Do You Know Your UTIs?

Women are more likely than men to get urinary tract infections (UTIs). One of the main reasons is that women have shorter urethras—the tube that allows urine to leave the body—so bacteria trying to infiltrate their bodies don’t have as far to travel to reach their goal.

UTIs occur when bacteria make it into the urinary tract. Infections can happen after intercourse, when the bladder isn’t completely emptied or when bacteria get into the urethra some other way. In addition to women being at higher risk, people who live with diabetes, who are obese or have had a UTI in the past also have an increased risk of contracting this infection.

UTI Symptoms

• A burning or painful feeling during urination
• The need to urinate but being unable to
• The urge to urinate more often than usual
• Urine that is dark, cloudy, bloody or has a strong odor

It’s important to see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, as painful urination can be a sign of other concerning conditions, too. UTIs are diagnosed by testing your urine sample for red and white blood cells and for bacteria, none of which should be in normal urine. When left untreated, UTIs can lead to infections in other parts of the body, which can increase the risk for high blood pressure or early delivery in pregnant women.

Don’t Feel the Burn

Unfortunately for UTI sufferers, home treatment isn’t really an option. Because UTIs are bacterial infections, they need to be treated with antibiotics, and taking the entire prescribed amount is important to prevent one from returning. The good news? Once you start those antibiotics, you’ll begin to feel better within a day or two.

To prevent a UTI, try:

• Avoiding deodorant sprays, douches and powders
• Limiting how frequently you wear tight-fitting pants
• Staying hydrated
• Wearing cotton underwear
• Wiping from front to back after using the restroom

 What About Cranberries?

One controversial prevention and treatment method for UTIs is drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplements. Currently, there’s no significant research that proves these methods are effective, but researchers have found that they may help in some circumstances. In short—drinking cranberry juice or taking a cranberry supplement won’t hurt you and might be worth trying. Just watch the sugar content of your favorite cranberry juice, and don’t depend on those strategies as your sole method of UTI prevention.

To schedule an appointment with a Riverview Health OB/GYN, call 317.565.0535.

Sources: niddk.nih.gov, womenshealth.gov, urologyhealth.org, familydoctor.org, acog.org