Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, can happen in men and women but are much more common among women. Suffering from a UTI can be very uncomfortable, making it difficult to sit comfortably or go throughout your day without experiencing pain. UTIs are sometimes linked to other variables in terms of what might cause them as well as help alleviate and prevent them. One such factor is exercise, but any connections made are without merit.
UTI Causes
Urinary tract infections result from an infection or the bladder or an infection of the urethra. Several factors can increase your risk of developing these, including being female as well as being sexually active. Some types of birth control can increase the risk of UTIs in women, as can menopause. Abnormalities or blockages in the urinary tract increase the risk, as does the use of a catheter, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Significance
UTIs can be unpleasant and sometimes painful, but if they aren't treated the problems can become much more severe. Kidney infections can result, leading to permanent kidney damage. Risks can be most significant for pregnant women, who in addition to the kidney dangers also run the risk of giving birth to premature or low-weight babies.
Prevention/Solution
Get antibiotics or other medications from a doctor in order to properly treat a UTI. According to the Mayo Clinic, UTIs can be prevented in several ways. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to dilute your urine, causing you to flush the urethra more frequently. Women should wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra. You should also go to the bathroom shortly after intercourse and avoid the use of feminine products on and around the urethra.
Exercise
Exercise is an important aspect of your body's health, enabling you to keep your muscles, heart and circulatory system active and healthy. Exercise comes in many forms and can also help prevent the onset of a number of conditions, including heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Healthy people should exercise at least four times a week to maximize their gain from exercise.
Relation
There is not any known relationship between exercise and urinary tract infections. Although there may be an indirect relationship between the two, neither the Mayo Clinic nor the National Institutes of Health recognizes exercise's role as either a cause of or treatment for UTIs.
