Tuesday, March 12, 2024

How To Get Rid Of A Urinary Tract Infection

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How Can I Prevent Utis

Treating Urinary Tract Infections Naturally – Dr. Mark Ellerkmann – Mercy

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection, you know that once is more than enough. The good news is you may be able to prevent UTIs. Try these simple tips:

  • Drink a lot of fluids .

  • Pee when you need to. Don’t hold it.

  • Pee before and after sex.

  • Wash the skin around your anus and genitals with warm water and gentle soap.

  • Use barriers like condoms and dental dams during sex, especially during sexual contact with your anus.

Also, anything that touches or goes into your anus like a finger, penis, or sex toy should be thoroughly washed before touching other genitals.

If youve got a vulva, wipe from front to back after using the bathroom and keep your vulva clean and dry. You can do this by wearing underwear with a cotton crotch and not using douches, powder, or deodorant sprays in your vagina.

If you get frequent UTIs, drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplement pills might help prevent them. If none of these things help, your nurse or doctor may give you a low dose antibiotic to take on a regular basis or after sex. So its also a good idea to talk to a doctor or nurse to see if there are any other reasons you might be getting UTIs.

Do I Need To See A Doctor

Yes. Painful urination can be a symptom of a more serious problem. You should tell your doctor about your symptoms and how long youve had them. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, such as diabetes mellitus or AIDS, because these could affect your bodys response to infection. Tell your doctor about any known abnormality in your urinary tract, and if you are or might be pregnant. Tell your doctor if youve had any procedures or surgeries on your urinary tract. He or she also need to know if you were recently hospitalized or stayed in a nursing home.

If your doctor thinks your pain may be from vaginal inflammation, he or she may wipe the lining of your vagina with a swab to collect mucus. The mucus will be looked at under a microscope to see if it has yeast or other organisms. If your pain is from an infection in your urethra , your doctor may swab it to test for bacteria. If an infection cant be found, your doctor may suggest other tests.

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Whats The Difference Between A Urinary Tract Infection And Bladder Infection

A urinary tract infection is a more general type of infection. There are many parts of your urinary tract. A UTI is a term for an infection that takes place throughout the urinary tract. A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a specific infection. In this infection, bacteria makes its way into the bladder and causes inflammation.

Not all urinary tract infections become bladder infections. Preventing the spread of the infection is one of the most important reasons to treat a UTI quickly when you have symptoms. The infection can spread not only to the bladder, but also into your kidneys, which is a more complicated type of infection than a UTI.

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Can You Have A Bladder Infection With Clear Urine

Common UTI Symptoms and Signs

The urine of most healthy, properly hydrated people appears light yellow or clear and is nearly free of odor. It also causes zero pain or discomfort to pass. But for the majority of people who experience a urinary tract infection, thats not the case.

What is a hidden UTI? A silent UTI is just like a regular UTI, only without the typical symptoms that prove our immune system is fighting off the infection. Thats why those with weaker immune systems, especially the elderly, are more prone to silent UTIs. Urinary tract infections are risky to begin with.

Can you have a UTI for months and not know it?

Symptoms of a UTI can vary, and its not entirely uncommon for someone to experience no symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Its estimated that 1 to 5 percent of younger women experience asymptomatic bacteriuria , which is a UTI without the classic symptoms.

What happens if UTI goes untreated for months? Untreated urinary tract infections may spread to the kidney, causing more pain and illness. It can also cause sepsis. The term urosepsis describes sepsis caused by a UTI. Sometimes incorrectly called blood poisoning, sepsis is the bodys often deadly response to infection or injury.

Why Antibiotics Sometimes Dont Work

The Natural Way to Get Rid of a Urinary Tract Infection ...

Most UTIs arent serious. But if left untreated, the infection can spread up to the kidneys and bloodstream and become life threatening. Kidney infections can lead to kidney damage and kidney scarring.

Symptoms of a UTI usually improve within 2 to 3 days after starting antibiotic therapy. Many doctors prescribe an antibiotic for at least 3 days.

While this type of medication is the standard treatment, researchers are noticing that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are reducing the effectiveness of some antibiotics in treating UTIs.

Some UTIs dont clear up after antibiotic therapy. When an antibiotic medication doesnt stop the bacteria from causing an infection, the bacteria continue to multiply.

The overuse or misuse of antibiotics is often the reason for antibiotic resistance. This can happen when the same antibiotic is prescribed over and over again for recurrent UTIs. Because of this risk, experts have been looking for ways to treat UTIs without antibiotics.

Some research has shown that UTIs can be treated without traditional antibiotics by targeting E. colis surface component for adhesion, FimH.

Typically, the urinary tract flushes away bacteria when you urinate. But according to researchers, FimH can cause E. coli to firmly attach to the cells in the urinary tract. And because of this tight grip, its hard for the body to naturally flush the bacteria from the urinary tract.

