According to a recent study, around 50-60% of women will experience a UTI at some point in their lives, with many dealing with this infection several times over. But what exactly is a UTI, and how can you manage it? Read on to find out more!
What is a UTI?
A UTI (Urinary Tract Infection is a common infection caused when bacteria enters the urethra and infects the urinary tract. Symptoms include:
- Pain in your lower abdomen and lower back
- Difficulties with bladder control
- An increased desire to go to the bathroom but not passing much urine
- A ‘burning’ or ‘stinging’ sensation when peeing
- Cloudy urine
What can cause a UTI?
One of the most common questions asked relating to UTIs is, “Can sperm cause a UTI?”
Sperm cannot cause a UTI. This is a common misconception, likely due to the fact that sexual activity can increase your chances of contracting a UTI, but this is because the bacteria can be passed from one partner to the other through intercourse.
UTIs are instead caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract.
How can I treat a UTI?
Reach out to a medical professional. Reaching out to a medical professional is the most effective way to start treating a UTI. This is because they will be able to provide you not only with an accurate diagnosis but also access to the kind of treatment that you will need moving forward. For example, it could be that you need to take a round of antibiotics.
Take all of your medication. A startling number of patients will stop taking medication when they begin feeling better, even if they have not taken the entire course. This increases the chances of the infection recurring, often leaving you with worse symptoms.
Stay hydrated. Drinking more water can also help to speed up the recovery process. This is because staying hydrated can help to ‘flush’ the bacteria out of your symptoms, easing any pain or discomfort you may feel during this time. Some people find that drinking cranberry juice can also be useful. This is because cranberries “contain a substance that can prevent bacteria from sticking on the walls of the bladder.”
Avoid caffeine. While you may find it hard to start your day off without a cup of coffee, caffeine can act as an irritant, which could increase the discomfort you feel during this time. As such, you may want to switch to decaf for a short period of time, at least until you start feeling better.
How can I prevent a UTI?
Increasing your awareness of UTIs and the ways in which they can be contracted means that you can prevent chances of getting sick in the future. This is because you are able to then take the proper measures to protect yourself (and your health).
Final thought. Many of those who are dealing with a UTI avoid seeking out help due to embarrassment. However, they are an incredibly common condition that over 50% of women deal with at some stage in their lives. Furthermore, they are relatively easy to treat, provided that you seek help as quickly as possible.