UTIs can be uncomfortable and painful and believe it or not, 60 per cent of women will get one in their lifetime. However, if you’re struggling with recurring UTIs, your fridge could play a bigger role than you might think – at least according to a US study. It turns out that Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which is also often found in contaminated meat, could be the culprit behind recurring UTIs.

In fact, the burden of UTIs has increased by almost 70 percent between 1990 and 2019, representing a significant rise in cases. But what is causing this increase, and how can you reduce your risk of getting it? Experts share their opinions about the latest research.

but first

What is UTI?

A urinary tract infection is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract — the bladder and urethra — but more severe cases can spread to the kidneys.

What causes UTI?

UTIs usually occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. The bacteria E. coli, which normally lives in the intestines, is responsible for most of these infections. Factors such as poor hygiene, sexual activity, and certain health conditions can increase the risk of developing an infection.

“UTIs are often due to anatomical reasons, especially in women, where the shorter urethra allows bacteria to reach the bladder easily,” says Dr Tarun Singh, general surgeon and urologist at Sharda Hospital in Delhi.

“Sexual activity can also introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, and certain contraceptives, such as diaphragms or spermicides, increase the risk. Hormonal changes during menopause reduce the protective flora of the vagina, making infection even more likely,” he adds.

Dangers of untreated UTIs

If a UTI is left untreated, it can progress to more serious complications. Symptoms of a mild UTI include frequent urge to urinate and pain during urination. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys, causing a condition called pyelonephritis, which is much more serious.

“The serious side effects of a kidney infection include irreversible kidney damage and sepsis, a potentially life-threatening response to infection,” warns Dr Deepika Agarwal, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

“In pregnant women, untreated UTIs may also increase the risk of having a low birth weight baby and preterm delivery,” he added.

Contaminated meat and urinary tract infections

A 2023 study showed that E. coli-contaminated Meat It is responsible for about 500,000 UTIs each year in the U.S., making it a significant factor in the rise of these infections. Shockingly, E. coli is found in 30 to 70 percent of meat products sold in stores.

The factor that increases the problem is its widespread use Antibiotics Contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in animals. National Geographic The report highlights how this growing resistance may be linked to the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant UTI cases.

Dr Tripti Raheja, chief consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explains, “The bacteria found in meat can potentially cause recurrent UTIs. Consuming E. coli-contaminated meat can cause these bacteria to enter the intestines, from where they can travel to the urinary tract and cause infection. Handling meat incorrectly or eating undercooked meat further increases this risk.”

The growing threat of antibiotic resistance

If you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), you’ll need to rely on antibiotics to get rid of it, but antibiotic resistance can complicate treatment, making the infection harder to manage.

Dr Agarwal says, “Excessive use of antibiotics in both humans and animals drives this resistance. Poor hygiene, dehydration, diabetes and lifestyle changes also play a role, as does ageing which makes people more susceptible to the disease.”

Correlation, not causation

Though the study’s findings have sparked debate, the scientific community is cautious about drawing definitive conclusions. “At this point, it’s just a correlation,” said Dr. Matthew Sims, director of infectious disease research at CorVel Health. mirror,

“Several factors are responsible for the increase in UTI cases, including higher rates of diabetes, an aging population, and the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” says women’s health expert Dr. Jennifer Wider.

What should be done?

While the link between meat and UTIs is still debated, experts also point out that enteroinvasive E. coli, a type of E. coli, can cause problems such as diarrhea. Since prevention is better than cure, it is important to be extra careful about what you eat to protect yourself from potential illnesses.