Also Check: How Does Sickle Cell Affect The Urinary System

Up Your Vitamin C Intake

Theres some scientific evidence that increasing your vitamin C intake can help your body fight off infections, including those in the urinary tract. Thats because vitamin C can increase urine acidity, giving it antibacterial capabilities.

In one study, pregnant women who took 100 mg of vitamin C had less than half the risk of developing a UTI than the control group.

If you want to use vitamin C to treat or prevent a UTI, talk to your provider, who can help you decide how much to supplement. Another way to increase vitamin C intake is by eating foods that are rich in the vitamin, like red peppers, kiwi, and citrus fruits.

If you have a current UTI, citrus fruit and juice may irritate your bladder, so be sure to monitor your symptoms if you decide to up your vitamin C intake.

Remedies For Bladder Infections

If you think you have a bladder infection, you should contact your doctor and schedule an outpatient appointment. Youâll need medication to get rid of the bacterial infection. That said, there are home remedies you can also use to help ease symptoms and help with the healing process. Here are five remedies and treatments for bladder infections that you can use:

1. See your doctor for an antibiotic

If youâre diagnosed with a bladder infection, your doctor will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic. Antibiotics work by getting rid of the bacteria that is causing your bladder infection. Research has shown that antibiotics are effective and perform better than a placebo.

You need to complete the full course of the prescribed antibiotic, even when you start to feel better. If you stop the antibiotic before completing the prescription, you risk getting another infection. In an uncomplicated or simple bladder infection, youâll typically notice an improvement in your symptoms within a day or two of starting the antibiotic. Your doctor may select an antibiotic treatment course that will last three to five days. In complicated bladder infections, the course is longer, typically seven to fourteen days.

2. Drink more water

When caring for a bladder infection, itâs critical to drink lots of fluids to help flush the bacteria out of your bladder. The additional fluids also help dilute your urine, which can make urinating less painful while youâre healing from the infection.

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How To Get Rid Of Urinary Tract Infections

So you had what my emergency room doctor referred to as vigorous sexual intercourse, and now youre peeing blood. Or maybe it just burns when you pee, which is confusing because youre pretty sure you dont have an STI. There are other symptoms, too, like you have a fever, you feel like you have to pee all the time even when you dont, you ache, and it really, really hurts when you have to pee. I mean, really. Like, you wont drink any water, anything just so you dont have to pee anymore. But if it is just a urinary tract infection, dont worry. You wont die, even if you want to. There is help.

Urinary tract infections may be caused by many different things, but a common cause is the introduction of bacteria into the urethra. Women are more likely to get urinary tract infections than men because their urethra is much shorter and bacteria find it easier to get into the bladder via that short distance. Vigorous sexual intercourse can push bacteria into the urethra where it travels to the bladder. Once bacteria has made it into the bladder, then they reproduce quickly, causing all kinds of nasty symptoms.

Vitamin C Kills Harmful Bacteria

How to Get Rid of a Urinary Tract Infection | Premium Health Care & Fitness

Foods and fruits rich in vitamin C boosts immunity and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. It also makes the urine acidic enough to kill the infection-cause. So, any man who is already suffering from urinary tract infection must have foods that are enriched with vitamin C. Mango, papaya, strawberries, watermelon, kiwi, grapefruit, orange, berries, pineapple, cantaloupe are some of the fruits that are the rich sources of vitamin C. Other than these, you should also make broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, and tomatoes integral to your regular diet. This way, you will keep yourself safe from the troubles of urinary tract infections.

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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 person’s lifestyle may reduce the chance getting a UTI as good as, if not better than, any diet or supplement.

Staying Hygienic And Healthy

  • 1Maintain excellent urinary hygiene. While proper hygiene is generally considered a preventative measure against urinary tract infections, it is also an essential part of getting rid of the infection sooner. The more you can incorporate healthy and hygienic practices, the better off you will beXResearch source
  • Wipe from the front to the back after using the bathroom. This is especially important for women, who should always wipe from front to back.XResearch source
  • 2Clean before and after sex. Sexual intercourse is one of how bacteria can be introduced into a womanâs urethra, eventually ending up in the bladder.XResearch source To help prevent this, the genital and anal areas should be cleaned before and after sexual activity. Women should also urinate before and after sexual activity. Avoid body lotions and Massage oils as a lubricant unless it says it’s safe. These have chemicals that can lead to an infection.
  • Urinating after intercourse empties the bladder and flushes out bacteria.
  • UTIs are not infectious, and you cannot catch one from somebody else.XResearch source
  • 3Wear the right clothing. Certain clothes can make it more difficult to get rid of your UTI. Tight-fitting underwear which is made of non-breathable materials can enable a moist and bacteria-friendly environment to develop adjacent to the bladder. For these reasons, go for cotton underwear, rather than non-absorbent fabrics like nylon.XResearch source
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    Cure A Urinary Tract Infection With Antibiotics

