Those favourite pair of jeans can give you UTI

Santosh Andhale & Somita Pal

Wearing unwashed tight jeans for many days and lack of hygienic washrooms are becoming a leading cause of urinary tract infection (UTI) among young women, especially college goers, say city gynaecologists. Doctors say they are seeing a rise in this trend and awareness has become necessary as repeated UTI can lead to kidney failure in some cases. What is UTI? UTI is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary tract. When the bacteria get into the bladder or kidney and multiply in the urine, they cause UTI. Dr Kiran Coelho, consulting gynaecologist, Lilavati Hospital, said, “We are definitely seeing a rise in UTI and vaginal infection in college-going girls. We see more of them during summer and when the humidity is high. In tight-fitting clothes, there is no ventilation.” What can lead to UTI? Dr Rajshree Katke, medical superintendent of Cama and Albless Hospital in Fort, said, “We are seeing a rise in the number of college-going girls suffering from UTI. Most of these girls prefer wearing tight jeans and wear them unwashed for days together. Wearing tight-fitting pants can trap in moisture and lead to repeated attack of UTI.” Unclean toilets, lack of hygiene also cause the infection NGOs in Mumbai are already conducting a campaign called ‘Right to Pee’ to ensure clean toilets for women in the city. Dr Ashwini Bhalerao Gandhi, gynaecologist at PD Hinduja Hospital, said, “Most of them avoid drinking water because of the fear of using unclean toilets. Bacteria grows in stagnant urine. One shouldn’t hold urine for a long time or it becomes a vicious circle of UTI. Girls should also maintain hygiene during menstruation. Wearing tight-fitting jeans doesn’t allow the area to dry and lead to growth of bacteria and infection.” Why is it more common in women? Dr Coelho said because the urethra in women is shorter when compared to men, it makes it easier for bacteria to spread. Dr Jatin Kothari, nephrologist at PD Hinduja Hospital, said, “UTI is one of the reasons behind kidney ailments seen in women. If not treated on time, UTI can cause chronic kidney ailments.”