Drink Plenty Of Water
Staying hydrated and drinking as much water as possible can help keep your urinary tract healthy. According to research, regularly drinking at least six 8-ounce glasses of water each day can significantly cut your risk of getting a UTI. And, if youre someone who experiences recurrent UTIs, you may need to drink even more water.
Of course, your urinary needs will depend on a number of factors, such as how much you sweat, how much you exercise, and your body composition, but a good goal is to drink enough water that your urine is clear or very pale yellow.
Why Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice, extracts and supplements are often recommended to prevent or cure UTIs. Thats because there are special ingredients in cranberries called A-type proanthocyanidins that can prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.
In theory, this could proactively stop UTIs from happening or help you recover from one faster. But studies have found the benefits to be mixed. For example, one study found that women who drank cranberry juice experienced fewer UTIs compared to women in a control group who were given a placebo. But another study found that drinking cranberry juice made no difference. Experts believe that there may not be enough of the A-type proanthocyanidins for cranberry juice to be effective.
What Causes A Uti
A UTI occurs when bacteria, usually from either the anus, kidney stones, or from backed-up urine, is trapped in the urethra and allowed to grow. Research tells us that there are various causes for UTIs and urinary infections , and causes tend to change as we grow older. For example, in older women, a decrease in estrogen can lead to UTIs. Other factors that contribute to UTIs and UIs include:
- Living in an environment with someone that has a yeast infection or UTI
- Wearing incontinence supplies for an extended time
- Sexual activity, especially unprotected sex that can expose you to bacteria and STDs
- Kidney stones or other issues affecting the urethra, trapping urine and bacteria
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Check If It’s A Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include:
- pain or a burning sensation when peeing
- needing to pee more often than usual during the night
- pee that looks cloudy, dark or has a strong smell
- needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
- needing to pee more often than usual
- lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
- a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
- a very low temperature below 36C
Ideas To Talk To Your Doctor About
If you get a lot of UTIs, your doctor may consider:
- A daily low dose of antibiotics, taken for 6 months or longer
- Having you test yourself for a UTI at home when you have symptoms
- Taking a single dose of antibiotics after having sex
If youâve gone through menopause, you could ask about estrogen vaginal cream. After menopause, women have less estrogen in their bodies, which can cause vaginal dryness and make the urinary tract more vulnerable to infection. The treatment can help balance the areaâs pH factor and allow âgoodâ bacteria to flourish again.
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Is It Possible To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections With Diet And Supplements
It is possible to reduce the chance that a UTI will develop with dietary methods and some supplements but prevention of all UTIs is unlikely with these methods. Supplements such as eating cranberries, taking vitamin C tablets, and eating yogurt and other substances also may reduce the chance that a UTI will develop . However, as stated in the prevention section, changes in a persons lifestyle may reduce the chance getting a UTI as good as, if not better than, any diet or supplement.
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When dogs get UTIs, they may strain or have difficulty urinating, it may be painful for them to urinate, and they may have blood in their urine.
Breaking housetraining is another possible sign of a bladder problem.
Take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice the following signs: Frequent urination.
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Why Do I Keep Getting Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs can be extremely frustrating when they keep coming back. Most of the time, the recurrent infection is caused by the same pathogen as the initial infection. And about 80% of UTIs are reoccurring.
This could be due to the antibiotic resistance of the bacteria. Since we take so many antibiotics, they are becoming less and less effective against many strains of E. coli. It can also be simply physiology certain women are just more prone to urinary tract infections.
One of the keys is to make sure that you start treating a UTI as soon as you feel even very mild symptoms pop up. The longer the bacteria have a chance to multiply, the harder the infection is to get rid of.
Practicing the natural and preventive measures Ive laid out here is a great idea take a daily probiotic, vitamin C, and drink plenty of watereven if you dont have symptoms right now. These good habits can go a long way towards keeping a UTI from cropping back up.
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Why Are Some People Prone To Getting A Uti Every Time They Have Sex
You probably dont get a UTI every time you have sex. But it can feel that way if you come down with UTIs often.
Sex definitely can trigger the condition. In fact, urinary tract infections have been nicknamed “honeymoon cystitis” cystitis is another name for an infection of the bladder because frequent intercourse can lead to the development of a UTI.
Other reasons you might get recurrent UTIs are: having a new partner, having a family history of them, living with diabetes or pelvic organ prolapse, transitioning to menopause , or having difficulty fully emptying your bladder, Yavagal says.
