A Guide to Better Bladder Health in the Summer

Summer this year has been nothing short of demanding and relentlessly hot and we are all like “enough summer for now. I’m done.” While this is true, the problems that a hot summer brings include feeling fatigued and dehydrated. The insane heat can cause urinary tract infections (UTI) due to dehydration.  The other problems include urinary retention, and incontinence among others. 

What are the causes of urinary tract infections in summer?

Warm and moist environments are the perfect homes for a variety of pathogens and this is why there is a higher incidence of UTIs in the summer, when compared to other seasons. UTIs are fairly common and affect almost 35% of the Indian population, of which around 30% of the cases are of males and almost double (60%) are of women. This major difference in rate of infection is mainly due to an anatomical quirk- women have a shorter urethra than women. So the germs need to travel a short distance to begin their work. 

 The main causes include the following-

1. Bacteria and fungi are mainly implicated in UTIs. Not hydrating well can cause them to grow in larger numbers than usual.
2. Never hold your pee for a long time. 
3. Kidney stones can make it hard to pee.
4. Injuries of the spinal cord which make it difficult for the bladder to empty itself completely. 
5. Diabetic individuals have a weakened immune system and are hence in danger of contracting UTIs
6. Catheters if not changed in the right way and within the time frame can cause issues
7. Pregnancy can cause UTIs because of an immune system that works below normal capacity. 

What are the symptoms of urinary retention in hot weather?

Urinary Retention (UR) is seen when you cannot empty your bladder completely and feel like peeing often or just after a restroom break. It is not a cause itself and can be mild or severe in magnitude, but it is a symptom of other bodily issues. Symptoms include a swollen and painful abdomen, pain, and an urge to pee often along with urine hesitancy or low flow. If you pee more than 8 times a day, then get yourself checked. The causes may include UTIs, an injured bladder, urosepsis, or kidney injury. 

Urinary incontinence during summer months

It is characterized by loss of bladder control which may be acute or severe. The causes include pregnancy, intoxication, anxiety, coughing, laughing too much, or sneezing. Hydrate well. 

Impact of summer heat on bladder health

We sweat way more than usual in the summer and hence need to replace all the fluids lost that way. So drinking requisite amounts of water is extremely necessary and helpful too. Wear dry clothes which are light and breezy. The extra water will help us rid of bacteria or fungi from our system via urine. 

Natural remedies for urinary issues in summer

The cure is simple and very often found at home- water and buttermilk. Probiotics help in establishing a healthy population of beneficial bacteria. Basic personal hygiene tips help a lot. And last but most important- drink plenty of water. Have plenty of citrus fruits for increased Vitamin C levels and try to eat garlic as it is a natural germicide. 

Urinary tract health tips for summer travel

1. If you need to travel, then carry a bidet or always wipe from the front to the back to prevent the risk of infection.
2. Hydrate, obviously with safe water.
3. Stay away from alcohol because it can dehydrate you
4. Too much coffee is bad too. 
5. Use cotton undergarments only. 

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