The most typical bacterial illness found in women is urinary tract infections (UTIs). In actuality, more than 50% of women will have a UTI at some point in their lives. Compared to a man, a woman’s urethra is shorter and situated closer to the anal region, which facilitates the entry and movement of harmful bacteria toward the bladder. UTIs are more frequent in women because of this.
The most frequent cause of gross hematuria, or having blood visible in your pee, UTIs can be highly painful.
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
An infection in your urinary system is referred to as a urinary tract infection (UTI). This kind of infection may affect:
- Kidneys (pyelonephritis).
- Urethra (urethritis).
- Bladder (cystitis).
Your kidneys’ function of purifying your blood results in the waste product known as urine (pee). When your kidneys remove waste and extra water from your blood, you will urinate. Normally, urine passes through your urinary system uncontaminated.
UTI Prevention
Avoid scented products
Deodorants, douches, and powders for women frequently contain perfumes and other substances that may irritate the urethra and other delicate genital tissues.
Inflammation can also be brought on by other scented goods, including as bath products, pads, and tampons. Additionally, these products have the potential to disrupt the vaginal flora and cause an overgrowth of dangerous bacteria that can cause a UTI.
Take a cranberry supplement
Starting a cranberry supplement or drinking cranberry juice after experiencing UTI symptoms is a common error made by women. Since cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), which prevent germs from attaching to the bladder wall, there is some evidence that cranberry products may help prevent UTIs if taken regularly. Cranberry products have no proven effect on treating UTIs once they arise.
Because cranberry juice lacks a sufficient amount of PACs to be useful, it is crucial to take a cranberry supplement as opposed to drinking it.
Urinate at least every four hours
Women who go more than four hours without urinating have a higher risk of getting a UTI because infrequent urination allows bacteria in the bladder more time to grow, which can cause a kidney infection. It is important to urinate at least once every four hours to ensure that any unwelcome bacteria are removed from the bladder before they may infect you.Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
By moving bacteria from the rectum and anus closer to the urethral opening while wiping from back to front, a UTI is more likely to occur. Unwanted microorganisms are pushed away from the urethral entrance by wiping backwards.Take a preventive antibiotic
Women who experience recurrent UTIs after sexual activity despite adopting the aforementioned precautions may benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis, which involves taking a single dose of an antibiotic after each sexual activity to ward off infection.Urinate before and after intercourse
Sexual activity is linked to UTIs because, during sex, germs from the perineum are pushed up against the urethra, which is the little tube that connects to the bladder. Urinating before and after intercourse flushes the undesired germs away before it has a chance to produce an illness, which is a beneficial thing about the urinary system.Drink plenty of fluids
A UTI is 50% more likely in women who consume less than 1.5 liters of water per day. You can lessen your chance of developing a UTI and lessen the need for oral antibiotics by increasing your normal fluid consumption.
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Use the right birth control
Some birth control methods are more likely to allow unwanted bacteria into the vagina, where they can pass via the urethra and result in urethritis. Spermicide, lubricated condoms, and diaphragms are the worst offenders and can up your risk for UTI. Consult your healthcare practitioner about alternative birth control methods that might be effective for you.Take probiotics
A healthy intestinal microbiota, which is connected to immune system performance, can be supported by probiotics. Additionally, they may support the development of “good” bacteria in the urinary system and genital area.
Less “bad” bacteria can lead to fewer UTIs if the microbiome of your body has the proper mix of bacteria. Supplements and fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and yogurt include probiotics.
Drink plenty of fluids
A daily increase in fluid intake, particularly water, can aid in the removal of bacteria from the urinary system. Health professionals advise consuming six to eight glasses of water each day.Urinate before and after sex
The likelihood of developing a UTI rises with sexual activity, especially in women. That’s because during sex, bacteria can readily enter the urethra.
Pee promptly before and after sex to lower your risk. The goal is to remove microorganisms that could lead to UTIs.
Before having intercourse, you should also carefully wash your genital region. By doing so, you can maintain the area clean and lower the risk of bacteria getting into your urethra.
How do you get a urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections are typically brought on by microbes, typically bacteria. The urethra is where they usually enter from, and they could also infect your bladder. Additionally, the infection has the potential to ascend from your bladder to your ureters and ultimately infect your kidneys.Bottom Line
There are numerous methods for lowering your chance of developing a UTI. Healthy bathroom practices, peeing before and after intercourse, and taking probiotics are examples of natural treatments.
Antibiotics or a new type of birth control are used as medical treatments. Estrogen therapy, which regulates vaginal microbiota, may be helpful for postmenopausal and perimenopausal women.
The best measures to avoid a UTI should be discussed with your doctor. You can debate many possibilities and choose the one that best suits your needs.
