You might be wondering “Can I safely swim with a UTI?” In this article, we explore the potential risks and benefits of swimming with a UTI, and whether oceans, hot tubs and swimming pools are safe to use.

UTIs, also known as urinary tract infections, are a common but unpleasant condition. If you experience pain or burning when urinating, frequent bathroom visits, lower back or stomach pain, a fever, or chills, you probably have one.

While there are many enjoyable activities to partake in during the summer, there are some factors that make UTIs more likely to occur during this season. Here’s what you need to know about the causes of UTIs during the summer and how to avoid them. Call Dr. if you believe you have a UTI. Neeraj Kohli.

Can I Swim When I Have a UTI?

Swimming is a great form of exercise particularly suited to those with bladder issues, as it’s gentle on the pelvic floor⁶. If you have a UTI, is swimming safe? Unfortunately, there is very little advice from medical channels on the safety of swimming with a UTI. However it does appear to be safe; as you already have an infection, there’s little risk of you catching one⁷. Additionally, it appears you can still swim as long as you keep treating the condition. Also, urinary tract infections are not contagious⁸, so you can’t spread them to others.

Can Swimming Cause a UTI?

There are some situations where swimming can result in a UTI. Wherever you swim, staying in a damp, tightfitting swimsuit afterwards may allow bacteria to breed and travel up the urethra.⁹ To counter this, make sure to dry off as soon as you have finished swimming. Sweaty clothes can also be a breeding ground for germs¹⁰, so make sure to change after exercise. Where you swim affects your risk of contracting an infection.

Can Swimming Pools Cause UTIs?

While you can swim with a UTI, can swimming pools cause a UTI? Swimming pools are generally treated with chemicals to prevent infection. However, there is a small chance they may cause UTIs. Chlorine in pool water can be particularly irritating to women and girls’ urinary tracts¹¹, so make sure to rinse properly after swimming. Conversely, if the pool is improperly treated, it can be a breeding ground for germs that could cause UTIs¹². If you have concerns, you can speak to the pool staff about how the pool is treated. Showering after swimming may also help to avoid infection.

What Are the Symptoms of a UTI?

Urinary tract infections can be uncomfortable. Cloudy, discolored, or strongly smelling urine, the need to urinate frequently, pain or a burning sensation while urinating, and pelvic pain are all symptoms.

Compared to men, women have a four times greater risk of developing UTIs. A UTI can affect anyone, but summertime increases the risk. Women between the ages of 18 and 40 are particularly at risk. In general, it’s a good idea to urinate whenever you need to, rather than holding it in, and for women to wipe from front to back after urinating in order to prevent UTIs.

Swimming

Swimming-related pursuits rank No. 1 risk factor for developing a UTI in the warm months. The bacteria that can grow while you’re sitting around in a wet swimsuit may enter your urinary tract and infect you.

Always change out of your wet swimsuit as soon as you finish swimming to avoid UTIs brought on by swimming. The same effect can be achieved by wearing sweaty clothing. After removing wet clothing, thoroughly dry off before donning dry clothing.

Dehydration

One of the things that makes summer feel good is its heat. Dehydration is also more likely to occur in hot weather. Your risk of dehydration increases the more time you spend outdoors.

When it’s hot outside in the summer, be sure to consume more water than usual. For lowering the risk of UTIs, cranberry juice is also advised. UTIs can be prevented by drinking enough liquids, which flushes out the bacteria that can cause them.

Can Swimming in Nature Cause UTIs?

Depending on the cleanliness of the water, swimming in nature (such as in the sea or a lake) may cause a urinary tract infection. Research shows that swimming in the sea may cause UTIs, gastrointestinal tract infections and ear problems due to farm run-off and sewage in the seas off the coast. Experts agree that you can still go swimming as long as you exercise reasonable caution.¹⁵ Lake swimming comes with an increased risk of infection in general, so our tips are:

• Don’t swim in brown, murky water – only swim in clear water
• Don’t swallow the water
• Stay out of the water if you have any wounds¹⁶

When you’re on dry land, leaks may occur with a Try using the iD line to manage these leaks. They are dermatologically tested, discreet and comfortable, and come in a range of styles to suit everyone’s needs.

Increased Sexual Activity

All year long, particularly for women, sexual activity increases the risk of UTIs. Your risk of UTIs increases if you engage in more sexual activity in the summer.

Make sure to urinate after sex to avoid getting a sexually transmitted infection (UTI). This facilitates the removal of any bacteria that might have entered your urinary tract. Also discuss your birth control method with your doctor, as some methods increase the risk of UTIs.

Risks of Not Treating UTIs

When you experience symptoms that lead you to believe you may have a UTI, it’s critical to consult a doctor right away. UTIs left untreated can harm the kidneys permanently.

It’s critical to maintain contact with your doctor because studies show that some antibiotics are losing their effectiveness against UTIs. A stronger antibiotic might be required if your condition is not improving. Make sure to take all of your antibiotics as directed.

How to (Easily) Keep Your Pool Safe and Clean

You must learn how to keep your pool secure and sanitary now that you are aware of the dangers that swimming pools can present to the health of you and your loved ones. Combining two tried-and-true products yields the best results and, fortunately, takes the least time and effort from the pool owner.

1. EZ Pool: Pool Chemical

Although everyone is aware that your swimming pool requires a unique combination of chemicals in order to function, EZ Pool is by far the most user-friendly chemical system. To begin with, it contains ALL of the chemicals in your pool (apart from one) in ONE.

E-Z Pool eliminates contaminants, suppresses the growth of algae, and hinders the accumulation of scale. Additionally, it conditions and clarifies the water, making it glisteningly clear and comfortable to swim in. The specially combined solution makes the pool water stable and balanced, which eliminates the need for pointless testing and chemical additions.

Even though EZ Pool is powerful enough to replace traditional chlorine shocking with just one scoop per 10,000 gallons of water each week, it’s gentle enough that there is no waiting period after application. Encourage the family to jump right in!

Additional Benefits of Using EZ Pool

• No playing pool chemist
• Easy and convenient to use, just scoop and go
• Only needs to be used once a week
• You don’t have to wait to swim after application
• Use fewer chemicals
• Reduces your chlorine need by up to 75%
• Eliminates chlorine smell and algae
• A PERK: Pre-treatment and balancing are not required in the winter. Throughout the winter, E-Z POOL oxidizes pollutants and protects against algae.

2. Pool Frog Mineral System

In a nutshell, Pool Frog fulfills your pool chemical check-list by providing the sanitizer that EZ Pool requires. You won’t need to add any additional chlorine, tablets, or shock to your pool if you combine these two products. Bid farewell to burning eyes, faded swimwear, and offensive chlorine odors. Mineral water that is pure is here!

Conclusion

It is best to speak with your doctor and get the necessary tests and treatments if you are concerned that you have a UTI, yeast infection, or another infection. Even though there is a chance that you could develop these health issues after swimming in an unclean pool, you can take precautions to lessen that chance by changing out of your wet swimsuit and thoroughly cleaning yourself off afterward. However, maintaining and cleaning your swimming pool properly is the first step in avoiding health issues related to swimming pools.

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