Scuba diving allows close-up views of underwater life but may predispose certain individuals to urinary tract infections. A greater risk of urinary tract infections occurs in women, which increases with age. As urine itself is sterile, contamination issues arise from wet swimwear, catheter malfunctions, wetsuit or catheter contamination, and infrequent urination.
Anatomy
Most urinary tract infections, or UTIs, begin in the urethra. The urethra is the tube that empties the urinary bladder. In women the urethral opening is in close proximity to the anus and the vagina, thus allowing cross-contamination. Also, it is shorter than in males, permitting bacteria easier access to the bladder. When UTIs occur after dives requiring wetsuits, infrequent urination and bacteria-contaminated equipment become valid concerns.
Sanitation
Wetsuits need regular cleaning. They should be removed immediately after a dive, and washed with fresh water as soon as possible. Directions on Degree 33 Surfboards suggest washing wetsuits by hand, inside and out, with a mild detergent or Woolite after each dive, and hanging them to dry. Some divers use front-loading washing machines on the gentle cycle. Removal of body sweat and oils decreases the chance of bacterial growth inside the wetsuit. Additionally, Listerine, Mirazyme or betadine disinfection of the suits groin area kills bacteria adjacent to the urinary tract.
Urinary Catheters
Drysuit scuba diving involves longer, deeper dives. The need to urinate becomes problematic during such dives. External urinary catheters collect the urine, keeping drysuits dry and comfortable.
The Urinary Catheter Guide website recommends a favorite type among divers, the Rochester WideBand catheter. Also, Pop-On and female catheters are used during such dives. Never re-use a catheter because bacteria build-up will cause a UTI; and make sure to buy catheters providing the best fit.
P-Valves
A valve, which evacuates urine to the outside of a drysuit during scuba diving, is called a pee valve, or p-valve. P-valves connect to a drysuit, and release urine underwater. Fluids transfer out of an external catheter, while preventing water from entering. The p-valve and its associated tubing require cleaning after every dive. Flushing the valve and the tubing with vinegar will eliminate bacterial contamination, which may cause UTIs. Also, use fairly stiff tubing to connect the catheter to the p-valve because softer tubing kinks and causes urine backflow UTIs.
Other Options
Urination into a diving suit is fairly common. It is a good idea to remove the wetsuit immediately after a dive, and rinse both your body and the wetsuit. Rinsing will prevent secondary bacterial contamination. According to information from the Cleveland Clinic, frequent urination flushes bacteria from the urinary bladder, thus avoiding UTIs.. So, holding urine for long dives is detrimental to urinary health. Urinating in a drysuit is uncomfortable, but not uncommon. Also, using adult diapers during long dives collects urine, prevents an uncomfortable diving suit, and protects the urinary tract.
