Wednesday, March 27, 2024

How To Avoid Bladder Infections

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Drink Plenty Of Fluids

Preventing Bladder Infections

Stay hydrated throughout the day. This will make you pee more frequently, which flushes bacteria out of your urinary tract.

Water is the best choice. Aim for 6 to 8 glasses per day. If its hard for you to drink that much water, you can also increase your fluid intake by drinking sparkling water, decaffeinated herbal tea, milk, or smoothies made with fruits and vegetables.

Try to limit or avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which may irritate the bladder.

Are Some People At A Higher Risk Of Getting A Uti

Women get more UTIs than men. This is because women have a shorter urethra the tube that brings urine out of the bladder. This allows bacteria to enter the urethra and bladder more easily.

Also, a womans urethral opening is closer to the anus, where most UTI-causing E.coli bacteria are found.

Other factors that can further increase the risk of UTI include:

  • frequent sexual activity

UTIs cant always be avoided, but its possible to reduce your risk of getting one. Here are nine prevention methods that may help you sidestep a UTI.

What Causes A Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections are caused by microorganisms usually bacteria that enter the urethra and bladder, causing inflammation and infection. Though a UTI most commonly happens in the urethra and bladder, bacteria can also travel up the ureters and infect your kidneys.

More than 90% of bladder infection cases are caused by E. coli, a bacterium normally found in the intestines.

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Everything You Need To Know About Urinary Tract Infections

The best way to fully grasp how to prevent urinary tract infections is to understand what they are and where they originate. As you know, the urinary tracts primary purpose is to make and store urine. The entire urinary tract consists of several parts, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra.

Urine is made in the kidneys, fist-sized organs in the back that filter liquid waste from the blood and release it from the body in the form of urine.

It travels down the ureters to the bladder where it is stored until your body feels the urge to empty it. Urine is then drained through the urethra, a small opening at the end of the penis, or above the vaginal opening.

Normal urine has no bacteria in it because the one-way flow prevents infections. Bacteria, however, can still get into the urine by entering through the urethra and traveling up into the bladder.

As a urinary tract infection worsens, it could also enter the kidneys, causing a more severe medical condition. The most common type of urinary tract infection is a bladder infection.

  • Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of UTIs
  • The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:
  • An intense urge to pee
  • A burning feeling when you pee
  • The need to frequently urinate, even when little to no urine comes out
  • Cloudy urine
  • Dark yellow, brown, pink, or red urine
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Pain or pressure in the back or lower abdomen
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Don’t Be Surprised If Your Doctor Doesn’t Rush You Into Treatment

10 Tips to Avoid Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in ...

Urinary tract infections can be tricky in older age. They’re not always as easy to spot or treat as in youth. And the decades-long approach to treatment is changing. “We’ve been hasty in using antibiotics, and we’re learning there are significant consequences that can range from side effects of medication to infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” says Dr. Helen Chen, a geriatrician at Harvard-affiliated Hebrew Rehabilitation Center.

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What Are The Symptoms Of A Uti

Not surprisingly, some of the symptoms of a UTI involve the frequency and quality of pee. Women suffering from a UTI, whether they get the infection from sex or other ways, can have a strong urge to urinate, have cloudy or red or pink urine, and may experience pain or burning during urination.

You might also get fever, shaking, or chills, and even pain in your upper back, your side, or the pelvic region.

Can You Have Sex If You Have A Uti

In general, it is recommended that you avoid having intercourse when you have an active urinary tract infection. When you get an antibiotic prescription, ask your doctor when the right time to resume sexual activity would be. Of course, you can still kiss and have other intimate and emotional connections.

Once you have completed a course of antibiotics and the UTI has cleared away, you should be able to resume sexual activity. But be sure to take the careful steps necessary to prevent the sex from putting you on the road to yet another one.

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Urinary Tract Infection Risk Factors

UTIs are more common in women than in men due to the way in which their urethras are closer to the rectum, making it easier for bacteria to enter. In fact, women are four times more likely than men to get a UTI. Other risk factors include having a previous UTI, new sexual partners, pregnancy, poor hygiene, and structural problems within the urinary tract. In addition, older adults and young children are more likely to get a UTI.

When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider

How to PREVENT UTI | 5 Natural Ways to AVOID Repeat Bladder Infection
  • Fever.
  • Back pain.
  • Vomiting.

If you have any of these symptoms, or your other symptoms continue after treatment, call your healthcare provider. A UTI can spread throughout your urinary tract and into other parts of your body. However, treatment is very effective and can quickly relieve your symptoms.

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Things Women Can Do To Prevent Bladder Infections

By Getwell Urgent Care

A bladder infection, or urinary tract infection , is an infection in any part of your urinary system . Uncomplicated urinary tract infections affect the urethra and bladder or lower urinary tract. If left untreated, however, these types of infections can spread to the upper urinary tract or ureter and kidneys. While severe infections are rare, they are very dangerous and need immediate medical attention.

