Can Urinary Tract Infections Be Prevented Or Avoided
There are many lifestyle choices that can help you prevent UTIs. These are some of the things you can do to protect yourself from them:
- Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria. For some people, drinking cranberry juice may also help prevent urinary tract infections. However, if youre taking warfarin, check with your doctor before using cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections. Your doctor may need to adjust your warfarin dose or you may need to have more frequent blood tests.
- Dont hold your urine. Urinate when you feel like you need to. Some children dont go to the bathroom often enough. If your child does this, teach him or her to go to the bathroom several times each day.
- Wipe from front to back after bowel movements. Teach your child to wipe correctly.
- Urinate after having sex to help wash away bacteria.
- Use enough lubrication during sex. Try using a small amount of lubricant before sex if youre a little dry.
- If you get urinary tract infections often, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm as a birth control method. Ask your doctor about other birth control choices.
- Avoid taking or giving your child bubble baths.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing , and dress your child in loose-fitting clothing.
- If you are uncircumcised, wash the foreskin regularly. If you have an uncircumcised boy, teach him how to wash his foreskin.
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Why Dont Doctors Believe Women With Urinary Symptoms
For many years doctors were taught that urinary symptoms with no discernible cause were psychosomatic. As late as 1984, they questioned whether interstitial cystitis was even a real medical disorder.
Studies showed that women with such symptoms were anxious and depressed. Gee, I wonder why that would be? I think the medical community has been far too ready to dismiss symptoms they cant explain as being all in your head.
Its encouraging that the doctors are becoming more aware of these invisible problems and trying to address them.
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How Are Utis Diagnosed
Only a health care provider can treat urinary tract infections. The first thing a doctor will do is confirm that a person has a UTI by taking a clean-catch urine specimen. At the doctor’s office, you’ll be asked to clean your genital area with disposable wipes and then pee into a sterile cup.
The sample may be used for a urinalysis or a urine culture . Knowing what bacteria are causing the infection can help your doctor choose the best treatment.
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Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections: E Coli
Urinary tract infections can be caused be a number of different bacteria, but the most common cause is the bacteria E. coli. This bacteria occurs naturally in the human gut.E. coli can enter the urinary tract as a result of improper bathroom habits. E. coli has an incubation period of anywhere from three to eight days, according to the World Health Organization 1.
E. coli most often gets into the urinary tract when it is transferred from the digestive tract. This can occur when feces come in contact with the urinary opening as a result of poor bathroom habits such as wiping back to front. Diarrhea due to the flu or other gastric upsets may also transfer E. coli to the urinary tract. The bacteria can also be transferred during sexual intercourse, with women especially at risk, according to NKUDIC.
- Urinary tract infections can be caused be a number of different bacteria, but the most common cause is the bacteria E. coli.
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.
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What Causes A Uti
The most common cause of UTIs is bacteria. While more than one type of bacteria can cause a UTI, Escherichia coli is often the culprit. When bacteria get inside of the urinary tract, your body takes steps to protect you from the threat and fight it off. This results in inflammation that you may perceive as pain or pressure.
Inflammation also leads to swelling, making it difficult for urine to move through the urinary tract. Thats why you may feel like you need to urinate often or like you cant completely empty urine when you go to the bathroom.
What Causes A Bladder Infection
Most of the time a bladder infection is caused by bacteria that are normally found in your bowel. The bladder has several systems to prevent infection. For example, urination most often flushes out bacteria before it reaches the bladder. Sometimes your body cant fight the bacteria and the bacteria cause an infection. Read the reasons you may be at risk for UTIs.
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What Are Kidney Infections
Kidney infections, also referred to as pyelonephritis, are a serious type of urinary tract infection . This infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract, spread to the bladder, and then continue spreading until they reach one or both kidneys.
Kidneys are vital organs in your body since they are responsible for trapping and removing waste products and toxins through urine. Depending on the individual, you may start experiencing symptoms of kidney infection as soon as two hours after your kidneys get infected.
Kidney infections usually occur when the bacteria multiply and are not treated in time. Fortunately, most complications can be avoided with quick treatment.
Home Remedies For Uti
A quick internet search yields plenty of articles swearing that certain home remedies like cranberry juice cure a UTI. Most of these treatments are safe to try in moderation, but they shouldnt take the place of seeking a trained professionals advice.
