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Long days at the beach, road trips, and outdoor adventures are some of the best parts of summer. But doctors say the season also brings a less welcome trend: an increase in urinary tract infections (UTIs). According to the Cleveland Clinic, dehydration, sweating, and spending more time in wet clothing can all create conditions that make UTIs more likely, especially for women.
Dehydration Is One of the Biggest Reasons
When temperatures rise, your body loses more water through sweat. If you don’t replace those fluids, you urinate less often, giving bacteria more time to grow in the urinary tract. The National Kidney Foundation says staying well hydrated helps flush bacteria from the urinary system before it has a chance to cause an infection.
Wet Swimwear Can Create the Perfect Environment
Spending hours in a damp swimsuit may be comfortable at the pool, but it isn’t ideal for your skin. Experts at the Mayo Clinic note that warm, moist environments can encourage bacterial growth around the genital area, which may increase the risk of UTIs and other infections. Changing into dry clothes soon after swimming is a simple way to reduce that risk.
Summer Travel Can Disrupt Healthy Bathroom Habits
Whether it’s a long flight or a road trip, many people delay bathroom breaks while traveling. According to the American Urological Association, regularly holding urine allows bacteria to remain in the bladder longer, which may increase the likelihood of developing a UTI. Taking regular restroom breaks is healthier than waiting until it’s absolutely necessary.
Women Face a Higher Risk
Anyone can develop a UTI, but women are significantly more likely to experience one because of differences in anatomy. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) estimates that more than half of all women will have at least one UTI during their lifetime, with many experiencing recurrent infections.
Know the Warning Signs
A UTI doesn’t always start with severe pain. Early symptoms often include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic discomfort. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and healthcare providers recommend seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen, include fever, or don’t improve, since untreated infections can spread to the kidneys.
Small Habits Can Make a Big Difference
Preventing a UTI often comes down to everyday habits. Doctors recommend drinking plenty of water, urinating when you feel the need instead of waiting, changing out of wet clothing promptly, and practicing good personal hygiene. These simple steps can significantly reduce the chances of bacteria reaching the urinary tract.
Don’t Ignore Recurring Infections
If UTIs keep coming back, it’s worth discussing them with a healthcare provider. According to the American Urological Association, recurrent UTIs can sometimes signal an underlying medical issue or require a different treatment strategy. Identifying the cause can help prevent repeated infections rather than simply treating each one as it occurs.
Antibiotics Aren’t Always the Whole Story
Most bacterial UTIs are treated successfully with antibiotics, but finishing the prescribed medication is important even if symptoms improve quickly. Healthcare experts also caution against taking leftover antibiotics or using someone else’s prescription, since inappropriate use contributes to antibiotic resistance and may not effectively treat the infection.
A Few Summer Precautions Can Go a Long Way
Summer should be remembered for vacations and sunshine, not painful trips to the bathroom. Staying hydrated, changing out of wet swimsuits, and paying attention to early symptoms can go a long way toward preventing UTIs. If something doesn’t feel right, seeking medical care early is often the quickest path back to enjoying the season.