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How To Prevent UTI? 7 Tips To Avoid Urinary Tract Infections

There’s a lot to celebrate about being a woman, childbirth, girls’ night out, and dresses with pockets. Sadly, there is a downside. It’s our urethra. The tube that leads urine out of the bladder is shorter in women than in men, making us more susceptible to urinary tract infections. We know, we thought having to sit in public toilets was the worst of it too.

First off, we want you to know that millions of women suffer from UTIs around the world, so you’re not alone. The source of the infection may vary from case to case but the telltale signs are usually the same. Frequent urination, a burning sensation, cloudy pee, a strong odour, and pelvic pain are all indications that you need to visit a doctor.
If you’ve had a UTI, you know it makes you more likely to get one again. You also know, it’s not fun. There are however a few simple and effective steps towards better hygiene and health that will allow you to take the matter into your own hands.

What Are The Symptoms of UTI?

Frequent and painful urination: One of the most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is the need to urinate more often than usual, accompanied by a burning or stinging sensation during urination. This occurs because bacteria have entered the urinary tract, irritating the lining of the bladder or urethra.
Persistent urge to urinate, even when the bladder is empty: Individuals with UTIs often feel a constant urge to urinate, even immediately after emptying their bladder. This sensation, known as urinary urgency, is caused by inflammation and irritation of the bladder lining due to the infection.
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine: UTIs can cause changes in the appearance and odor of urine. Urine may appear cloudy or murky, indicating the presence of bacteria, pus, or white blood cells. Additionally, urine may emit a strong, foul odor due to the byproducts produced by the infecting bacteria.
Pelvic pain or discomfort: Some individuals with UTIs experience pelvic pain or pressure, typically located in the lower abdomen or around the pubic area. This discomfort may range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by feelings of heaviness or bloating.
Lower abdominal pain: UTIs may also cause generalized lower abdominal pain or cramping, similar to menstrual cramps. This discomfort is often dull or achy and may worsen during urination or sexual intercourse.

How you can fight and prevent UTIs

Practice good vaginal hygiene.

Cleaning yourself from front to back when you use the toilet can help reduce the spread of harmful germs. But this doesn’t mean that you should clean your vagina with an intimate wash. Yup we said vagina! And you should too. The vagina is self cleaning. You may have noticed a clear or white discharge, that’s your body’s way of cleaning itself out. As long as it doesn’t have a strong scent or colour, discharge is completely normal and a sign of good health. Using intimate washes with perfumes messes up the pH and causes a world of discomfort. So before you buy one, remember your vagina cleans itself. Now, to teach your handbag that trick.

Don’t hold in your pee

Procrastination does more than cause anxiety. Holding in your pee for some time over a period of time can cause a buildup of bacteria in the bladder. If you do this often, the bacteria multiply and can cause a UTI. This is a problem especially faced by pregnant women as the urge to pee becomes more frequent. When you get the urge don’t fight it, head to the little ladies’ room and empty your bladder, completely. And remember front to back.

Drink lots of water

Bet you’re not surprised to find this nugget of information. But then why are your lips dry? Go ahead, take a sip. That’s better. Hydration Hydration can solve all your problems. Not only will drinking water flush out bacteria it will also prevent bacteria from building up in the future.

Cranberries are great in the fight against UTIs

For those of you flinching at drinking tasteless water, you may have heard of cranberry juice. But don’t celebrate with a toast just yet. While cranberries do fight UTIs, cranberry juice, in most cases is just artificial colouring and sugars. Pure cranberry juice, fresh from the fruit can be expensive and not as effective as a supplement. And for those watching their weight it does pack on a whole lot of calories. Taking it in supplement form avoids the added calories while reaping all the benefits. Cranberry has compounds called proanthocyanidins (PACs) that may prevent E.coli from adhering to tissues in the urinary tract.

Up your dose of vitamin C

You already know it’s great for your skin, but how does it work down there? Large amounts of vitamin C help limit the growth of bacteria. A hostile environment for bad bacteria is all we can hope for. Healthy skin as a side effect? Sign us up.

Wear cotton underwear

It may not be the sexiest option, but having no UTI definitely is. Synthetic fibers like polyester, lycra, and spandex trap heat. Since south of the equator is already a tropical climate you may want to avoid that. Why? Well, fungus and yeast thrive in a dark and humid atmosphere. While cotton underwear is no frilly, lace thong, it does set a different kind of ambience. Breathable, light and natural cotton is best for everyday wear and tear.

Hibiscus is great at preventing UTIs

Studies have found that hibiscus extract has strong anti-oxidant properties. It has been known to reduce swelling and infections in the kidney, urethra, and bladder region. Just another reason to love the tropical flower.
We’ve armed you with all the information. Now it’s up to U to cross the Ts and dot the Is, of health care down there. Remember 50% of all women experience a UTI at some point in their lives so there is nothing to be ashamed of.

When to Consult Medical Help for UTI Treatment.
It's crucial to seek medical help for UTI treatment if symptoms persist or worsen despite home remedies, or if you experience recurrent UTIs. If you develop severe symptoms such as high fever, severe abdominal or back pain, or blood in the urine, seek medical attention immediately, as these may indicate a more serious infection requiring urgent treatment. Early diagnosis and proper management can help prevent complications and ensure effective resolution of the UTI

Conclusion:

In conclusion, adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and urinating frequently can significantly reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Additionally, avoiding irritants like tight clothing and using gentle, pH-balanced hygiene products can help maintain the natural balance of the urinary tract. By incorporating these preventative measures into daily routines, individuals can empower themselves to minimize the occurrence of UTIs and promote overall urinary health.

FAQs

Can you stop a UTI in early stages?

Early detection and prompt action can sometimes prevent a UTI from worsening. Drinking plenty of water, urinating frequently, and using over-the-counter urinary pain relievers may help alleviate symptoms. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How do you stop a UTI when you feel it coming?

To prevent a UTI from progressing, increase fluid intake, particularly water, to flush out bacteria. Urinate frequently to help eliminate bacteria from the urinary tract. Additionally, consider using over-the-counter urinary analgesics to relieve discomfort. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly.

Why do I keep getting urinary tract infections?

Recurrent UTIs can be caused by various factors such as improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, hormonal changes, underlying health conditions, or structural abnormalities in the urinary tract. Consulting a healthcare provider can help identify the underlying cause and develop a personalized prevention plan.

What are 3 symptoms of a UTI?

Three common symptoms of a UTI include frequent and painful urination, a persistent urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Other symptoms may include pelvic pain, lower abdominal discomfort, fever, or fatigue.

Can UTI go away on its own?

In some cases, mild UTIs may resolve on their own without treatment, especially if caught early. However, it's essential to monitor symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they persist or worsen. Untreated UTIs can lead to complications such as kidney infections, so prompt diagnosis and proper treatment are recommended.