A ureteral stent is a flexible tube placed within the ureter, connecting the kidney to the bladder. Many individuals with a ureteral stent wonder about resuming normal activities, including using a hot tub. This common question arises due to concerns about hygiene and potential health implications while the stent is in place. Understanding the stent’s function and associated risks is helpful for making informed decisions during the recovery period.
Understanding Ureteral Stents
A ureteral stent is a flexible tube that holds the ureter open. Its primary purpose is to ensure urine flows freely from the kidney to the bladder, bypassing blockages. These blockages can result from kidney stones, tumors, or swelling after a surgical procedure. Stents help prevent urine from backing up into the kidney, which could lead to swelling and potential damage.
Most ureteral stents are temporary, remaining in place for days, weeks, or months, depending on the reason for their insertion. The stent has coiled ends, called a “double J” or “pig-tail” stent, which help secure it in the kidney and bladder, preventing displacement. The procedure for placing a stent involves a cystoscope, a thin tube with a camera, guided through the urethra into the bladder and then into the ureter.
Why Hot Tubs Pose a Risk
Hot tubs are not advised for individuals with ureteral stents due to a heightened risk of infection. The warm, stagnant water in hot tubs can harbor bacteria, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. A ureteral stent provides a direct pathway from the bladder up to the kidney, compromising the body’s natural defenses against ascending infections. This direct access means that bacteria from the water can enter the urinary tract and travel to the kidney, leading to a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
The presence of the stent itself increases susceptibility to infection because bacteria can adhere to its surface. Additionally, the chemicals used to treat hot tub water, such as chlorine, can cause irritation to the sensitive tissues around the urethra, causing discomfort or worsening existing irritation from the stent. Avoiding hot tubs helps mitigate these specific risks.
Safe Hygiene and Activities with a Stent
Maintaining good hygiene is important while a ureteral stent is in place to minimize infection risk. Showering is permitted and safe, as it avoids prolonged submersion. When showering, gently clean the genital area with warm water and mild soap. After showering, pat dry carefully with a clean towel.
Prolonged submersion in baths is often discouraged. Some sources suggest warm baths can help with stent discomfort, but consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice is essential. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily, helps reduce blood in the urine and lowers infection risk by flushing the urinary system. Most people can return to daily activities within a week after stent placement, though strenuous activity may cause discomfort or blood in the urine.
Recognizing Potential Complications
While ureteral stents are safe, it is important to recognize symptoms that indicate a complication, such as an infection or stent irritation. Common signs of infection include frequent or intense urges to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, and dark, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine. Other indicators are fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. Pain in the side or groin, or severe flank pain near the lower back, may signal a problem.
Constant dark bloody urine that does not improve with increased fluid intake, or thick clots in the urine, warrants medical attention. If severe pain is not relieved by medication, or if there is an inability to urinate, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Seeking medical advice for these symptoms is important to ensure proper treatment and prevent further complications.