Nothing sounds more relaxing than an evening spent unwinding in the warm bubbly waters of a hot tub. Whether you’re investing in some serious self-care time alone or reclining with a loved one, a hot tub is the pinnacle of relaxation. Perhaps you’ve heard rumors, though, that hot tubs can cause urinary tract infections. It’s jarring to think that an activity that relaxes your body could also lead to an infection. Is it true that you can get a UTI from hot tubbing?
Common Causes of UTIs
To understand whether hot tubs cause UTIs, you must first understand how to avoid UTIs and the most common causes of UTIs. UTIs occur when bacteria make their way into the urinary tract and propagate. Some of the types of bacteria most commonly responsible for this process include the following:
- E. coli
- Staphylococcus
- Gardnerella vaginalis
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
Some of these bacteria are naturally occurring in the body, but when transferred to the urinary tract, cause infection. Some are not naturally found in the body and cause infection when the urinary tract is exposed to them. In either scenario, environments that are warm, moist, and minimally acidic are the most likely to foster bacterial growth. Sound familiar?
The Verdict on Hot Tubbing
Yes, hot tubs fit the bill for environments that facilitate bacterial growth—including the types of bacteria that cause UTIs. Though chlorine and other cleansing agents may mitigate some of this risk, it is still true that relaxing in a hot tub can put you at an increased risk of developing a UTI. Rather than forgo your favorite activities for fear of an infection, learn about the best home remedy for UTIs. You can enjoy hot tubs and live UTI-free when you proactively prevent the most common causes of infection.
Take your health into your own hands and prevent the pain and inconvenience of a UTI. Use the treatment designed to destroy bacteria-harboring bio film within the urinary tract.
To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.
