Urinary Tract Infection: What You Need To Know

If you have ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know that it is no walk in the park. They can cause pelvic pain, painful urination, and frequent bathroom trips. In some cases, UTIs can be dangerous, such as if the bacteria from the infection travel to the kidney, they could potentially enter the bloodstream. This is why it is crucial for women to get treatment as soon as UTI symptoms present themselves. Here is what you need to know about UTIs.

What Causes a UTI?

A UTI is an infection that affects the urinary tract — the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. This can happen when hormonal levels change, which can occur as a result of any of the following:

  • Period
  • Pregnancy
  • New sexual partner
  • Some types of birth control
  • Menopause

Women are more susceptible to contracting UTIs than men, and they can contract a UTI when they wipe from back to front after a bowel movement.

Symptoms of a UTI

When you have a UTI, you will know it. The symptoms are not difficult to miss and include:

  • Foul-smelling and/or cloudy urine
  • Burning sensation when peeing
  • Persistent need to urinate
  • Pelvic pain
  • Often passing only a few drops or urine even though you feel like you need to pee

What To Do When You Have a UTI

When you have a UTI, there are a few things that you can do to help get rid of the infection. First, drink a lot of water. By remaining hydrated with the adequate amount of water (six to eight glasses per day), you will help flush out the bacteria in your urinary tract. You should also make sure to go to the bathroom any time that you feel the urge to urinate — even if you only pass a couple of drops. The more you urinate, the faster you will flush out the bacteria.

You should also start taking a cranberry supplement and load up on probiotics. It has been found that cranberry can help with UTIs. You can always replace a cranberry supplement with cranberry juice if you prefer, but if you choose this option, make certain you are drinking a juice that is labeled "100% juice". Probiotic foods, such as yogurt, are an excellent way to naturally fight off the infection with good bacteria.

You can use all the home remedies in the world that you want, but the best medicine for your UTI is seeing a gynecologist, like those at Desert Rose OBGYN PC. He or she will be able to provide you with a prescription for antibiotics that can eliminate the infection before it has a chance to spread to any other part of your body — such as to your kidneys.  


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