Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most typical infections, affecting hundreds of thousands of individuals annually. This main public well being concern can usually be prevented or cured if handled appropriately. Credit score: European Affiliation of Urology
A brand new worldwide examine has uncovered a regarding lack of public understanding about cystitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs)—widespread well being points that disproportionately have an effect on ladies. The findings, which additionally spotlight widespread misconceptions about prevention and therapy, underscore the pressing want for schooling to fight rising antibiotic resistance.
In a survey of over 3,000 adults throughout France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, 35% of respondents couldn’t appropriately outline cystitis as a bladder an infection, with some complicated it with a pores and skin situation and even meals allergy symptoms. Amongst youthful adults aged 18–24, fewer than half (45%) had been in a position to establish cystitis appropriately.
A hidden gender hole in consciousness
Regardless of medical consensus that girls are considerably extra affected by UTIs, solely half (51%) of respondents acknowledged this, whereas practically one in 5 males incorrectly believed that males are extra generally affected. Encouragingly, consciousness was increased amongst ladies themselves, with 63% appropriately figuring out their elevated threat in comparison with simply 38% of males.
Missed alternatives for prevention
UTIs are sometimes preventable, however data of fundamental prevention methods is worryingly low:
71% knew that consuming loads of water can assist.
Solely 43% acknowledged the significance of correct hygiene (wiping entrance to again).
Simply 35% understood the necessity to urinate after sexual exercise.
Alarmingly, 17% mistakenly believed taking antibiotics with out medical recommendation may stop UTIs.
Solely 21% of all respondents may establish all three key prevention methods, and one in six could not identify a single right safety measure. Ladies are 3 times extra prone to establish the three right methods of prevention.
“Many teenagers today are sexually active without understanding the risks of bladder infections. Young women in particular are more vulnerable because of their anatomy, yet too often they think the contraceptive pill protects them from all risks and that condoms are unnecessary. We urgently need to address this through school education and social media, otherwise we risk a new generation of young women suffering repeated urinary tract infections and even long-term bladder damage,” says Jane Meijlink, chair of the Worldwide Painful Bladder Basis.
Antibiotic misuse provides to the problem
Whereas not all UTIs require antibiotics, 16% of respondents incorrectly imagine they’re all the time wanted—a false impression that fuels antibiotic overuse and resistance. Even amongst these affected, consciousness of the dangers related to antibiotic resistance isn’t widespread. Nearly half of respondents both underestimated or had been unaware of the rising problem in treating UTIs as a consequence of antibiotic resistance.
“Urinary tract infections affect over 400 million people worldwide and cause approximately 240,000 deaths each year, with rising antibiotic resistance making them harder to treat,” stated Prof. Gernot Bonkat (CH), chair of the EAU Infections Tips Panel.
“This study shows that raising public awareness, as well as education about symptoms, causes, and treatment, is still essential to prevent infections, reduce suffering, and slow the spread of resistance. Importantly, not every infection needs to be treated with antibiotics—judicious use is key to combating resistance. “
Credit score: European Affiliation of Urology
The survey is a part of Urology Week 2025 (22–26 September), an initiative by the European Affiliation of Urology to create consciousness of urological situations among the many common public. This 12 months the main focus lies on urinary tract infections (UTIs) and, specifically, cystitis.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the many most typical infections, affecting hundreds of thousands globally. They’re the second most typical an infection after respiratory infections and are considerably extra prevalent in ladies than males. Roughly 50–60% of girls will expertise a UTI no less than as soon as of their lives.
UTIs are a serious public well being concern as a consequence of their excessive incidence and morbidity. Their monetary burden is substantial, estimated at billions of euros yearly worldwide. Understanding the prevalence, threat elements, and penalties of UTIs is essential for efficient prevention and therapy methods. That’s the reason this 12 months Urology Week is specializing in elevating consciousness for urinary tract infections.
Over 3,000 members of the general public from Spain, France, Germany, the UK and Italy had been requested about their data of and expertise with urinary tract infections. The knowledge was sourced in July 2025.
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European Affiliation of Urology
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New examine highlights want for public schooling on UTIs amid rising antibiotic resistance (2025, September 22)
retrieved 22 September 2025
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