UTIs and Your Shoes

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

14 Sep 2007 02:07 PM

What makes a person susceptible to a urinary tract infection? Many times, there is no obvious reason for a UTI. A urinary passage may be partially blocked, or bacteria may spread from the lower bowel or from the vagina during intercourse. Pregnant women have a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection, thanks to hormonal and physical changes. One other factor? Your shoes.

If you wear high heels frequently, you could be putting yourself at risk for a urinary tract infection!

Here's why: wearing high heels can make your pelvis tilt forward and your back curve outwards. This can put pressure on the sensory nerves in your lower spine -- when these nerves are compromised, your bladder can't empty properly. (This condition is called lordosis.) If your bladder can't empty properly, you could end up with a urinary tract infection -- in the kidneys, bladder, ureter, or urethra. Infections are most common in the bladder and urethra but can spread to other parts of the urinary tract.

If you want to check your heels -- and whether or not they're too high -- put them on and look in a mirror. If you have an arch in your back, those heels might be a bit too high. Look for shoes with a lower heel or switch to flats.

Can't give up your favorite stilettos? Work on strengthening your stomach and back muscles. A stronger stomach and back will help stabilize your pelvis and keep that dangerous tilt under control.

Think you might have a urinary tract infection? Here are some signs:

• An urgent need to piddle.
• Urinating more frequently than usual.
• Having trouble urinating.
• Experiencing a burning sensation or cramping in the back or abdomen.
• Experiencing a burning sensation while piddling.
• Urine that looks cloudy.
• Urine that has an unusual odor.

If you think you do have an infection, talk to your doctor. A course of antibiotics will help clear things up quickly!

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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Michele Cheplic (37349) 15 Sep 2007 06:23 AM

That's wild! Wonder how many pregnant actresses have UTIs? I worked throughout my pregnancy wearing a combo of high and low heels and seemed to get by. Interesting!

Tristi Pinkston (10839) 15 Sep 2007 07:51 PM

Wow -- I never would have thought. But I'm also teeheeing that you said "piddle." That's cute. :)