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Summary
Women who frequently delay urination are more prone to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Practicing regular, complete bladder emptying can help prevent UTIs in women.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in women.
- The etiology of recurrent UTIs is multifactorial, with behavioral factors being investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between voiding habits and recurrent UTIs in female university students.
- To assess the role of voluntary urinary retention in the pathogenesis of recurrent UTIs.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 84 female university students with recurrent UTIs and a control group.
- Data collection included voiding habits, sexual practices, and a history of voluntary deferral of micturition.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher prevalence of regular voluntary deferral of micturition (1-6+ hours) was observed in patients (61%) compared to controls (11%).
- Sexual practices were similar between the patient and control groups.
- A behavioral regimen promoting regular, complete bladder emptying was effective in preventing reinfection.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary urinary retention may be a significant pathogenic factor in recurrent UTIs among women.
- Correcting voluntary urinary retention through behavioral modification is a potentially effective management strategy for recurrent UTIs.