One of the most common infections that people can experience in their lifetime is a urinary tract infection (UTI). Characterized by a burning sensation when urinating, UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urethra and spreading throughout the rest of the urinary system.
Despite its common nature, there are still plenty of myths and falsities associated with UTIs. As you read, you will be able to learn about the truth of the matter and how to best deal with them.
To help combat UTIs, try taking supplements. Utica Health makes pills and UTI probiotics that can keep the likelihood of you getting a UTI much lower. Thanks to their all-natural ingredients, you can rest assured knowing there is little risk with the daily vitamin.
Myth: Only Women Get UTIs
When many people think about UTIs, they associate them with women. This might be because women have shorter urethras, which makes it easier for bacteria to get through them. Along with this, women go through a lot of hormonal changes, such as menopause and pregnancy, that can change how their immune system works.
Truthfully, roughly 60% of women will have a UTI in their lifetime, with 15% getting them more chronically. However, UTIs do not know the gender, nor do they know age. Men can also get UTIs, with studies showing 12-15% of men will experience one at some point.
Children can also get UTIs. Though not as common, they get them because of having such small urethras. Not only that, but kids touch everything and can accidentally spread bacteria when wiping them improperly.
Myth: UTIs Mean You Have Poor Hygiene
Because UTIs affect the urinary system and are spread by bacteria, some believe that people who get them do not keep themselves clean properly. However, these infections are caused by an array of factors, not just how someone cleans themselves.
Bacteria grow where moisture is formed, so even wearing pants that are too tight can be a benefactor of a UTI. Not just that, but those who are immunocompromised are more likely to get UTIs because they can’t fight off harmful things that enter their body. Diabetes, kidney blockages, and spinal cord injuries can cause infection to form.
If you are worried that hygiene might play a part, try to be more mindful of your bathroom habits. This includes wiping from front to back and changing feminine hygiene products more regularly so that bacteria have no time to fester and spread.
Myth: UTIs Are Contagious
Some people believe that because sexual activity can be a reason for a UTI that they are sexually transmitted infections. There is no proof to back this up. The reason sexual activity can increase chances is the friction caused during sex. The motions of sex make it easier for bacteria to be pushed into a woman’s urethra.
Just because you have a UTI does not mean your partner does, too. However, it is okay to talk to them and be open about your health concerns. As a precaution to prevent infection, women are urged to pee after sex to help flush bacteria out of the body in a timely manner.
Myth: UTIs Go Away on Their Own
Many UTIs are minor, so you might think they will subside over time. However, if left untreated, you can actually cause worse symptoms or heighten the chances of them returning. Antibiotics are required to eliminate germs from the urinary system in more serious illnesses. If you wait too long to get treatment, the infection may spread to your kidneys, causing significant consequences like stones or kidney damage.
If you experience any symptoms, you should consult your doctor for help. They can help come up with the best strategy to help you, whether it be medication or a lifestyle change that can alleviate future UTIs.
Treatment and Prevention Methods
As just mentioned, UTIs should be treated immediately to prevent future problems. Along with taking antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, you can utilize the following more natural methods in your daily life to lower your risks of them recurring.
Stay Hydrated With Water
Even though drinking water will not stop UTIs completely, it is still helpful in purifying your urine. The more fluid you intake means more chances you have to release bacteria during urination. Not only that but drinking plenty of water is just helpful for an overall healthy lifestyle.
It would be best if you also lower your caffeine intake while doing so. Not only is it prone to dehydrate you, but it can also cause pressure in your bladder, which can cause other urinary system issues, such as an overactive bladder (OAB).
Take Supplements
If you want a quick yet effective way to ward off UTIs, you can try the products created by Utiva Health. Approved by doctors, these pills use a cranberry-based formula. Cranberries’ active element is likely to be a form of sugar known as proanthocyanidins. These substances function by preventing germs from adhering to the urinary tract’s walls. This aids in the removal of microorganisms and reduces the chance of illness.
These pills are so effective that 94% of their users do not need to take any other supplement with them. Utica Health even makes gummies for children because its mission is to make everyone safe from future UTIs. If you had to take an antibiotic before, you could use their probiotics to help your gut health return to normal.
Take Good Care of Your Bladder Health, Too!
Since your bladder is affected by UTIs, you want to make sure it is as strong as ever. To do this, keep the muscles surrounding it tight using kegel exercises that help protect the pelvic walls. Tighten the muscle that would normally be used to halt the flow of pee. Hold for three counts, then release.
Also, keep a healthy diet and lower the amount of sodium and spicy foods that you consume, as both can cause you more discomfort. If you are still determining what foods cause you the most problems, try eliminating specific foods for days at a time and see if there are changes.
Fact: UTIs Aren’t Embarrassing
Now that you have a better idea of what UTIs entail and how they are caused, you can see that you don’t need to be ashamed of having an infection. For many, this is a normal part of life. Just because you have one does not make you any different from the person you were before.
If you want to test out the supplements created by Utiva Health, go to www.utivahealth.com. Along with their pills, they also offer UTI tests and a tracker app to help you know when a problem is occurring. Make sure to check out their products for bladder and prostate health while you are there, too!
At the first sign of a UTI, take charge and talk to your doctor about the right plan for you.
