Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is usually caused by bacteria. However, in some cases, fungi and viruses can also cause the infection. One of the most common infections found to affect individuals, UTI can be triggered by a lot of factors.

So, to stay safe here’s everything you need to know about what triggers UTI and how to manage them.

Triggers of UTI
When you are aware of what triggers UTI and how to manage them, you can prevent developing the infection to the best of your abilities. Here’s what you need to know.

• Consuming a lot of sugar
  UTI-causing bacteria feed on sugar. So, if your sugar consumption is high, you are providing the bacteria the perfect environment to grow. When you consume a lot of this ingredient, it creates a sugar rush in your bloodstream, and some of it  can also end up in the urine. Therefore, to manage this trigger, you must limit your sugar intake. Also, some foods and beverages such as chocolate and coffee can cause irritation in the urinary tract or make an existing UTI worse.

• Having diabetes
  There have been researches to show that having diabetes can increase the chances of a person getting a UTI. It is suggested that UTI can be triggered in diabetics due to a weak immune system, not emptying the bladder completely, or due to a change in the blood sugar levels in the body. To prevent the condition, make sure that you keep your diabetes under check.

• Not cleaning front to back
  UTIs are mainly caused by E. coli bacteria found near the rectum. Therefore, if you clean back to the front, it is highly likely that you will transfer the bacteria to the urinary tract. To avoid this, make sure you wipe your private area from front to back after using the washroom. By doing this, you will be able to reduce the chances of bringing the E. coli bacteria from the rectum area to the urethra. It is even more important if you are suffering from diarrhea.

• Having intercourse regularly
  Having intercourse regularly can increase the chances of getting a UTI. During sex, the bacteria get transferred to the urethra from the vagina and the perineum – the area between the vagina and the anus. Also, using sex toys or indulging in oral sex can trigger a UTI. To manage this trigger, make sure that you urinate before and after sex. This way, you will be able to flush out the bacteria and it will not reach the urinary tract. You should also wash your intimate parts before having intercourse. This will clean the area and reduce the chances of transferring bacteria from the anus to the urethra.