If you’ve ever had a UTI, you know you’ll never want one again. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs anywhere in the urinary system. The infection can be in the bladder, urethra, kidneys or ureters. The most common UTIs infect the urethra and bladder. Symptoms of UTI can include strong smelling urine, cloudy-looking urine, or urine that looks dark, red, or bright pink. Other common symptoms are a frequent urge to urinate with little to no urine being passed, painful urination, and a burning sensation. Women may also experience pelvic pain as a result of a UTI. Fortunately, there are ways to help reduce the risk of developing a UTI.
When You Have to Go, You Have to Go
Don’t ignore the sensation of needing to urinate. Holding in urine allows for bacteria to grow, which can result in a UTI. Habitual holding of urine can also result in long-term issues such as bladder atrophy and incontinence.
Quench Your Thirst
Hydration is the key to a happy and healthy bladder. Continual flushing of the bladder keeps bacteria in check. Urine produced in a healthy urinary system should always appear very light in color. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day is good for maintaining bladder health; drinking more water is even better!
Proper Cleansing
Living organisms like bacteria can travel. To help prevent a UTI, it is important to keep bacteria away from the urinary tract. Wiping from front to back after voiding the bladder or bowel is a crucial step to prevent development of a UTI.
Freshen Up
When possible, freshen up before and immediately following sexual activity. This helps to reduce the number of bacteria surrounding the urethra entering the urinary tract, and voiding the bladder after sex for both men and women helps to flush bacteria out.
Eating Healthy
Diets that include foods high in antioxidants, such as cranberries and blueberries, are bladder-health friendly. Antioxidants help to thwart bacteria from sticking to the surface of the urinary tract. Foods containing probiotics, like yogurt and kefir, keep bacteria from growing.
Extra Steps Women Can Take
Since women are at higher risk of developing a UTI, there are additional guidelines they can follow. Women should refrain from using birth control that can contribute to bacterial growth, like diaphragms, spermicide and condoms with spermicide. Women also need to be careful using feminine deodorants, powders, douches, or any other skin irritants.
UTIs should never be ignored, and they’ll get worse the longer you hope it magically disappears. Seek help at the first symptom. The doctors and staff at Infections Managed are here to help diagnose and develop the appropriate treatment plan for each individual case. Call us now at 954-776-9992 to schedule an appointment.