Most Women Are Unaware Sexual Activity Is a Primary Cause for Common Infection
A national survey of 400 women who have experienced uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) revealed numerous misconceptions about the risk factors and treatment options for this common, often misunderstood health issue. The survey was conducted by the National Women's Health Resource Center with Wirthlin Worldwide.
More than 85 percent of women surveyed did not realize that sexual activity is a primary risk factor for UTIs, apparently unaware that simple precautions -- such as using a birth control method other than diaphragms or condoms with spermicide -- can help prevent a UTI. On the other hand, the survey showed that once the women developed a UTI, more than half reported that they abstained from sex. (Previously published studies have supported this finding, showing that women abstain from sexual activity for more than a week , probably due to the discomfort caused by a UTI.) One-fifth (22 percent) of women also said they stopped participating in athletic activities when they had a UTI.
"Women needlessly compromise their lifestyles when they do not know how to prevent or treat a UTI," said Amy Niles, President and CEO, National Women's Health Resource Center. "Today's active women need resources that will allow them to take charge of their health. Their time and energy need to be protected, not lost to a common, usually avoidable and easily treated condition."
Of the women surveyed, 75 percent did not realize that bacteria in the urinary tract or bladder could cause an infection. Additionally, more than one-third (34 percent) would like to treat a UTI by using an over-the-counter medication, indicating that many patients do not understand that a prescription antibiotic is the only treatment that can cure a bacterial infection. Treatment regimens that take as little as three days are available.
"Many women suffer unnecessarily because they do not realize how easy a urinary tract infection can be diagnosed and cured with a single office visit," said Dr. Richard Colgan, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore and Medical Director, Department of Family Medicine. "To avoid preventable problems in their busy lives, women should talk to their healthcare providers about the risk factors, simple lifestyle changes and short-course treatment options that can help them quickly and effectively treat the problem."
Information about UTIs, including facts to know, frequently asked questions and questions to ask your doctor, is available at the National Women's Health Resource Center Web site at www.healthywomen.org and at www.AllAboutUTI.com, an educational Web site designed to help patients understand their condition.
"The survey findings clearly show a need for educational resources on urinary tract infections," Ms. Niles added. "We hope women use the information on these sites to facilitate dialogue with their healthcare providers."
About the Survey
Four hundred female respondents between the ages of 18 and 45 were interviewed between Monday, November 11, and Monday, December 1, 2003. Each respondent met the following qualifications:
- Female between the ages of 18 and 45
- Experienced at least one uncomplicated UTI, bladder infection or cystitis in the past 6 months (initially). (During the first few days of interviewing, it was realized that this qualification needed to be adjusted. After 44 interviews, this was changed to "past 5 years.")
The average interview length was approximately 8-10 minutes.
About Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs pose a potentially serious health problem that affects millions of people each year. Infections of the urinary tract are very common - only respiratory infections occur more frequently, according to the National Institutes of Health. UTIs account for more than 8 million doctor visits annually. Women are especially prone to UTIs and their risk increases with age.
An uncomplicated UTI is usually a bladder infection that is caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and travel up the urinary tract. Patients who have an uncomplicated UTI generally do not have structural problems or obstructions within the urinary tract. Left untreated, the bacteria can spread and the condition can become more serious. UTIs can also be called acute uncomplicated cystitis or bladder infections.2
About National Women's Health Resource Center
The National Women's Health Resource Center is the nation's leading independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to educating women of all ages about health and wellness issues. Its programs include an award-winning newsletter, the National Women's Health Report, public education campaigns and its Web site, www.healthywomen.org.
This survey was supported by an educational grant from Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
1 Colgan R, Keating K, Dougouih M, "Survey of Symptom Burden in Women with Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections." Clin Drug Invest. 2003: 24(1):1
2 Foxman B. Epidemiology of urinary tract infections: Incidence, Morbidity, and Economic Costs. The American Journal of Medicine July 2002; 113(1A):5S-13S.
3 Sobel JD, Kaye D. In: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 1995.
Contact: Beverly Dame, NWHRC
1-888-406-9472
bdame@healthywomen.org
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