Ask GoodHealth.com I seem to develop urinary tract infections a lot in the summer. Can you tell me why?
by Martha Schmitz, MD

Home > Ask GoodHealth.com > 

Answer

When the weather is hot we sweat more and urinate less so the urinary tract does not flush out bacteria properly. The bacteria multiply and cause an infection, sort of like bacteria growing in a stagnant pond. UTIs can involve the bladder only or also the upper urinary tract.

Typical symptoms of a UTI include a strong feeling that you need to urinate, a need to urinate very often, burning and pain while you are urinating, or a change in the way your urine looks.

You should see your doctor. Antibiotics are an effective treatment for UTIs.

To avoid, try drinking 10 eight ounce servings of fluids per day. Pregnancy increases the amount that a woman urinates, so they can more easily develop UTIs.


Ask GoodHealth.com is intended for consumer education only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with questions regarding your personal health or medical condition.


I seem to develop urinary tract infections a lot in the summer. Can you tell me why? I'd like to do something to prevent them if I can.      

By Martha Schmitz, MD
Obstetrics/Gynecology

Dr. Schmitz is a credentialed physician with the Seton Family of Hospitals. This information was compiled originally for a KXAN-TV feature called "What's Going Around hosted by Tonya Kerr."

---