Urinary tract infections, particularly cystitis, increase significantly during summer, and women are the most affected group, according to Dr. Julie Salomon, medical director of the telemedicine platform Qare.
A study by Qare found that cystitis is by far the leading reason for teleconsultations during the summer months. Dr. Salomon told TF1info that the condition affects women far more than men because men have a longer urethra, making such infections much rarer in them.
Why Cases Rise in the Heat
Cystitis develops when bacteria travel upward between the perineum and the bladder. Dr. Salomon said the primary driver of the summer spike is not drinking enough fluids. When temperatures climb, dehydration can create conditions that allow infections to take hold.
How to Protect Yourself
The doctor stressed that women should make a habit of drinking regularly and urinating often, without holding it in. She explained that urinating flushes bacteria out in the opposite direction, and that the more frequently urine passes through during the day, the lower the risk of infection. Holding it, she warned, keeps bacteria in contact with the bladder lining and causes irritation.
Dr. Salomon also advised avoiding moisture and dampness around the perineum. That means not staying in a wet swimsuit for extended activity such as hiking, and avoiding tight or synthetic clothing and underwear. Cotton underwear is preferable.
She added that these same precautions also help prevent vulvovaginal yeast infections and other vulvovaginal infections, which are similarly favored by the warm, humid conditions of summer.
