Health experts have urged Nigerians, particularly women, to adopt preventive habits such as drinking plenty of water and urinating after sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). The advice comes amid growing concerns over the high prevalence of the condition across the country.
UTIs occur when bacteria—most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli)—enter the urinary system, affecting the bladder, urethra, and in more severe cases, the kidneys. While both men and women can contract the infection, studies show that women are disproportionately affected due to anatomical differences that make them more vulnerable.
Medical professionals warn that many women unknowingly practice habits that increase their susceptibility, such as delaying urination, poor hydration, or not urinating after sexual activity. These behaviors, they say, create a favorable environment for bacteria to multiply and spread within the urinary tract.
Statistics highlight the growing burden of the condition. A 2025 study conducted across selected hospitals in Akure, Ondo State, revealed a UTI prevalence rate of 71.45% among patients tested, with the 20–29 age group being the most affected at 31.97%. The study further noted that females were significantly more impacted than males.
Nationwide, research estimates an overall prevalence rate of about 39.69%, with women facing a 3 to 17 times higher risk of contracting the infection compared to men. Experts attribute this disparity not only to biological factors but also to limited awareness about preventive measures.
Doctors emphasize that simple lifestyle adjustments, such as regular water intake, maintaining good personal hygiene, and responding promptly to early symptoms, can drastically reduce infection rates. They also advise women to urinate before and after sex as an effective way of flushing out bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
Health stakeholders have called for wider public education on the issue, stressing that untreated UTIs can lead to severe complications, including kidney damage. They urged the government and medical institutions to intensify awareness campaigns to empower women with knowledge that could save lives and prevent avoidable suffering.
