Apples for Health- Young women at risk for urinary infections

Young women at risk for urinary infections

CHICAGO, April 27 (UPI) -- Some college-age U.S. women may be at higher risk of developing urinary tract infections, researchers said.

University of Florida researchers found two behaviors -- increased sexual activity and increased alcohol consumption -- linked to an increase in women's UTI. The researchers say college-age women experiencing urinary frequency or urgency should seek medical care to treat what may be their first UTI.

The researchers surveyed 181 women with their first UTI who came to the student healthcare facility as well as a control group of 80 women attending the clinic without a UTI.

Results showed that frequency and urgency were the most common symptom. The use of sanitary napkins during menstruation also increased the risk for a first-time UTI.

Co-existing chlamydia, gonorrhea and yeast infections did not contribute significantly to urinary symptoms, the study said.

The study findings were presented at the annual scientific meeting of the American Urological Association held in Chicago.