Leaving Uti Anxiety Behind
Out of fear, leftover antibiotics had become a permanent feature in my bag. If I changed bags, the antibiotics came with me. I never opened them, but they were my psychological backup.
Around the nine month mark I made the momentous decision to leave the antibiotics behind. It might sound overly dramatic, but tearing up your safety blanket and tossing it to the wind IS huge. I hadnt taken antibiotics in nine months, but I still relied on their presence, psychologically speaking.
When I embarked on my healing regimen, I envisioned massive celebrations at the one year mark, for I would then be officially free of recurrent urinary tract infections. In reality, I had put UTIs so far behind me that it was almost a non-event.
I did have some celebratory drinks, with an emphasis on the fact I COULD drink alcohol without fearing a UTI.
Can I Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection
You can usually prevent a urinary tract infection with lifestyle changes. These tips can include:
In some post-menopausal women, a healthcare provider may suggest an estrogen-containing vaginal cream. This may reduce the risk of developing a UTI by changing the pH of the vagina. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have recurrent UTIs and have already gone through menopause.
Over-the-counter supplements are also available for UTIs. These are sometimes recommended for people who have frequent UTIs as another way to prevent them. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplements and ask if these could be a good choice for you.
How Does A Uti Happen
A UTI can occur in any area of the your urinary tract, including the kidneys , ureters , bladder and urethra . UTIs occur when bacteria gets into your urethra and travels to your kidney.
Risk factors that can increase your chance of having a UTI include:
- frequent sex
- having medical conditions like diabetes
- previous UTI in the last year
- using spermicide as a method of birth control
Sometimes your doctor can diagnose your UTI just based on your symptoms. Your doctor might need to confirm if you have a UTI through urine tests and urine cultures. You may also need other tests like blood tests or imaging studies of your urinary tract.
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What If The Infection Does Not Clear Up With Treatment
Most infections clear up with treatment. However, if an infection does not clear up, or if you have repeated infections, you may be given some special tests such as:
-
a type of x-ray called an intravenous pyleogram , which involves injecting a dye into a vein and taking pictures of your kidney and bladder
-
an ultrasound exam, which gives a picture of your kidneys and bladder using sound waves
-
a cytoscopic exam, which uses a hollow tube with special lenses to look inside the bladder.
When To See A Doctor
If youre experiencing symptoms consistent with a urinary tract infectionpainful urination, abdominal discomfort, frequent urge to pee, or blood in your urineseek out medical advice.
Your doctor is a resource to help you understand what type of UTI you have, how severe it is, and the best course of action for treatment. The good news is that your discomfort can be over in a matter of days if you take steps now to address it.
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When To Contact A Doctor
If a person suspects that they might have a UTI, they should speak with a doctor for advice on the best way to treat the possible infection.
Antibiotics may not always be necessary to treat UTIs, but it is still important to seek medical attention for any suspected infection. This will reduce the risk of a more severe infection developing that is harder to treat.
The signs and symptoms of UTIs include:
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about treating UTIs.
How Do You Get Urinary Tract Infections
The design of the human body makes it so it isnt hard to get a bacterial UTI, because the infection comes from outside, through the urethra. Bacteria in the genital area can enter the urethra and the urinary tract, either because wiping after going to the bathroom, sexual activity, or unsanitary conditions. Once the bacteria have entered the urethra, the body tries fight them off, but sometimes the bacteria multiply and cause an infection.
In the case of a fungal infection, usually the fungus gets to the urinary tract through the blood stream. Those who develop this type of infection are usually ill with a disease that has compromised their immune system, such as AIDS.
In general, people with shorter urethras get more UTIs than do cisgender men and transgender men who have had a phalloplasty, surgery to create a penis and lengthen the urethra. This increases with age. Statistics show that those with shorter urethras often get more than one. Over their life time. Almost 20% who have had one UTI will go on to have a second.
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Again It Is Important To Catch A Bladder Infection Early
By some estimates, 25â42 percent of uncomplicated UTI infections clear on their own. In these cases, people can try a range of home remedies to speed up recovery.
Although the incidence is low, if left untreated a bladder infection can travel up into the kidneys.
So, if I were still having symptoms after a couple of days of treatment with raw apple cider vinegar, I would go to the doctor for medical help.
Up this point, the apple cider vinegar treatment has worked and I have not needed to visit the doctor! I’m so glad to have found a natural solution to a natural problem!
Things You Can Do Yourself
To help ease symptoms of a urinary tract infection :
- takeparacetamolup to 4 times a day to reduce pain and a high temperature for people with a UTI, paracetamol is usually recommended over NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
- you can give childrenliquid paracetamol
- rest and drink enough fluids so you pass pale urine regularly during the day
- avoid having sex
Some people take cystitis sachets or cranberry drinks and products every day to prevent UTIs from happening, which may help. However, there’s no evidence they help ease symptoms or treat a UTI if the infection has already started.
