Edit Content
Search
[give_form id="19690"]

How Do You Get A UTI?

What Are UTIs?

UTIs, or Urinary Tract Infections, will affect most women at some point in their lifetime.  UTIs are recognized by the burning sensation they cause in the bladder or urethra (the tube that empties urine from the body) during urination, and the intense urge to urinate frequently – even if it is just a small amount.  Some women may also leak urine during a UTI, even if that isn’t something they normally experience.  Urine may also smell differently and appear cloudy or dark.

UTIs are not pleasant, but there are things you can do to prevent them.

What Causes UTIs?

The first thing you need to know is why UTIs happen. 

UTIs are caused by the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract, which can then travel up to the bladder.  And, while the urinary tract does have several safe guards, which naturally help it to flush bacteria out, infections can still occur.  Infections are more common in women primarily due to their anatomy. 

Bacteria from the bowel can easily sneak into the urethra because it is so close to the anus (This is why we wipe front to back people!), and women have much shorter urethras than men, which means bacteria can more easily get into the bladder.  

Certain conditions can make people more prone to UTIs – those who wear catheters may be at an increased risk since it is harder to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. And anyone who has trouble emptying his or her bladder completely can also be at risk.  Sex can also contribute to UTIs since it can introduce new bacteria to the urethral opening.

The good news is that most UTIs don’t last long once treated.  Since the main cause of a UTI is often the presence of bacteria, antibiotics are usually used to treat them, and take roughly 2-3 days to work.  Drinking lots of water and fluids can also quicken your recovery time, because it helps you to flush out the bacteria out of your system.

Here are some tips to avoid UTIs altogether:

Wipe front to back.

Keeping the Urethra clean and avoiding contact with bacteria from the anus or bowel can help prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract in the first place.

Drink lots of fluids.

Staying hydrated and drinking lots of water each day will help flush out any bacteria that may be present.

Urinate when you need to.

Holding urine in the bladder for longer than necessary only increases the chance that bacteria will multiply and cause an infection.

Urinate after having sex.

This helps get rid of any bacteria that may be lingering from intercourse.

If you do get a UTI, see a doctor right away for treatment. If left untreated, the bacteria can sometimes make its way to the kidneys and cause a more serious infection.

Comments

4 Responses

  1. I’m 18 years old and it feels like I am always having to take something for my utis. I can’t deal with the fact I am scared to go to the bathroom and not have pills because then I’ll be in pain until they are available. I have to wait to make it home, which always makes it worse. I need help in how to stop these things. And I have had them for years now.

  2. Hi Carol.I am 57 female and have the same problem.What I found is very helpful.This is D mannose powder or capsuls.When you have symptoms just take it 2-3 cap.every 2 hours and during the night,you will see result in a one or 2 days .I am very surprised why doctors never say about this,they know about this.Just ripe on the computer D mannose and read it.

  3. I am 56 years young and I have reoccurring symptoms. Frequent urination feeling and barely anything comes out. I have taken cranberry pills, Vitamin C and a Probiotic. Is there a bladder or UTI cleanse? I don’t wear tight clothing and I do wear cotton underwear. I need help!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

Carer Gary Bauer Podcast

The life of a product tester for absorbent garments

Most of us never give a second thought to all the research, technology and testing that go into the products we use every day – even ordinary-seeming ones like protective garments for incontinence.

But behind every successful product there’s an enormous amount of ingenuity and persistence, and nobody knows that better than Gary Bauer. He’s a patient himself living with overactive bladder, but he’s also a product tester for Carer.

Gary provides them important feedback and insight on a number of their reusable garments, particularly their waterproof underpants. Listen today to learn more about what he’s learned, what he looks for and what he expects the future may hold when it comes to personal protection.

For more information about Carer and the full line of products they have available, visit them online today at CARERSPK.com.

Dr Gill Men and OAB

Overactive Bladder in Men

Despite being incredibly common, Overactive Bladder is something that isn’t talked about nearly enough, and that’s especially true when it comes to men. Today’s guest is Dr. Bradley Gill, chief of surgery at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest and Mentor Hospitals and a board-certified urologist, and he’s here to help us understand about the unique ways it impacts men’s lives and what can be done about it.

UTIS Menopause Podcast

UTIs, Incontinence and Menopause – More of a Connection than You Might Realize

Do you have pain or burning when you pee? If so, you might have a urinary tract infection. They’re remarkably common. About 50% of women will develop one in their lifetime, and they get even more common as women get older and go through menopause. If you’re one of the 50% unlucky enough to come down with a UTI, this podcast is for you…

For more information about the National Association for Continence, click here, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Carer Gary Bauer Podcast

The life of a product tester for absorbent garments

Most of us never give a second thought to all the research, technology and testing that go into the products we use every day – even ordinary-seeming ones like protective garments for incontinence.

But behind every successful product there’s an enormous amount of ingenuity and persistence, and nobody knows that better than Gary Bauer. He’s a patient himself living with overactive bladder, but he’s also a product tester for Carer.

Gary provides them important feedback and insight on a number of their reusable garments, particularly their waterproof underpants. Listen today to learn more about what he’s learned, what he looks for and what he expects the future may hold when it comes to personal protection.

For more information about Carer and the full line of products they have available, visit them online today at CARERSPK.com.