Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a widespread health issue, impacting millions annually. Often misunderstood, it’s crucial to bust myths and understand the truth about UTIs.

Myth 1: To prevent a UTI, clean your vagina with soap and water. FALSE: Using products to clean the vaginal area does not help prevent a UTI and could disrupt the pH and bacterial balances. It’s unnecessary to wash, douche, or use cleansing wipes in the vagina. Do gently wash the external genitals with soap and water.

For more comprehensive information about UTIs or to consult with Dr. Brandt, call 314-996-8103. The office is located at Medical Building One, 1040 N. Mason Road, Suite 103.

A UTI can occur anywhere in the urinary tract, most commonly in the bladder and urethra. Less common but more serious are kidney infections. Various factors, including sexual activity and catheter use, can trigger these infections.

25% to 30% of women who’ve experienced a UTI will have a recurrence within six months. These recurrent UTIs are not typically due to poor hygiene.

UTIs are infections in any part of the urinary tract, with women being particularly prone. They can cause urethritis (infection of the urethra) and more. Recurrent UTIs are defined as two symptomatic bladder infections within 6 months or three within a year, confirmed by urine culture.

UTIs are mainly bacterial, often caused by Escherichia coli. While this bacterium is beneficial in the digestive system, it can cause infection if it enters the urinary tract. Other, less common, bacteria can also cause UTIs.

Dr. Jane Yun, MD, an OBGYN at Loma Linda University Health, notes that UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the bladder through the urethra. They are among the most common infections, leading to over 8.1 million doctor visits yearly.

For further details on UTIs, visit Stanford Scope, Washington University Physicians, or Harvard Health for more information.