Seek urgent medical care if you begin to experience upper back or side pain, fever or chills, or nausea or vomiting.

Fortunately for men, bladder infections are rare. According to the National Association for Continence, only 12 percent of men will experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime as compared to 60 percent of women. Why? The urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body, is much shorter in women than men. This means bacteria dont have as far to travel before reaching the bladder.

How Is A Uti Treated In A Child

Treatment will depend on your childs symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment may include:

  • Antibiotic medicine
  • A heating pad or medicines to relieve pain
  • Drinking plenty of water

Your child’s healthcare provider may want to see your child back again a few days after treatment starts to see how treatment is working.

Talk with your childs healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all treatments.

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Drink Plenty Of Water

Staying hydrated and drinking as much water as possible can help keep your urinary tract healthy. According to research, regularly drinking at least six 8-ounce glasses of water each day can significantly cut your risk of getting a UTI. And, if youre someone who experiences recurrent UTIs, you may need to drink even more water.

Of course, your urinary needs will depend on a number of factors, such as how much you sweat, how much you exercise, and your body composition, but a good goal is to drink enough water that your urine is clear or very pale yellow.

Other Ways To Prevent Recurring Utis

What causes burning urination? Causes and treatment ...

If you have more than 3 UTIs in 1 year, or 2 UTIs in 6 months, there are other things that may help prevent UTIs.

There is some evidence that women under 65 years old who keep getting UTIs may find it helpful to take:

  • a supplement called D-mannose this is not recommended for pregnant women
  • cranberry products, such as juice or tablets

Speak to your doctor before taking any of these during pregnancy.

Be aware that D-mannose and cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar.

Page last reviewed: 18 November 2020 Next review due: 18 November 2023

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Use Diaphragms And Condoms Carefully

For women, the usage of a diaphragm for contraception can lead to the risk of getting bladder infections. The reason is that this diaphragm may push on your bladder and restrict it from emptying completely when urinating.

If you use a diaphragm and get bladder infections again, you might have to change your method of contraception and there are quite many of them you can find. If you choose condoms as your method, you should use ones that dont maintain spermicidal lubricant on. This is because the spermicidal lubricant can lead to an irritation and make the risk of bladder infections easier. So, try to use condoms free of spermicidal lubricant to protect your body from this disease soon.

Bladder infections, even recurring cases, are not actually serious enough to take effects your overall health. And there is also vaccine protecting you against bladder infections. On one day, bladder infections will no longer exist, but home remedies or prescription of doctor are still good for you until then.

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Avoid Irritating Feminine Products

Some of the feminine products you use may increase your UTI vulnerability by irritating your urethra. Most of them contain chemicals that may interfere with your vaginal health and pH level. This interference can lead to the overgrowth of UTI-causing microorganisms, including the E. coli bacterium.

Some irritants you may want to avoid include

  • Deodorants
  • Colognes and fragrances

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Have A Glass Of Cranberry Juice

For women especially, a daily glass of cranberry juice can help lower your risk of getting recurrent UTIs. The reason cranberry juice helps is that these powerful berries have a natural compound that helps keep UTI-causing bacteria away from the urinary tract.

Cranberry juice is also effective if you notice the telltale symptoms of a UTI beginning. The compound it contains can help prevent the UTI from developing or getting worse. Be sure to opt for beverages with 100% cranberry juice instead of cocktails, which also contain other juices.

What Is A Urinary Tract Infection

How to Cure And Prevent Bladder Infections

Urinary tract infections, otherwise known as UTIs, are incredibly common. In fact, UTIs are the second most common type of infection, accounting for approximately 10 million doctor visits yearly. UTIs occur when there is an infection in the urinary tract, and while most are not serious, they can lead to more serious problems down the road.

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Why Are Some People Prone To Getting A Uti Every Time They Have Sex

You probably dont get a UTI every time you have sex. But it can feel that way if you come down with UTIs often.

Sex definitely can trigger the condition. In fact, urinary tract infections have been nicknamed “honeymoon cystitis” cystitis is another name for an infection of the bladder because frequent intercourse can lead to the development of a UTI.

Other reasons you might get recurrent UTIs are: having a new partner, having a family history of them, living with diabetes or pelvic organ prolapse, transitioning to menopause , or having difficulty fully emptying your bladder, Yavagal says.

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Be Careful With Activities

There are some notices that you have to pay attention to prevent the risk of bladder infections. Firstly, when participating in physical exercise or activities, you have to make sure that your bladder is frequently empty and your body is supplied with enough water.

Secondly, take some precautions after sexual activity. This activity can increase the risk of bladder infections because it allows bacteria to enter into the bladder area. The bladder is advised to be emptied after intercourse thereby you should have a urinary antiseptic or antibiotic as soon as having sexual activity. This is followed by the direction of your doctor, indeed.

