A medical doctor at the Legon Hospital, Dr. Akosua A.A. Addai, has advised men and women to clean up and urinate immediately after sexual intercourse.

She said this aids in minimising the risk of contracting Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).

The medical doctor, who spoke on Joy Prime’s morning show on Tuesday, outlined some human activities that unknowingly cause UTIs.

Among the activities, she mentioned irregular urination and not cleaning up before and after sex as some of the major causes of the infection.

As part of the clean-up and urinating, she said, "It’s always better to clean up before and after sex. Another thing is that even after sex, you’re supposed to urinate; it helps. Science has shown that it really helps reduce the risk of that. It’s very important, and drink a lot of water."

According to her, the human immune system naturally breeds bacteria, and so failure to clean up heightens the bacteria, thereby weakening the system and making it susceptible to diseases.

Other activities and individuals at risk include poor hygiene, drinking, smoking, and people living with co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and other illnesses.

Dr. Akosua Addai advised people with ailments to take proper care of their health because they are at a relatively higher risk of being infected.

Speaking about how pregnant women should care for themselves in order to avoid UTIs, she requested all husbands to assist in cleaning their pregnant wives, as they may have difficulty washing themselves.

"They have big bellies, so hygiene is a problem, and they’re always tired. It’s quite stressful for them to bend and wash. Help the women because you should understand their state so they’re able to have their hygiene at a very good place where they don't get these infections," Dr. Akosua Addai explained.

However, UTI patients, especially pregnant women, are encouraged to consistently attend the hospital for checkups in order to help identify the specific infection and be placed on antibiotics for a maximum of five to seven days.

UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection. The disease can easily be treated when detected early.