There is something in the water in your favorite bath house. . . And it can only give you one out. On the Reddit page R/WilliamsburgSome spa-goers claim to have developed A urinary tract infection (uti) After visiting the popular Bathhouse Spa in NYC. “I noticed that the hot tub and body temp looked pretty dirty and rough,” wrote the original poster. “I thought it would be good, but then I ended up with one out.” The same person said that their friend went to another bathhouse place in the Flatiron district and also ended with one out.
Several redditors in the comments seemed to confirm that this was not an isolated experience. “I went to Williamsburg Bathhouse last Sunday and got a terrible one within 48 hours,” said a commentator, leaving that they had never received one before. “I’m sure it came from Bathhouse. The water just felt ick for me, especially the lukewarm pool. Maybe they don’t use enough chlorine or something?”
In general, bathhouses offer shared amenities such as common pools, saunas, cold throwsAnd steam room. If Bathhouse really is the source of these UTIs, redditors have any theories as to why. One is a lack of chlorine in the pools, which usually kill bacteria and other bacteria that can cause out. Others believe that the baths simply are not kept properly. “I noticed that several pools were dirty, as if you can literally see things flowing in the pool from other people,” wrote a Redditor.
Another possible explanation is that basic hygiene is missing and shower not enforced. “I have complained several times that they do not execute people who shower before leaving the dressing room,” says a Redditor. “You should shower thoroughly with soap in the shower in (The) cabinet before entering (The) spa.” This is a great way to remove sweat and bacteria from the skin before entering a common area (which can help Prevent things like Utis). Bathhouse did not immediately respond to PS’s request for comment.
It is impossible to say whether Bathhouse is the root cause of all these UTS (although redditors make a strong case, anecdotally). What we can say is that Utis is often caused of bacteria that enter the urethra and bladder. This can manifest itself in symptoms such as pain or burning under pee, the often desire to pee, cloudy urine and pelvic pain. Proper amounts of chlorine, clean pools and good hygiene are all necessary when it comes to preventing these infections, and no bathhouse is exempt. Other ways to prevent one UT includes replacing wet clothes, wearing loose clothes and remains hydrated.
The next time you visit a bathhouse, look at your surroundings. Looks the pools clean out? Are other guests showered before they use the facilities? Feel free to ask the bathhouse about their specific policies in advance. A common bathhouse may sound attractive, but you never know what may be below the surface.
Chandler Plante (She/her) is the assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of experience in professional journalism, who previously worked as an editorial assistant for the magazine People and contributes to Ladygunn, Millie and Bustle Digital Group.
