Urinary Tract Infections: Why Are Women More Susceptible and What Are the Risks?

Profile: 31-year-old Savita Shrestha is six months pregnant. Since becoming pregnant, she has contracted urinary tract infections (UTIs) three times. Just a few days ago, she was admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for seven days and has now returned home while continuing to take antibiotics for the UTI. “This UTI was very severe for me. I was hospitalized for a week and am now home; it was a very painful experience,” Shrestha shared.

Although the exact cause of her recurrent infections remains unclear, the treating physicians suggested that her condition is related to her immune system. According to three medical doctors, UTIs are more common in women than men. The anatomical structure of women makes them more prone to repeated infections. The close proximity of the female bladder, vagina, and anus, as well as the short length of the female urethra, are primary contributing factors. Dr. Prezma Shrestha, Associate Professor and Gynecologist at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, explains, “The main reason women experience more bladder infections is the physical structure of their bodies.”

“In women, the bladder, vagina, and anus are all very close. When women clean themselves after urination or defecation, bacteria from feces can cause UTIs. Many women clean from back to front, which increases the risk of infection. Additionally, the short urethra allows infections to reach the bladder more quickly,” Dr. Shrestha added. Kidney specialist Dr. Rishikumar Kafle stated, “In pregnant women, the uterus grows larger, putting pressure on the bladder, which increases the risk of bladder infections.”

Various statistics and clinical experiences indicate that women of reproductive age are most commonly affected by UTIs. “The use of contraceptive devices such as condoms and spermicidal gels can also increase the risk of UTIs in women of reproductive age,” Dr. Shrestha noted. She further explained that hormonal fluctuations during different stages can also raise the likelihood of UTIs. “After menopause, decreased estrogen levels cause thinning of the vaginal lining, which makes it easier for UTIs to develop.”