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Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
Before I tell you how to get rid of bladder infections naturally, let’s look at what a bladder infection is.
Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is an infection affecting the urinary tract.
If the infection occurs in the lower part of the urinary tract it is called cystitis or a bladder infection.
Occurring in the upper part of the urinary tract, it is called pyelonephritis or a kidney infection.
If a bladder infection is left untreated, it can travel up the ureters and into the kidneys. This is a serious condition and medical help should be sought at once.
So, early detection is key to getting rid of a bladder infection naturally.
It is important to treat early and distinguish between an upper and lower urinary tract infection.
So, what is the difference?
How To Get Rid Of A Uti Without Medication
This article was co-authored by Scott Tobis, MD. Dr. Scott Tobis is a board certified Urologist. With more than seven years of experience, he specializes in treating patients for urologic conditions such as urologic cancers, prostate enlargement, vasectomy, kidney stones, frequent/urgent urination, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and blood in the urine. Dr. Tobis holds a BS in Cellular and Developmental Biology from The University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MD from Dartmouth Medical School. He completed his internship in General Surgery and residency in Urologic Surgery at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and his fellowship in Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at The City of Hope National Medical Center. Dr. Tobis is a diplomat of the American Board of Urology.There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 48,597 times.
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How Are Utis Treated And Prevented
A UTI is often a once-off illness that resolves quickly and responds to treatment with antibiotics if needed. However, for some people, UTIs are a recurring problem.
If you have repeated UTIs there are some self-help measures that may help prevent further infections:
- drink more fluids to help flush out bacteria
- urinate immediately after intercourse
- gently wipe from front to back after urinating
- wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants
- eat natural yoghurt to restore normal vaginal environment
- find an alternative method of birth control if you use spermicides
There is conflicting evidence for drinking cranberry juice to prevent UTIs. If you want to try cranberry products, ask your doctor for advice.
Follow Good Bathroom And Diapering Habits
Some children simply dont urinate often enough. Children should urinate often and when they first feel the need to go. Bacteria can grow and cause an infection when urine stays in the bladder too long. Caregivers should change diapers often for infants and toddlers, and should clean the genital area well. Gentle cleansers that do not irritate the skin are best.
Your child should always wipe from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement. This step is most important after a bowel movement to keep bacteria from getting into the urethra and bladder.
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A Pharmacist Can Help With Utis
You can ask a pharmacist about treatments for a UTI.
A pharmacist can:
- offer advice on things that can help you get better
- suggest the best painkiller to take
- tell you if you need to see a GP about your symptoms
Some pharmacies offer a UTI management service. They may be able to give antibiotics if they’re needed.
Uti Treatment Without Antibiotics
D-Mannose by Source Naturals or NOW Foods
> Capsule or powder that prevents bacterial build up in the bladder and urinary tract.
> Take one 500mg capsule every 3 hours, with or away from food, for a minimum of 5 days if you have an infection. This time-period will ensure the whole infection is eradicated and wont come back. If you have a particularly bad infection and wake from burning pain or the need to use the toilet, you may continue taking capsules throughout the night at 3-5 hourly intervals.
> , NOW Foods
Oil of Oregano by Vitality Works
> Antimicrobial that is cheap and a proven pathogen killer . Make sure you use a brand that has at least 60% carvacrol, the active ingredient.
> Take 1-2 capsules, 3 times a day with meals.
Probiotics, at least 50 billion units daily, will help increase good bacteria in the gut and bladder and reduce the growth of infection-causing bacteria in the future.
Bicarbonate Soda, drink ½ teaspoon in a glass of water upon waking in the morning and before you go to bed at night to help with alkalising your urine.
Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tablespoon diluted in 500ml of water as a wash for the vagina can be used throughout the day following going to the toilet to remove bacteria from that region.
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Otc Uti Treatment Options
UTIs are typically treated with a course of antibiotics that may run for a single day or a course of 7 days but usually lasts at an average of 1-3 days for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. However, some infections might not even need a course of antibiotics and may cease to exist. But, while treatment of UTIs without antibiotics may be a possible prospect in the future, for now, only a few equally effective OTC UTI treatments are available that can help a patient manage their symptoms. These include:
Hydration: Although not exactly an OTC UTI treatment method, hydration is still the key to treating a UTI quickly. If youve contracted a UTI, it is important to have fluids as frequently as possible so that you urinate more frequently and the harmful bacteria are flushed out of your urinary tract through natural means. This option means curing your symptoms without the use of medication.
- Probiotics: Probiotics serve as an excellent OTC UTI treatment option that helps promote digestion and immunity in your body. Probiotics restore the good bacteria present in your gut and reduce the chances of reinfection.