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How To Treat A Cat Uti At Home
A cat UTI is more common in female cats than male cats.
However, male cats can have serious complications from UTIs as well.
Cats diagnosed with idiopathic cystitis can also have crystal formation. Male cats may experience blockage in their narrow urethras, which can become deadly.
Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria grows in the bladder.
UTIs and bladder infections usually cause physical discomfort, although some show no signs at all.
Cats with UTIs typically exhibit:
- Blood in urine
Things You Can Do Yourself
To help ease pain:
- takeparacetamolup to 4 times a day to reduce pain and a high temperature for people with a UTI, paracetamol is usually recommended over NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
- you can give childrenliquid paracetamol
- rest and drink enough fluids so you pass pale urine regularly during the day, especially during hot weather
Its important to follow the instructions on the packet so you know how much paracetamol you or your child can take, and how often.
It may also help to avoid having sex until you feel better.
You cannot pass a UTI on to your partner, but sex may be uncomfortable.
Taking cystitis sachets or cranberry products has not been shown to help ease symptoms of UTIs.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Uti
Not surprisingly, some of the symptoms of a UTI involve the frequency and quality of pee. Women suffering from a UTI, whether they get the infection from sex or other ways, can have a strong urge to urinate, have cloudy or red or pink urine, and may experience pain or burning during urination.
You might also get fever, shaking, or chills, and even pain in your upper back, your side, or the pelvic region.
What Causes Urinary Tract Infection
The vast majority of urinary tract infections are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli , which is usually found in the digestive system. However, other pathogens may cause a UTI. These include:
- Klebsiella pneumonia
- Enterococcus faecalis
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus
The bacteria may infect any part of the urinary tract bladder, urethra or kidneys. Depending on where the infection occurs, the UTIs are often known as:
- Cystitis infection of the bladder
- Urethritis infection of the urethra
- Pyelonephritis infection of the kidneys
The infection in urethra and bladder is usually not very serious and clears up with treatment. Similarly, ureters very rarely get infected. However, if a UTI reaches the kidneys, it may lead to kidney infections and a person may have to go to the hospital for treatment.
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Why Should I Take The Full Dose
Antibiotics work well against UTIs. You might start to feel better after being on the medicine for just a few days.
But even so, keep taking your medicine. If you stop your antibiotics too soon, you wonât kill all the bacteria in your urinary tract.
These germs can become resistant to antibiotics. That means the meds will no longer kill these bugs in the future. So if you get another UTI, the medication you take might not treat it. Take the full course of your medicine to make sure all the bacteria are dead.
Tips For Avoiding Utis
Did you know that urinary tract infections , which occur when unfriendly bacteria travels up to your bladder, send over 8 million Americans to the doctor each year? If you havent had one yet, count yourself lucky over 60% of women and 12% of men get UTIs at least once.
Chances are, if youve had a UTI or know someone who has, youll do whatever you can to avoid the burning, frequent urination, and other unpleasant symptoms it brings. The good news is that UTIs are highly treatable and often preventable if you know what steps to take.
At Urgent Care of Ada, our experienced providers offer fast and effective diagnosis and treatment of uncomfortable UTIs for our patients in Ada, Oklahoma. Our team also wants to help you prevent getting one of these painful infections in the first place.
Heres a look at our top tips for avoiding UTIs.
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Don’t Be Surprised If Your Doctor Doesn’t Rush You Into Treatment
Urinary tract infections can be tricky in older age. They’re not always as easy to spot or treat as in youth. And the decades-long approach to treatment is changing. “We’ve been hasty in using antibiotics, and we’re learning there are significant consequences that can range from side effects of medication to infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” says Dr. Helen Chen, a geriatrician at Harvard-affiliated Hebrew Rehabilitation Center.
Drink Buchu Tea To Heal Your Urinary System
- Boil a glass of water. Remove it from the flame .
- Add 2 tablespoons of dried buchu to it and let soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain it and drink 1 to 2 cups a day.
Buchu, also known as bookoo or bucco, is a herb that is very effective in treating urinary tract disorders.25 It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties that cleanse and heal your urinary tract.26
Tip: Add equal amount of uva ursi to make the drink more effective.
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How Is A Uti Diagnosed
To find out whether you have a UTI, your doctor or nurse will test a clean sample of your urine. This means you will first wipe your genital area with a special wipe. Then you will collect your urine in midstream in a cup. Your doctor or nurse may then test your urine for bacteria to see whether you have a UTI, which can take a few days.