For example, some scientific evidence suggests that an active ingredient in cranberries called proanthocyanidins may stop bacteria like E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract, making it less likely that the bacteria will stick around and cause an infection. Certain probiotics and vitamin C supplements may also help prevent UTIs, and probiotics have the added benefit of reducing diarrhea caused by being on antibiotics. However, more research is necessary to prove these alternative treatments are effective.
If you choose to try any home remedy, remember that untreated UTIs can worsen over time and turn into kidney infection, which can lead to emergency hospitalization in serious cases. A UTI isnt something you want to put off or avoid talking to your doctor about. Call them at the first sign of symptoms.
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According To Urologists It Could Take A Weeklonger If You Have A Severe Case Or Certain Underlying Conditions
Joni Sweet is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in travel, health, and wellness. Her work has been published by Health, SELF, Healthline, National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, Thrillist, and dozens of other publications. When shes not traveling the world, she can be found practicing yoga, riding her bike, and looking for the best vegetarian food in the Hudson Valley.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can feel like they go on forever. After all, time doesn’t exactly move at a fast clip when you’re constantly running to the bathroom and it feels like you’re peeing red-hot razor blades. But how long does a typical UTI last?
The answer: It depends. If you’ve got a UTI in your bladder , you’re looking at anywhere from one to seven days, said Jennifer A. Linehan, MD, a urologist and associate professor of urologic oncology at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
“But if you have a kidney infection, it will take 14 days to treat,” added Dr. Linehan.
Let’s take a closer look at how long it takes for a UTI to clear up, along with some tips on finding relief ASAP.
How Common Are Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are very common, occurring in 1 out of 5 women sometime in their lifetime. Though UTIs are common in women, they can also happen to men, older adults and children. One to 2% of children develop urinary tract infections. Each year, 8 million to 10 million visits to doctors are for urinary tract infections.
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Symptoms Of Severe Infection In The Kidney
Symptoms of kidney infections tend to affect the whole body and be more severe than those of cystitis . They may include:
- Symptoms of lower UTIs that persist longer than a week. Sometimes lower UTI symptoms may be the only signs of kidney infection. People at highest risk for such “silent” upper urinary tract infections include people with diabetes, impaired immune systems, or a history of relapsing or recurring UTIs.
- An increased need to urinate at night.
- Chills and persistent fever .
- Pain in the flank .
- Vomiting and nausea.
Bladder Infection Risk Factors For Women
Urinary tract infections are common in women, and, unfortunately, many women experience more than one during their lifetime. Risk factors specific to women for UTIs include:
- Female anatomyWomen have shorter urethras than men, so the distance bacteria need to travel to reach the bladder is much less.
- Sexual activitySexually active women tend to have more UTIs than women who are not sexually active. New sexual partners may also increase your risk.
- Certain types of birth control or feminine hygiene productsWomen who use diaphragms and menstrual cups may have a higher risk of UTI, as well as those who use spermicidal agents.
- MenopauseWomen in menopause are naturally producing less estrogen, which can lead to changes in the urinary tract that make them more vulnerable to infection.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a bladder infection, visit Oxford Urgent Care as soon as possible to get the treatment you need to start feeling like yourself again fast. We can also help you identify possible urinary tract infection causes so you can prevent repeat infections in the future. We welcome walk-in appointments 7 days a week from 8 a.m. 7 p.m.
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Are There Any Home Remedies For A Urinary Tract Infection
The best home remedy for a UTI is prevention . However, although there are many home remedies available from websites, holistic medicine publications, and from friends and family members there is controversy about them in the medical literature as few have been adequately studied. However, a few remedies will be mentioned because there may be some positive effects from these home remedies. The reader should be aware that while reading about these remedies , they should not overlook the frequent admonition that UTIs can be dangerous. If the person does not experience relief or if his or her symptoms worsen over 1 to 2 days, the person should seek medical care. In fact, many of the articles about UTI remedies actually describe ways to reduce or prevent UTIs. Examples of home treatments that may help to prevent UTIs, that may have some impact on an ongoing infection, and that is unlikely to harm people are as follows:
There are over-the-counter tests available for detecting presumptive evidence for a UTI . These tests are easy to use and can provide a presumptive diagnosis if the test instructions are carefully followed a positive test should encourage the person to seek medical care.
Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
In addition to antibiotics, many people seek natural, at-home remedies to help UTIs. A heating pad can relieve pressure and pain, and wearing loose cotton clothing is recommended. For those with recurrent UTIs, modifying certain habits may help: Choose fragrance-free personal care products to reduce the risk of irritation, and cut back on foods that can irritate the bladder caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, raw onions, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, and artificial sweeteners.
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What Makes A Uti Worse
One of the main causes of urinary tract infections is holding urine.
It causes bacteria to collect in the bladder and cause infection.
When the bladder is empty, the body can flush out the bacteria and the toxins it contains.
This makes the symptoms of a UTI worse.
The best way to treat a UTI is to avoid drinking alcohol.
This may increase the acidity of your urine and make your symptoms worse.
It is important to drink lots of water and use the restroom often to reduce the risk of getting a UTI.
Other foods that can make a UTI worse include artificial sweeteners, caffeinated drinks, and citrus.
A person with a UTI should avoid these foods until they feel better.
Other drinks like beer and soda can also make the symptoms of a UTI worse.
The main reason for this is that they increase the acidity of urine.
This will only make the condition worse.
If youre unsure of what to avoid, you should always consult with a doctor.
Some common food items can aggravate the symptoms of a UTI.
These include coffee, tea, chocolate, and soda.
It is recommended to drink at least half a gallon of water a day to flush bacteria from your body.
Try not to drink any type of acidic drinks or alcoholic beverages while youre suffering from a UTI.
Baking soda can be beneficial for treating a UTI, especially if youre taking it with food or on an empty stomach.
Many women are prone to urinary tract infections , and many are unaware that the causes of these infections are often quite simple.
Prevention Of Urinary Tract Infection
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting a UTI:
- Drink plenty of water and other liquids to help flush out bacteria.
- Urinate frequently, or about every two to three hours.
- For women: Wipe from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement.
- Urinate before and soon after having sexual intercourse.
- Avoid synthetic underwear, tight pants, and lingering in wet gym clothes or a bathing suit. Though none of this can cause a UTI, these habits can increase the spread of bacteria.
- Avoid vaginal deodorants, douches, powders, and other potentially irritating feminine products.
- Use a method of birth control other than a diaphragm, spermicide, or unlubricated condoms.
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Water Is Your Best Friend
When you first notice burning when you use the restroom, its tempting to reduce your water intake. After all, that will prevent the pain, right?
Wrong.
It seems counter-intuitive, but you need to flush out your system. You should drink plenty of water to help your body remove the E. Coli. Dont overdo it, but drink as much water as possible in those crucial first 24 hours.
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When To Seek Medical Help:
You should seek medical advice if you are experiencing the symptoms of urinary tract infection, as mentioned above. You should revisit your doctor if your UTIs symptoms get worse. The worsening of symptoms might indicate the need for a change in the treatment plan. Immediate medical help should be sought if one or more of the following symptoms are experienced:
A urinary tract infection can spread to various other parts of your body, but timely treatment can prevent this. Therefore, you should visit a doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms of a urinary tract infection.1
You must not rely on home remedies alone for the treatment of UTIs. You should consult a qualified doctor for any advice if the condition does not improve with home remedies.
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Home Remedies For Fast Uti Relief
The urge to go to the bathroom, pain during urination, and lower abdominal pressure and pain associated with urinary tract infections can make it difficult to concentrate at work or school, enjoy favorite activities and rest comfortably at night. Fortunately, there are ways that you can get UTI relief through home remedies while your body fights the infection.
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Understanding Your Urinary Tract
Your urinary tract, or urinary system, comprises several different organs designed to extract, hold, and transport waste from your system in the form of urine. The main organs involved in the urinary system include:
- The kidneys: These two organs sit on each side of your body, generally around the waist. They filter out excess water and waste from your blood to create urine.
- The ureters: These two thin tubes run between the kidney and bladder, transporting urine to the bladder.
- The bladder: This organ stores urine until it reaches a certain level, at which point you feel the need to pee. The body voluntarily contracts the muscles that line the bladder to urinate.
- The urethra: This thin tube connects the bladder to the outside of the body. When you urinate, a muscle called the urinary sphincter relaxes as your bladder contracts to remove urine from your body.
Urinary tract infections happen when bacteria infect any part of your urinary system, but they are most common in your lower urinary tract, comprising the urethra and bladder.
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