Finally, avoid using spermicidal jelly. It can kill sperm and normal vaginal florae, which are very important in restraining colonization with pathogenic bacteria.

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Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs can affect different parts of your urinary tract. A bladder infection is called cystitis and an infection of the urethra is called urethritis.

There are a number of symptoms that you might experience if you have developed a UTI, including:

  • A persistent urge to pee
  • Needing to pee suddenly
  • Urine that is red, bright pink or blackish
  • Pain in the lower tummy

UTIs can be difficult to detect in elderly people and in individuals with dementia. You might notice sudden changes in their behaviour. For example, they may become confused, agitated or withdrawn.

There is not enough evidence to confirm such symptoms are caused by UTIs in older individuals. However, it is worth making an appointment with a doctor to help determine the cause.

Children can also behave differently if they develop a UTI and may:

  • Feel unwell
  • Wet themselves
  • Hold in their pee to avoid going to the toilet

Babies may be ill-tempered, refuse to eat and have a high temperature or fever. This means a temperature of 37.5C or above.

If you suspect that you, or anyone in your care, has developed a UTI, you should make an appointment with a doctor. Your doctor can treat the infection and check for any underlying health conditions.

A UTI can also spread to your kidneys, leading to a kidney infection. A kidney infection can cause:

  • Pain in your sides or lower back
  • A high temperature or fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
When to worry?

Got a symptom youre concerned about?

Can I Become Immune To The Antibiotics Used To Treat A Uti

tips to prevent urinary tract infections

Your body can actually get used to the antibiotics typically used to treat a urinary tract infection . This happens in people who have very frequent infections. With each UTI and use of antibiotics to treat it, the infection adapts and becomes harder to fight. This is called an antibiotic-resistant infection. Because of this, your healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments if you have frequent UTIs. These could include:

  • Waiting: Your provider may suggest that you watch your symptoms and wait. During this time, you may be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids in an effort to flush out your system.
  • Intravenous treatment: In some very complicated cases, where the UTI is resistant to antibiotics or the infection has moved to your kidneys, you may need to be treated in the hospital. The medicine will be given to you directly in your vein . Once youre home, you will be prescribed antibiotics for a period of time to fully get rid of the infection.

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Treatment From A Gp For Utis That Keep Coming Back

If your UTI comes back after treatment, you may have a urine test and be prescribed different antibiotics.

Your doctor or nurse will also offer advice on how to prevent UTIs.

If you keep getting UTIs and regularly need treatment, a GP may give you a repeat prescription for antibiotics.

If you have been through the menopause, you may be offered a vaginal cream containing oestrogen.

When To Call A Doctor

Get medical help at once if it hurts to pee and you also have any of these symptoms:

This may mean potentially life-threatening kidney disease, a prostate infection, a bladder or kidney tumor, or a urinary tract stone.

You should also call your doctor if:

  • Symptoms return after youâve finished treatment.
  • You also have discharge from your vagina or penis. This may be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease , pelvic inflammatory disease , or other serious infections.
  • You have ongoing pain or a hard time peeing. This may also be a sign of an STD, a vaginal infection, a kidney stone, enlargement of the prostate, or a bladder or prostate tumor. Or it could be that the infection is resistant to the antibiotic your doctor prescribed.

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Why Kids Get Urinary Tract Infections

There are a few main reasons kids get UTIs.

  • Bacteria from the childs skin can climb up the urinary tract. How children wipe after going to the bathroom can make a significant difference.
  • The urinary tract inside a childs body is placed in a way that makes them more likely to get a UTI.
  • Children learn bad habits such as holding their pee for too long, or rushing out of the bathroom too quickly.
  • You can help your child reduce their risk of developing an infection, just by changing certain behaviors. Here are some suggestions to help your child practice healthy bathroom habits, which in turn, could help prevent infections down the road:

    Urinary tract infections are not fun and can be preventable using the suggestions in this blog post. I hope you found this helpful and I encourage you to share this with other parents!

    Who Gets Urinary Tract Infections

    Bladder infection prevention tips

    Anyone can get a urinary tract infection, but they are more common in women. This is because the urethra in females is shorter and closer to the anus, where E. coli bacteria are common. Older adults also are at higher risk for developing cystitis. This increased risk may be due to incomplete emptying of the bladder. There are several medical conditions that can be related to this, including an enlarged prostate or a bladder prolapse .

    If you get frequent urinary tract infections, your healthcare provider may do tests to check for other health problems such as diabetes or an abnormal urinary systemthat may be contributing to your infections. People with frequent UTIs are occasionally given low-dose antibiotics for a period of time to prevent the infection from coming back. This cautious approach to treating frequent UTIs is because your body can develop a resistance to the antibiotic and you can get other types of infections, such as C. diff colitis. This practice is used very infrequently.

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