In summer, there is an increased risk of UTI for those at risk, but it is not just excess sweat that is to be blamed, explains Dr Jain. As the climate turns more humid with the approaching monsoon, and the heat of the summer is still palpable, excessive sweating has become increasingly common.UTI is an infection in the urinary tract. (Pexel)Also Read | Neurologist Dr Rahul Chawla shares 5 health issues that can leave you feeling constantly tiredAccording to Dr Abhinav Jain, consultant in the department of urology at Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, while sweating is the body's natural way of regulating temperature, it can also create conditions that increase the risk of certain health problems, including urinary tract infections (UTIs).Speaking with HT Lifestyle, he shared that while sweating itself does not directly cause a UTI, the dehydration and hygiene-related challenges associated with hot weather can contribute to a higher risk of infection. He went on to explain what those challenges are and what can be done about them.What exactly is a UTI?A urinary tract infection is a type of infection that occurs when bacteria enter and multiply within the urinary system. This includes parts of the body like the kidneys, bladder and urethra, noted Dr Jain.“Since women have a shorter urethra, they are generally much more susceptible to UTIs because it allows for bacteria to reach the bladder a lot more easily,” he explained.Frequent urge to visit the toilet but not being able to pee might be a sign of UTI, shares Dr Jain. (Pexel)The urologist also shared the common symptoms of UTI, which are presented as follows.Burning sensation while urinatingFrequent urge to go, but being able to pee small amountsHaving cloudy or foul-smelling urinePelvic discomfort, back or side acheBlood in urineFever, chills and nauseaCan sweating increase the risk of UTI?According to Dr Jain, excessive sweating alone cannot cause a urinary tract infection. The concern lies in what happens when fluid losses are not adequately replaced in time.“The body loses a significant amount of water through perspiration in the summer. Dehydration often leads to reduced urine production and, therefore, less frequent urination,” explained the urologist.“Urinating at regular intervals helps to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract before they have a chance to multiply. However, as the urine output is decreased in summer, the bacteria may remain in the bladder for a longer time. This potentially increases the likelihood of an infection, especially for people who are already prone to UTIs.”Summer routines may also be an indirect contributor, as people may go on long journeys without bathroom breaks, might delay urination or spend too much time in wet swimwear, he cautioned.Who should be more cautious?Certain individuals may be at a higher risk of developing UTIs during the summer, including:Women, especially those with a history of recurrent UTIsOlder adults who may not consume adequate fluidsIndividuals with diabetesPeople who spend long hours outdoors in hot weatherThose who frequently delay urination despite feeling the urgeNote to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.Debapriya Bhattacharya is a Content Producer at Hindustan Times. He started his career in 2022, working in newsrooms in beats like education, US news, trending stories, and entertainment. In his new role in the lifestyle desk, he seeks to deliver a balanced blend of research-driven reporting and creative storytelling from health and recipes to art and culture. Science, philosophy, food and pop culture are what pump his veins and help bring heart to his stories. Debapriya tries to see out subjects that will allow him and readers to explore new frontiers and improve the quality of life for all. The explorations can be both external and internal, as thoughts seek to be as chaotic as the greater universe. As a citizen of the world, Debapriya has been fascinated by the lives of people across the globe throughout time. His curiosity leads him to explore new linguistic and cultural landscapes to broaden his horizons and deepen his understanding of global narratives. Beyond the newsroom, Debapriya loves to participate in debate and theatre, spaces that he considers to be holy grounds for nuance and self-expression. A graduate from Ashutosh College, University of Calcutta, Debapriya completed his Master's degree from the same university in 2022. An ambiverted bibliophile, he loves his solitude as much as he adores stimulating conversations. And despite his reverence for tech, libraries continue to be his favourite place for research.Read MoreHealthCatch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.See Less