- Ascorbic Acid: Increasing your Vitamin C intake not only strengthens your immune system but is also a greater OTC UTI treatment option since it helps acidify the urine which may reduce the chance of reinfection.
How Long Does It Take To Heal From Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
In total, I had painful, recurrent urinary tract infections for more than 4 years. Many people I have spoken with have suffered for many more. The longer you have experienced recurrent infection, the longer it may take to heal.
Commitment to the process of healing is so important. It may take months or years of consistent treatment for you to feel truly recovered. Hopefully, along the way, your symptoms will continually improve, and you can take your life back.
For me, it took around 9 months from the moment I stopped antibiotics and the pill, and adopted my final regimen.
Recovering from recurrent UTI is not a finite process.
I know my bladder is not invincible. I know I could still get a UTI now, just as I always could. The difference is, I now understand better what contributed to my recurrent UTIs. I also have the knowledge and resources to ensure I never again reach the place I was once in.
UTIs no longer rule my life. I no longer live with the daily fear of a recurrence. I want to help others find answers.
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How Long Does A Uti Last Untreated
In case UTI is left untreated, it could result in more complicated situations that could also be fatal to an infected person.
Some of the complications include:
Signs and symptoms of a bladder infection include pain during urination, pain in the lower back and frequent urge of urination by producing very little pee. Increased intake of water can help pain and fasten the healing process.Recurrent UTIs can be avoided by simultaneously treating problems with the digestive system in women and prostate problems in men. It helps to be proactive and prevent UTI by the following cleanliness after bowel movement and also eating a good healthy diet. Cranberry juice and supplements are known, to an extent, to prevent UTIs.
UTI left untreated for weeks after the incidence of primary symptoms, causes the bacteria colonizing the bladder to move upwards, infecting the ureters. This leads to accumulation of urine in the ureters as well.When ureters are not completely emptied of urine, there is a swelling and intense pain. The urine smells foul and patient develops a high fever. Although painful and time-consuming, treating UTI at this stage is necessary to prevent further damage.
Is It Safe To Treat Utis Without Antibiotics
Antibiotics are effective treatments for UTIs. Sometimes, the body can resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs on its own, without antibiotics.
Complicated UTIs require medical treatment. These are some factors that can make the infection complicated:
- changes in the urinary tract or organs, such as a swollen prostate or reduced flow of urine
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Can Home Remedies Quickly Treat A Uti
As resistance to antibiotics is becoming more common, many people are looking for ways to avoid using them. While this can be a good thing in some cases, it can draw out your illness in other instances.
The most commonly asked about home remedy for UTIs is cranberry. Drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry tablets has been long-touted as a natural alternative for treating UTIs. The thought is that cranberry makes your urine more acidic which, in turn, kills the bacteria causing your infection.
Unfortunately, cranberry does not treat UTIs very well. On the flip side, though, it can be useful for helping to prevent infections if youre prone to them. This seems to also be the case for other acidic fruits like lemon. Just be sure if youre going to try this for preventing future UTIs that you drink unsweetened juice, as sugar actually helps bacteria to grow.
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Nux Vomica: For Frequent Urging To Pass Urine
Symptoms:
Nux vomica is a great healing agent for infection occurring in the urinary bladder.
There are pains in the lower abdomen. There is urgency and increased frequency for urination.
The quantity of urine is minimal. There is incomplete voiding of urine. While passing urine, there is an itching sensation. It is also helpful in UTIs occurring in people having alcoholic addictions.
Potency and Dosage:
You can use Nux vomica in 1M potency once daily at bedtime till improvement occurs.
You may also use Nux Vomica in 200ch potency twice daily till improvement occurs. In children, use Nux Vomica in 30ch potency twice daily till improvement occurs.
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Why Wont My Urinary Tract Infection Go Away
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that invade your system through the urethra. Under most normal circumstances, your body purges these bacteria on its own, and drinking a lot of water and practicing proper hygiene in the area can help.
However, the body isnt always successful at cleaning the system, resulting in an uncomfortable and often persistent urinary tract infection. Because UTIs are not thought to be serious, too many patients fail to seek out necessary treatment, and the problem only continues, if not worsens.
A UTI can occur anywhere in the urinary tract, from the kidney to the bladder to the ureters to the urethra . Symptoms of the condition include:
- burning sensation or pain from urination
- bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine
- low-grade fever
- strong urge to urinate
- pressure or cramping in the back or lower abdomen
To avoid an extended battle with a UTI, quick, effective action must be taken to combat the issue. Mild infections usually call for oral antibiotics and perhaps pain medication. If your problem is more chronic in nature, stronger antibiotics might be required. Increasing your intake of fluids and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and citrus juices will also help speed recovery.
Dont suffer from a UTI longer than you have to. A few easy steps can be taken to get rid of this annoying problem.