Urinary tract infections are usually preventable and easily treatable
6 Tips To Avoid UTI’s
6 Tips To Avoid UTI's
Urinary tract infections are usually preventable and easily treatable
Introduction
UTI'S or Urinary Tract Infections are not only irritating but can also severely disrupt your daily life. Many people suffer from UTI’s, but most cases are preventable and easily treatable. Since UTI’s are caused by bacteria in the urethra and other areas of the urinary tract, this creates a dangerous combination. When warm, humid conditions are coupled with dehydrated bodies and wet clothing, the risk increases even more. However, you don’t have to endure the pain and discomfort of a UTI, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your risk and prevent UTI’s from happening.
UTI’s can often irritate the bladder, causing you to have strong urges to urinate possibly without control and causing incontinence. Being incontinent can also be a breeding ground for bacteria when using incontinence products and not changing them regularly enough, especially in the warmer climates.
6 Tips To Avoid UTI's
Try to be proactive with your urinary health to avoid dealing with uncomfortable UTI's. To help stay healthy here are the 6 top tips to prevent UTI's:
- WIPE FROM FRONT TO BACK:E.coli is one significant bacteria that causes UTIs. It is found in the bowel and rectum. If you wipe from back to front, you are aiding the transition. This is specific for the ladies.
- AVOID HOLDING ON – Avoid holding on to your urine for too long. You should not hold on for more than 4 hours as this can encourage bacterial growth in the urinary tract.
- DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS:Stay hydrated throughout the whole day, the more you drink, the more you wee, which flushes the urinary tract and any bacteria out of your body.
- AVOID IRRITATING HYGIENE PRODUCTS:The vagina contains healthy microbes however certain fragrances used in some hygiene products can disrupt the pH balance and could lead to an increase of harmful bacteria.
- CLEAN YOUR GENITALS BEFORE AND AFTER SEX:especially if you are prone to UTI's. This will help eliminate surface bacteria from entering the urinary tract. Avoid highly scented products and harsh cleaners. Look for a wash lotion with an average pH of 5.5.
- KEEP YOUR GENITALS AS DRY AS YOU CAN:Try wearing cotton underwear and ensure you change them daily too reduce the risk of bacteria increasing.
Understand the Symptoms of UTI
Understanding symptoms of UTI's is a good way to prevent further complications from occurring. Make sure you understand all the symptoms of urinary tract infection so that you can seek out medical assistance when needed. Some common signs and symptoms of UTI's include:
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- Pain, burning and/or itching during or in-between urinating
- Urinary urgency
- Abdominal pressure
- Fever
- Chills
- Confusion
- Dysuria (pain when urinating)
- Increased frequency of urination, even if your bladder is empty
- Weakness
- Unexplained cramps
- Pelvic, abdominal or back pain
- Unpleasant urine odour
- Cloudy looking urine
Call your GP or health professional if you notice any of the above symptoms or changes to your bathroom habits. Once the infection is present, you will need to take antibiotics to kill all of the harmful bacteria and avoid further complications like bladder or kidney infections. Testing and diagnosing a UTI is a simple and easy process and will only take a few minutes to complete with you GP. Treating a UTI straight away means the bacteria will be killed quickly and not continue to cause pain and discomfort allowing you to continue to enjoy life. Recurrent UTI's are common, regardless of preventative measures for some people so speak to your GP or health professional for further advice if you have concerns.