Did you know thongs transfer bacteria, cause UTIs?

Many women assume vaginal infections come from men but experts argue that most women can infect themselves with urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Dr Simon Kigondu, an Obstetrician gynaecologist, says some urinary tract infections (UTI) are caused by bacteria found in stool.

And chances of women contracting UTIs are higher than men as the female urethra is shorter at four centimetres while the male is 20 centimetres, making it easy for the E. Coli bacteria found in stool to make its way to the female urethra.

To reduce chances of getting E. coli bacteria, women are advised to wipe from the front to back, and not wearing thongs for a long time since the string can easily transfer the bacteria from the anal to the vaginal area.

Although UTIs aren’t spread from one person to another like STDs, having sex or using antiseptic soaps can lead to or worsen UTIs. But you don’t have to have sex to get a UTI. Anything that brings bacteria in contact with your urethra can cause a UTI.

Many women, from myths peddled around, assume UTI is a sexually transmitted diseases, yet that is not the case and all it takes to heal is a dose of antibiotics.

There are two types of UTI, the upper tract and lower tract. An upper-tract infection is one that happens in the urethra or kidneys. A lower-tract infection happens in the bladder, prostate, or urethra.

According to Planned Parenthood.org, getting a urinary tract infection is easy as all it takes is for bacteria in the genital and anal areas to enter the urethra and travel to the bladder causing an infection.

This can happen during intercourse when bacteria from your partner’s genitals, anus, fingers, or sex toys gets pushed into your urethra. UTIs can also be caused by Chlamydia or gonorrhea.