Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

What is a UTI?
‍A UTI is a urinary tract infection, which can involve any part of your urinary system, including the urethra, ureters, bladder and kidneys. It means that you have bacteria (germs) in your urine (pee). UTIs are common and easily treated. Anyone can get a UTI, regardless of their sex.

Image: https://www.yourpelvicfloor.org/conditions/urinary-tract-infection/

What are symptoms of a UTI?
‍Pain/discomfort when you urinate

• The need to urinate more often than usual (and even though you feel the need to urinate, there may not be any urine that comes out)
• Pain in your side or lower back
• Cloudy urine or blood in your urine

How is a UTI treated?
‍A doctor may get a sample of your urine to determine the type of bacteria and the appropriate treatment. If you’ve had UTIs before, a sample may not be necessary, but you will still need a prescription to get treatment. Antibiotics are typically used to treat UTIs and symptoms usually improve within 24-48 hours.

Avoid alcohol, citrus, coffee, and spices that could irritate your bladder. It’s important to get treatment for a UTI because if you leave it untreated, it can worsen and become a kidney infection in some cases which can be a serious complication.

How do I prevent a UTI?
‍Urinate after sexual intercourse.

• Drink lots of fluids throughout the day. This can help flush out bacteria.
• Wipe from front to back so that bacteria doesn’t enter your vagina and urethra (where you urinate from).
• Change your underwear and clothes. Bacteria like moisture, so make sure to change out of bathing suits or sweaty clothes.
• Avoid douching, which can kill the good bacteria in your vagina (Yes, there is such a thing as good bacteria! Your vagina is home to billions of bacteria and the good bacteria help prevent infections by keeping your body’s levels of acid in balance.)
• Avoid holding your urine for a long period of time; use the bathroom when you feel the need to.

Does cranberry juice help?
‍Many people believe that cranberry juice can help prevent and treat UTIs. There is not enough evidence to suggest this, but there’s no harm in staying hydrated by drinking cranberry juice. More studies are being done to determine if cranberry juice is helpful in preventing recurring UTIs.

What if I keep getting more UTIs?
‍Some people get UTIs more often than others. If you get UTIs frequently, you should discuss treatment options with your doctor. It’s especially important to contact a doctor if your symptoms include fever, vomiting, or back pain.  

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