What exactly causes UTIs? How can you prevent them?

Dr. Sawyer: UTI stands for urinary tract infection, which can often be found in the urethra or bladder. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria that enter the body through the urethra, and this can happen quite easily during sex. In fact, if you’re a woman who’s lucky enough to experience the wonders of orgasm, your urethral opening tends to open and close during this all too brief event, making the invasion of bacteria a tad more likely. Although sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause symptoms of a UTI, the vast majority of UTIs are caused by bacteria that are not strictly classified as a STI. In general terms, preventing UTIs can include hydrating well, avoiding feminine sprays or douches (this doesn’t refer to your guy friend, even if the descriptor fits!), and wiping from front to back. In terms of sex, urinating immediately after intercourse would be the best advice to prevent UTIs, although, as with most things, there’s no guarantee. Symptoms might include a feeling that you constantly need to pee, cloudy urine, blood in the urine, and a burning feeling when you pee. Treatment usually involves an antibiotic medication.