A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a bacterial infection that affects any part of your urinary tract, which consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. Women are at a greater risk of developing a urinary tract infection than men because they have a shorter urethra, according to MayoClinic.com. You can get a urinary tract infection if you swim in cold water that has been contaminated with bacteria.
Swimming
If you swim in cold, contaminated water, bacteria that attach to the swimsuit or skin around the genitals can enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Once the bacteria enter your urinary tract, they can travel to your bladder, where they can multiply and infect other parts of the urinary system.
Prevention
You can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections by taking a shower before and immediately after swimming, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Change into a dry swimsuit after you get out of the water because moisture from a wet swimsuit can create a favorable environment for bacteria to thrive. Avoid swimming when you have diarrhea because it is easier for bacteria from loose stools to enter your urinary tract when you are in water. You can help prevent urinary tract infections by drinking plenty of fluids and unsweetened cranberry juice, which can help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract.
Clean Pool
The CDC advises people to evaluate the condition of a pool before swimming to help reduce the risk of UTIs and other infections. Swim in pools that are regularly cleaned and disinfected with chlorine. Make sure the pool has clean, clear blue water. If the pool is clean, you should be able to see the bottom. The pool also should not have a strong smell if it is clean.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections include burning sensation when urinating, strong urge to urinate, frequent urination, cloudy urine, blood in urine, foul smelling urine, fever, chills, back pain, pelvic pain and rectal pain, according to MayoClinic.com. If you notice these symptoms after swimming, make an appointment with your doctor.
