Medical expert and researcher at 21st Clinic, Dr. Eric Marfo has enlightened that poor hygiene is a contributing cause of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

According to Dr. Marfo, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.

In an interaction on Healing Point with Oheneyere Akua Yeboah Asiahmah (Abrewatia), Dr. Marfo said the two most common ways that bacteria enter the urinary tract are poor hygiene and sexual intercourse.

"Because women's urethras are close to their anuses where bacteria like E.coli live, the bacteria doesn't have to move far to get to the urethra." he explained.

He addressed that during sexual activity, bacteria can be transferred from the area around the anus to the area around the urethra. Those bacteria can then travel through the urethra to the bladder. If bacteria spread through the urinary tract to the kidney, a kidney infection can result.

Symptoms of UTI

- UTI is constantly accompanied by a strong urge to urinate. It also comes with a burning feeling when urinating.

- Urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine is also a common symptom with Urinary Tract Infection(UTI).

- The urine may look cloudy and appear red, bright pink or cola-colored.

- Usually, the smell of the urine is pungent.

- In the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone, women experience pelvic pain.

Factors that can increase the risk of UTIs:

1. A previous UTI
2. Sexual activity
3. Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina, or vaginal flora. For example, menopause or the use of spermicides can cause these bacterial changes.
4. Pregnancy
5. Age (older adults and young children are more likely to get UTIs)
6. Structural problems in the urinary tract, and such as enlarged prostate
7. Poor hygiene, for example, in children who are potty-training

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