If you have had a UTI before, your doctor may order more tests to rule out other problems. These tests may include:
- A cystogram. This is a special type of x-ray of your urinary tract. These x-rays can show any problems, including swelling or kidney stones.
- A cystoscopic exam. The cystoscope is a small tube the doctor puts into the urethra to see inside of the urethra and bladder for any problems.
Avoid Irritating Feminine Products
Some of the feminine products you use may increase your UTI vulnerability by irritating your urethra. Most of them contain chemicals that may interfere with your vaginal health and pH level. This interference can lead to the overgrowth of UTI-causing microorganisms, including the E. coli bacterium.
Some irritants you may want to avoid include
- Deodorants
- Colognes and fragrances
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Practice Good Sexual Hygiene
The also says that sexual intercourse introduces bacteria and other microbes from outside the body to the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce the number of bacteria that people can transfer during intercourse and other sexual acts.
Examples of good sexual hygiene include:
- urinating before and immediately after sex
- using barrier contraception, such as a condom
- washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
- washing the genitals or changing condoms if switching from anal sex to vaginal sex
- ensuring that sexual partners are aware of any current or previous UTIs
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What Causes Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs take hold when infectious microbes like bacteria or fungus make their way into your urinary tract. One type of bacteria in particular E. coli causes up to 90% of all UTIs. Its also responsible for at least 75% of recurring UTIs.
So chances are that if you keep getting UTIs, E. coli is involved.
Another possible UTI culprit: Candida albicans, a common fungal infection. Antibiotics can increase your risk of developing a Candida infection, and treating your UTI can actually cause another UTI! And because drug-resistant E. coli – which can cause recurrent UTIs calls for a harsher and stronger combination of antibiotics that treatment could leave you struggling with a Candida-caused UTI in its place.
That means you could end up with a UTI problem that never fully goes away. And a lingering UTI can lead to other health problems.
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Examine Your Birth Control And Lubricant
Scientific studies show that women who use diaphragms have an increased risk for developing a UTI compared to those who rely on oral contraceptives for birth control. The likelihood of developing a UTI rises if you use spermicide along with a diaphragm. Personal lubricants and condoms that contain spermicide may also contribute to UTIs by irritating the genital area and urethra. Steering clear of spermicides and exploring other birth control methods beyond a diaphragm may help you avoid future UTIs.
How Are Utis Diagnosed
Only a health care provider can treat urinary tract infections. The first thing a doctor will do is confirm that a person has a UTI by taking a clean-catch urine specimen. At the doctors office, youll be asked to clean your genital area with disposable wipes and then pee into a sterile cup.
The sample may be used for a urinalysis or a urine culture . Knowing what bacteria are causing the infection can help your doctor choose the best treatment.
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Preventing Urinary Tract Infections With Medication
UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. If you are suffering from recurrent UTIs, it may be worth asking your doctor for a repeat prescription to prevent the infection from coming back.
If you are taking antibiotics to treat an existing infection, it can take a few days for your symptoms to clear. To ease any pain or discomfort during this time, you can:
- Place a hot water bottle on you tummy, back or between your thighs
- Take time to rest and recover
- Drink lots of fluids to help flush out bacteria
A doctor may also advise taking painkillers such as paracetamol. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor for further guidance on whether to use these medications and how to get and use them.
Info
If you have a kidney infection, avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , as these can lead to kidney problems. Dont stop taking any prescription medication until you have spoken to your doctor
There is also
Oestrogen may help promote the bodys natural production of the good bacteria lactobacillus, which can protect against harmful bacteria.
However, this process is poorly understood and conversely, oestrogen may also make it easier for bacteria to invade the bodys cells.
Read more
Treatment From A Gp For Utis That Keep Coming Back
If your UTI comes back after treatment, or you have 2 UTIs in 6 months, a GP may:
- prescribe a different antibiotic or prescribe a low-dose antibiotic to take for up to 6 months
- prescribe a vaginal cream containing oestrogen, if you have gone through the menopause
- refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatments
In some people, antibiotics do not work or urine tests do not pick up an infection, even though you have UTI symptoms.
This may mean you have a long-term UTI that is not picked up by current urine tests. Ask the GP for a referral to a specialist for further tests and treatments.
Long-term UTIs are linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer in people aged 60 and over.
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