Dr. Farander Verdi, a urologist, warned that excessive hygiene practices can be a major cause of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), even among healthy women.
اضافة اعلان
He cited the case of a 40-year-old woman working in an office who experienced frequent UTIs over six months, despite having no known risk factors such as diabetes or kidney stones.
The woman was diligent about “staying clean” and used a vaginal wash every three to four days, believing it would protect her health. However, over-washing weakened the natural protective barrier of friendly bacteria, allowing harmful bacteria to spread. This led the infection to progress from the bladder to the kidneys and then into the bloodstream, resulting in a life-threatening condition known as urosepsis. Fortunately, she survived after prompt hospital care.
Dr. Verdi emphasized that the issue is not hygiene itself, but the use of harsh products or excessive washing that kills protective bacteria and increases susceptibility to infection.
He advised that simple hygiene practices are sufficient, including:
Washing the external genital area with lukewarm water
Using mild, unscented soap if needed
Wearing breathable cotton underwear
Changing wet clothing promptly
He also noted that symptoms such as burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate, pelvic discomfort, or cloudy and foul-smelling urine are not normal and require medical evaluation.
Recurrent UTIs should be addressed by a healthcare professional to determine causes and establish a safe hygiene routine that protects the body without disrupting its natural bacterial balance.
