How To Deal With UTIs!

It is highly unlikely that there’s anyone who enjoys having an infection. Especially those that you get down there. Peeing and the burning sensation experienced can be very painful and uncomfortable. This is quite common with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and they can cause a range of symptoms.

In this article, we would like to help you understand how to go about treating a UTI.

What is a urinary tract infection?

It is a type of infection that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply. This infection can affect one or more areas within the urinary tract, including the; urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. Your urine typically doesn’t contain bacteria (germs). Urine is a byproduct of our filtration system—the kidneys. However, bacteria can get into the urinary system from outside of the body, causing problems like infection and inflammation. This is a urinary tract infection (UTI).

What causes a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Though UTIs can affect anyone, they’re more common in women. This is because women have shorter urethras, so it’s easier for bacteria to enter their bladder. UTIs in men are often related to an enlarged prostate blocking the flow of urine. In more than 90%of cases, the bacterium Escherichia coli is the cause of UTI. This bacterium is found inside the intestines and is harmless. but when it gets into the urinary tract it causes an infection.

Sex can also trigger a UTI in women. This is because intercourse can move bacteria from the anal area to near the opening of the urethra and this is mainly why women are advised to pee after sex.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

UTIs cause the lining of the urinary tract to become red and irritated (inflammation), which leads to the following symptoms:

• frequent urge to urinate, often producing little urine

• painful, burning sensation while urinating

• cloudy or foul-smelling urine

• lower abdominal pain

• urine leakage

• bloody urine

• lower back pain

Other symptoms that may be associated with a urinary tract infection include:

• Pain during sex

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Vomiting

• Penis pain (In men)

Is it possible to treat UTIs without antibiotics?

Yes, you could try:

1. Staying hydrated - Water helps the urinary tract organs remove waste from the body efficiently while retaining vital nutrients and electrolytes.

2. Pee, when you need to - Frequent urination can help, flush bacteria from the urinary tract. It also reduces the amount of time that bacteria in the urine are exposed to cells in the tract, limiting the risk of them attaching to and infecting these cells.

3. Try cranberry juice - is one of the most well-established natural treatments for UTIs and contains an ingredient that stops bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract.

4. Take probiotics - Beneficial bacteria, called probiotics, can help keep the urinary tract healthy and free from harmful bacteria. In particular, probiotics in the Lactobacillus group. They exist in several products that contain dairy, are fermented, or both, including; yoghurt, kefir and some cheeses.

5. Take enough vitamin C - It reacts with nitrates in urine to form nitrogen oxides that can kill bacteria and can lower the pH of urine, making it less likely that bacteria will survive.

6. Wipe from front to back - After urinating, wipe in a way that prevents bacteria from moving from the anus to the genitals. Use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus

7. Wear loose clothing - Wearing cotton-lined and loose-fitting clothing may ease symptoms of an existing UTI infection by helping to keep the area dry and clean.

When should I see a doctor?

If you suspect that you have a UTI, seek a doctor and they will advise on the best way of treating it. While antibiotics may not always be necessary, it is still important to seek medical attention. This reduces the risk of developing a more severe infection that is harder to treat. If you have been diagnosed with a UTI and your symptoms are getting worse, call your healthcare provider. You may need a different treatment.

The bottom line

Most people develop a UTI at some point, and these infections are more common in females. Many UTIs go away on their own or with primary care but if symptoms persist see your doctor and get treated promptly with antibiotics.

Stay informed, stay in control Do you now know how to deal with UTIs?

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