Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can occur all year round. It occurs when bacteria, especially E. coli, infects the urinary tract and spreads to the bladder. It can cause uncomfortable symptoms like frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and pain in the lower abdomen or back.

While the reasons for developing a UTI can be different for all, winter gives rise to certain unique factors that increase people’s risk of the infection. In this article, we will discuss in detail a surprising reason behind why people become more prone to UTIs during the colder months.

Why Cold Weather Increases UTI Risk

UTIs are more common in women than in men. In fact, studies estimate that 40–60% of women will develop a UTI in their lifetime. A study published in the Therapeutic Advances in Urology suggests that between 50% and 60% of adult women will have at least one UTI in their life, and close to 10% of postmenopausal women indicate that they had a UTI in the previous year.

Keeping this in mind, it is crucial that those who are prone take extra measures during winter, as UTIs seem to spike during the colder months, Dr P Vamshi Krishna, Senior Consultant and Head of Department of Urology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, tells the OnlyMyHealth team.

Some of the common reasons why include:

• Reduced hydration during winter, leading to less frequent visits to the bathroom and giving bacteria more time to thrive in the urinary tract.
• Weakened immune system, which makes the body less effective at fighting infections.
• Tight and warm clothing, leading to moisture build-up around the genital area, creating an environment favourable to bacterial growth.

While these are common causes of UTI, there is one reason that people often overlook that makes a person more susceptible to UTI, especially in winter: vitamin D deficiency.

The Link Between Vitamin D Deficiency And UTI

Dr Krishna notes that low vitamin D levels in winter is often caused by low sunlight exposure. Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system and facilitating the production of antimicrobial peptides that protect the urinary tract. Therefore, a deficiency in the sunshine vitamin can contribute to an increased risk of UTIs, as without sufficient vitamin D, the body's natural defences against infections weaken.

Hence, adequate vitamin D intake is of utmost importance. People can get optimum levels through sunlight, supplements, or foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy, and egg yolks.

A 2020 study published in the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences involved 75 women with UTIs and 35 healthy women without UTIs, aged 17–52 years. After the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured in the participants, researchers found that women with UTIs had significantly lower vitamin D levels compared to those without UTIs.

The same was established in an older study that involved children. The study published in the Archives of Medical Science included 50 children with their first febrile UTI and 50 healthy, age- and sex-matched siblings as a control group. It was found that children with UTIs had much lower average vitamin D levels compared to the healthy group. Among those with UTIs, children with acute pyelonephritis had lower vitamin D levels compared to those with lower UTIs.

It is important to note that while lack of vitamin D does not directly cause UTI, the studies showed that a deficiency may impair the immune response, making people more prone to both acute and recurrent UTIs.

Common Habits That Contribute To UTI Risk

UTIs are influenced by several factors beyond seasonal changes.

“Women are at higher risk due to their shorter urethra, which allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily,” explains Dr Kumar, adding that sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, while hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or menstrual cycles can disrupt the vaginal microbiome, making infections more likely.

Chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney stones, or an overactive bladder also heighten the risk of UTIs. And poor hygiene practices, such as wiping from back to front, are some of the most common causes of UTI, according to the doctor.

Additionally,certain behaviours specific to winter can increase UTI risk. For instance, people may skip showers more often due to the cold, allowing bacteria to accumulate in the genital area. Wearing damp or wet clothing, such as sweaty gym wear or thermal layers, for extended periods creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Additionally, reduced physical activity during winter may weaken immune defences, as a sedentary lifestyle can slow metabolism and overall body resilience.

How To Prevent UTI In Winter

Here are some effective tips to reduce the risk of UTI in winter:

• Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria.
• Wipe front to back and avoid harsh soaps.
• Don’t hold urine to prevent bacterial buildup.
• Wear warm clothing and avoid chilling the pelvic area.
• Choose cotton underwear and avoid tight clothes.
• Urinate after intercourse, as it helps flush out bacteria.
• Eat vitamin C-rich foods and probiotics.
• Limit sugar as it helps reduce bacteria growth.
• Stay active, as regular exercise supports immune function.

Conclusion

UTI is a common bacterial infection that can occur due to various reasons. While most people know that dehydration, unhygienic intimate habits, and excessive sugar consumption can increase its risk, vitamin D deficiency is a unique risk factor that people often miss or overlook. This is particularly common during winter when sunlight exposure is lower than usual. Therefore, not only is it important to adopt certain healthy lifestyle and hygiene habits, but it is also crucial to pay attention to one’s vitamin D intake. For better understanding, consult a doctor and adhere to their advice.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/winter-reason-for-urinary-tract-infection-risk-12977823138