How To Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection
Sometimes, women just "know" they have a UTI. They have to pee every minute, only a little pee comes out and it burns very badly. While some men can get UTIs, they occur more commonly in women and, according to the National Kidney Foundation, one in two women (that's 50 percent of all women!) will suffer from a UTI in their lifetime. This is because the urinary tract of a woman is much smaller than that of a man and it's easier for bacteria to cause an infection. Recurrences are common and the whole situation is not a fun time at all.
If you're a Jersey Shore fan, you watched last week's episode when poor Snooki complained of having a UTI and showed absolutely no shame in tinkling everywhere and anywhere. Also, did anyone else catch when Snooki and Deena didn't wash their hands after going to the bathroom in da club? Ew! Snooki thought it was a good idea to drink tons of alcohol to make the pain go away. Yea, um, not the best idea in the world.
Let's start from the beginning: A woman's urinary tract is the system that makes urine and carries it out of her body. This includes the bladder and the kidneys and the tubes that connect them. When germs get into this system, they can cause an infection. Most of these infections have to do with the bladder. If the infection isn't treated, it can spread to your kidneys, which is much more serious and can cause permanent damage.
So how do germs get into your system?
Through your urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of the body. Germs like E. coli live in the large intestine and are found in your stool. If these germs get into your urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside, you can get a UTI.
A major cause of UTIs for women results from having sex, an act that makes it easier for germs to get into your urethra. (Visual: Think about how close your anus is to your vagina.) It's certainly uncomfortable to think about, but even if you're clean, bacteria is bacteria. Getting a cold or sinus infection is also a result of bacteria and doesn't mean you are dirty! So first things first -- DON'T be ashamed! It's more common than you think!
What are the symptoms?
While symptoms may vary from person to person, some common symptoms of a UTI are:
- Pain and burning when you pee
- You feel like you always have to pee, but only a little bit comes out
- Your pee is cloudy and maybe smells bad (not from the asparagus you ate last night!)
- You have a fever or chills
Note: If you are experiencing these symptoms and additional discharge-type symptoms, this is probably not a UTI, as UTI's don't cause vaginal discharge.
How you can prevent UTIs
- Drink a lot of water every day (which you should be doing anyway!)
- When you have to pee, pee! Don't hold it in
- Pee before and after sex
- Clean your 'area' before and after sex
What are UTI treatments?
Officially, UTIs are treated with antibiotics, so it's very important to see a doctor if you think you have a UTI. They will take the proper urine test, determine if you have the bacteria and proceed with an antibiotic prescription. Within days, you will feel better. Remember, as with any antibiotic, is it important to abstain from alcohol consumption!
If you are afraid of getting UTIs or get them on a regular basis, you might want to consider taking a dietary supplement on a daily basis. Cranberry pills and cranberry juice are known to promote urinary tract health. Also, ellura is completely natural and the only dietary supplement on the market that is clinically proven to have the required dose of cranberry juice.
More UTI reads
How to prevent a urinary tract infection
Urine tract infections and your pregnancy
Are your high heels causing UTIs?
