longer periods because you're outside and can't get to a clean bathroom may also contribute to UTIs.

How can you prevent UTI in summer?

Wear breathable underwear:

Wearing breathable underwear helps keep your genital area dry, which prevents bacteria from growing there. From cotton undies to those with moisture-wicking properties, the fabric you wear can make all the difference in preventing UTIs this summer!

Stay hydrated:

To prevent a UTI this summer, you must stay hydrated. It would help if you were drinking approximately two and a half litres of water every day in the summer. Drinking enough water dilutes your urine and ensures you are frequently urinating, allowing bacteria to be properly flushed out of your urinary tract. So make sure you drink enough water each day to keep your body in good condition. Also, you can try cranberry juice for UTI. It prevents the bacteria from getting attached to the urinary tract.

Don't hold your bladder:

It is never a good idea to hold your bladder for long periods. If you don't empty your bladder regularly, bacteria are more likely to sit and multiply in the bladder. This exposes your bladder to bacteria and increases your chances of developing a urinary tract infection.

Wipe front to back after using the bathroom

Wiping properly after using the bathroom will help prevent bacteria from spreading to the urethra, leading to a UTI. If you wipe back to front, harmful bacteria from your anus could apply to your urethra, causing a UTI. Always make sure you're wiping front to back after using the bathroom.

"UTI and diet- All you need to eat to stay hydrated in summer:

Probiotics:

The prevention of UTI is not only the consumption of antibiotics but also the consumption of foods with probiotics. Probiotics are the "friendly" bacteria usually found in our intestines that are believed to help fight off harmful bacteria. In addition, it stimulates the immune system and prevents infection (from foreign invaders) and helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucus membranes.

Cranberries:

Cranberries may help prevent urinary tract infection (UTI). These infections occur when harmful bacteria enter the urethra and travel up to the bladder. They contain proanthocyanidins (PACs). These compounds keep bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract. Taking cranberry supplements or drinking cranberry juice regularly may help prevent UTIs. It doesn't seem to help treat active infections, though. Cranberries are high in antioxidants, which can boost your immune system and fight off harmful bacteria in your body. In addition, cranberry juice is low in calories and is naturally fat-free, making it a healthy option for those watching their calorie intake and trying to lose weight. You can also have plant-based cranberry juice like andMe's natural UTI drink. This drink consists of Ayurvedic goodness and leaves no side effects on your health.