Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be uncomfortable to talk about, even if they’re super common. 1 in every 2 women will probably have an UTI at some point in her life!
What is a UTI?
A UTI is an infection affecting the organs involved in passing urine — the kidneys, uterus, and bladder. It’s characterized by a burning feeling during urination, an intense urge to pee (even if you just went!), and cloudy or bloody looking urine. It’s definitely not the most pleasant thing to have!
What do I do if I have one?
If you do have an UTI, you’ll want to head over to the doctor for antibiotics; that’s the fastest and most effective way to get rid of it, and trust me, you do not want to be stuck with an UTI for long. A common home remedy is unsweetened cranberry juice, but there have been mixed results about its effectiveness. If you really want to try it, your best bet is to take cranberry vitamins. It delivers more A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), which can help prevent UTIs. These can also be taken daily for general urinary tract health. If you only have a mild UTI, meaning your symptoms aren’t too pressing, it may clear up in a few days. AZO is a medicine that can be taken to relieve the symptoms of a UTI, but it does not cure it. To be safe, it’s best to check with your doctor! Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney damage or other long-term infections, so don’t ignore the symptoms if you have them!
Image via healthylifestyleshopper.com
How do I prevent getting a UTI?
Bacteria most commonly gets into the urinary tract from improper wiping and intercourse. So, two rules to keep in mind: wipe front to back and always pee immediately after having sex. Making sure you keep yourself properly hydrated and taking Vitamin C also helps. You can also try Uqora, a UTI prevention drink mix that delivers nutrients to protect the body against infectious bacteria. All you have to do is take a packet of Uqora with a glass of water after a particularly risky situation (right after sex, a long bike ride…etc), and the bacteria will be flushed out! Not only is it safe and effective, but it prevents the overuse of antibiotics.
Image via uqora.com
UTIs can be scary, but they’re easy to prevent and keep under control!