    The only way to really get rid of a UTI is with antibiotics. A quick appointment with your doctor, a small urine sample to check for bacteria in your urine, and a quick keep-your-clothes-on-exam is all you need. Most UTIs are fairly simple and require only a three day course of cheap antibiotics to clear up. Whats even better is that the antibiotics are so fast working that the scream-while-youre-peeing pain that comes with the UTI is gone in less than a day. Usually by the time youre on your second dose, youre not afraid of the sound of running water.

    You Can Look Out For The Following Symptoms To Confirm A Urinary Tract Infection:

    4 Best Ways to Get Rid of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI ...
    • Burning like sensation while urinating
    • Foul odor from the urine
    • Very frequent urge to urinate
    • Dark-colored urine
    • Uneasiness because of the incomplete passage of urine out of the body

    To your surprise, the home remedies for urinary tract infections are quite simple to bring in effect. So, lets begin with the best home remedies to use for curing urinary tract infections in males.

    Also Check: What Is The Most Common Cause Of Urinary Tract Infections

    Can I Become Immune To The Antibiotics Used To Treat A Uti

    Your body can actually get used to the antibiotics typically used to treat a urinary tract infection . This happens in people who have very frequent infections. With each UTI and use of antibiotics to treat it, the infection adapts and becomes harder to fight. This is called an antibiotic-resistant infection. Because of this, your healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments if you have frequent UTIs. These could include:

    • Waiting: Your provider may suggest that you watch your symptoms and wait. During this time, you may be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids in an effort to flush out your system.
    • Intravenous treatment: In some very complicated cases, where the UTI is resistant to antibiotics or the infection has moved to your kidneys, you may need to be treated in the hospital. The medicine will be given to you directly in your vein . Once youre home, you will be prescribed antibiotics for a period of time to fully get rid of the infection.

    How Does A Urinary Tract Infection Happen

    A urinary tract infection develops when microbes enter the urinary tract. Bacteria, and often E.coli which lives in the bowel, is the most common cause of UTIs. Women are more likely to get a urinary tract infection because their urethra is shorter than a mans. This allows bacteria easier access to the bladder. A womans urethral opening is also closer to sources of bacteria that come from the vagina and anus.

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    What Are Other Possible Causes Of Painful Urination

    A painful burning feeling when you urinate is often a sign of a urinary tract infection . However, painful urination can occur even if you dont have an infection. Certain drugs, like some used in cancer chemotherapy, may inflame the bladder. Something pressing against the bladder or a kidney stone stuck near the entrance to the bladder can also cause painful urination.

    Painful urination can also be caused by vaginal infection or irritation. You might be sensitive to chemicals in products such as douches, vaginal lubricants, soaps, scented toilet paper, or contraceptive foams or sponges. If it hurts to urinate after youve used these products, youre probably sensitive to them.

    Looking For More Natural Remedies

    How to Get Rid of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) || Home Remedies for UTI || UTI Treatment

    As you may know, I’m extremely passionate about providing women with all the details they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

    I’m not in any way against pharmaceuticals when they are necessary and indicated for a particular treatment. Antibiotics have a time and a place in our health. But when other options are safe and effective, I like to offer women choices that include natural options they can administer themselves.

    If you’re into that sort of balance too, I’d love to send you an email when I post new articles. Hop on my mailing list HERE so I can share my research with you!

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    Soothe Uti Pain With Heat

    Inflammation and irritation from UTIs cause burning, pressure, and pain around your pubic area, says Kandis Rivers, MD, a urologist in the Henry Ford Health System in Wast Bloomfield, Michigan. Applying a heating pad can help soothe the area. Keep the heat setting low, dont apply it directly to the skin, and limit your use to 15 minutes at a time to avoid burns.

    Is Turmeric Good For Uti

    Curcumins strong antibacterial properties help treat urinary tract infections and boost immune system activity.

    Can baking soda get rid of UTI? Urinary tract infections

    Soaking in a baking soda bath may help to neutralize the acid in your urine, remove germs, and aid in healing. It may also relieve painful urination.

    Is drinking baking soda good for UTI? People must remember that baking soda can be very harmful when taken incorrectly. In addition to this, research does not support the use of baking soda as an effective treatment for UTIs.

    What makes a UTI worse?

    Additionally, a number of common foods and drinks artificial sweeteners, spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, acidic fruits, citrus, or caffeinated drinks can irritate your bladder, and may worsen UTI symptoms so you should steer clear of them if you have signs of a bladder infection.

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