5 habits when traveling that harm the urinary tract

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in organs of the urinary system such as the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Most cases of inflammation are caused by intestinal bacteria, especially E. coli, penetrating upstream from the urethra.

MSc Cao Vinh Duy, Department of Urology, Center of Urology – Nephrology – Andrology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that during travel, changes in living habits, hygiene and drinking water regime can disrupt the natural protection mechanism of the urinary tract, thereby increasing the risk of infection. The 5 habits below can increase the risk of disease.

Prolonged urinary retention

In a normal state, the urine stream plays a role in washing bacteria out of the urethra. When holding urine, water stays in the bladder for a long time, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to grow, while increasing pressure in the bladder, affecting sphincter function and physiological flow. Holding urine also impairs the natural mechanism of eliminating bacteria, increasing the risk of acute cystitis, especially in women.

Not drinking enough water

Water intake directly affects the volume and frequency of urine excretion. Lack of water in the body causes urine to become more concentrated, increasing the concentration of sediment and bacteria, while also changing the pH level, creating conditions for bacteria to grow.

Drinking less water also reduces the frequency of urination, thereby prolonging the stay of bacteria, leading to inflammation. Mild dehydration from moving around a lot, going out in the sun, and drinking alcohol also reduces the immunity of the urinary tract mucosa.

Sit in one place for a long time

Many people have the habit of sitting in one place when traveling long distances on trains, cars, airplanes… which reduces pelvic circulation, affects bladder perfusion, and urine stagnation leads to incomplete urination, which is a risk factor for infection.

Dr. Duy notes that people who are older or have underlying medical conditions such as prostate enlargement or neurogenic bladder have a higher risk. Therefore, this group of people needs to prioritize choosing appropriate travel routes and vehicles. If you ride, you should go to the bathroom even if you don’t feel the urge to urinate, walk around, and do light exercise at stops.

Hygiene is not guaranteed

During holidays, when traveling and using public restrooms or staying in unclean hotels, or using unsafe water sources can increase the risk of infection.

Wear inappropriate clothing

Wearing wet swimsuits, tight clothes or non-breathable materials for long periods of time increases the humidity of the genital area, creating favorable conditions for bacteria and fungi to grow, and causes an imbalance in the microflora, increasing the risk of urethritis and vaginitis in women.

Dr. Duy recommends that to prevent urinary tract diseases when traveling during the holiday season, you need to maintain an amount of water of 1.5-2.5 liters per day depending on your condition, do not hold urine for more than 3-4 hours, urinate immediately after sex, maintain proper hygiene in the private area, change into dry, breathable clothes after swimming or sweating.

See a doctor if you have signs of painful urination, frequent urination, cloudy, foul-smelling or bloody urine, pain in the lower abdomen or waist, and fever. If not treated promptly, urinary tract infections can progress to pyelonephritis, causing serious complications.