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Read time: 5 min
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Posted on:
Read time: 5 min
Posted on:
UTIs are unpleasant infections that make trips to the bathroom painful, and they can affect both children and adults. For children, in particular, it’s common to wonder what can cause a UTI, so that parents can do all they can to prevent it. For example, can baby wipes cause a UTI?
Baby wipes do not cause UTIs, but the type you use and the way in which they are used may increase the risk of a UTI.
Continue reading to learn more.
Key Takeaways:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the result of bacteria entering the urethra and traveling through the urinary tract, often ending up in the bladder. Knowing this, the only thing that will cause a UTI is bacteria, so using baby wipes will not cause a UTI.
However, there are a few connections between baby wipe usage and UTIs.
While baby wipes do not cause UTIs, they can increase your risk of them. This primarily depends on the direction in which you wipe, as baby wipes can carry bacteria on them, especially if you wipe in the wrong direction.
All wiping, especially for girls, should be done from front to back. This minimizes the risk of bacteria from the anus (most notably E. coli) being brought to the urethra, where it shouldn’t be and where it can easily become a UTI.
When it comes to minimizing the risk of baby wipes causing a UTI, there are a few areas you can focus on.
The most important thing you can do to prevent a UTI is to always wipe from front to back. This ensures that the urethra stays clear of the bacteria that can reside in the stool or around the anus.
It is the caregiver’s responsibility to wipe in this direction when changing an infant’s diaper, but as they grow and go through potty training, they need to be taught to always wipe front to back.
Any type of perfume that comes into contact with the vagina can upset its natural pH level, which then creates problems for the bacteria that reside there. The vagina relies on this microbiome to stay healthy, so if someone’s pH level is outside the optimal range, the harmful bacteria can begin to outweigh the good bacteria. This then increases the odds of bacteria spreading from the vagina to the urethra, causing a UTI.
To avoid this, ensure that any baby wipes you use on yourself and your child are unscented.
Holding in your pee offers more time for bacteria to grow and reproduce within the bladder, which is why peeing when needed helps prevent a UTI; it minimizes the amount of time the bacteria linger in the bladder.
Children going through potty training may need to be encouraged to pee more often instead of putting it off, and to empty their bladder completely when they go to the restroom.
If you notice any symptoms of a UTI, such as burning when peeing, frequently needing to go to the bathroom, or an inability to empty your bladder completely, it’s best to contact your doctor. Some UTIs may go away on their own, but in most cases, they require an antibiotic prescription, which you can only get from your doctor. By starting an antibiotic as soon as you notice the symptoms of a UTI, you can attack the infection before it has a chance to develop into something more serious.
UTIs are the result of bacteria entering the urethra and traveling up the urinary tract to the bladder. While bacteria cause them, though, other factors can increase their risk of occurring, such as baby wipes or, more specifically, the type and way in which they are used.
To minimize UTIs, always wipe front to back, use unscented wipes, and empty your bladder completely when using the restroom. For parents, it is important to follow these steps for their child and to teach them when the child goes through potty training.
If you ever notice signs of a UTI, seek medical help immediately—the sooner you start an antibiotic, the easier the infection is to treat.
Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.
Always consult with your physician or other qualified health providers about medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on what you read on this website.
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