Urinary tract infections can interrupt your day, causing severe pain. Cystitis can be very painful, but many people don’t realize what the issue is if they’ve never experienced one before. Cystitis may turn into a bladder infection if it is left untreated. Bladder infections can be very serious, causing serious lower back pain. So, all UTIs should be checked by a physician.
Many believe that only women can get UTIs, but that is not the case. Anyone can get urinary tract infections, but many more women suffer from this issue than men. Utiva Health can help equip you against UTIs.
How Do You Know If You Have a UTI?
There are a variety of symptoms that you may experience if you have a UTI. They are caused by bacteria entering the urethra. When the bacteria grow and multiply, the body is sometimes unable to fight off the infection, causing the UTI.
If you have never experienced a UTI or cystitis before, here are some symptoms to be aware of that may signal the start of a UTI.
Here are some of the symptoms people may suffer from if they have a UTI:
● Frequent urination. Those suffering from a UTI may feel like they need to urinate right after they empty their bladder, causing frequent trips to the bathroom.
● Burning sensation when urinating. Depending on how serious the infection is, the pain may be mild or painful. The pain tends to be worse when you start urinating and feel better when your bladder is emptied. But the sensation that you still need to empty your bladder may still be present.
● Bloody urine or urine that is cloudy or a very bright yellow may signify bacteria is present in the urinary tract.
● Those suffering from a UTI may find that their urine has a very strong smell.
● Pelvic pain is a signal that you may be suffering from a UTI; those with kidney infections usually feel pain in the back.
● Some people with UTIs find they run a low-grade temperature. If your temperature is elevated, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible.
While it is possible to have a UTI with only subtle symptoms, if you have any of those listed above, see your doctor, as the best way to get rid of the UTI is with antibiotics. If you don’t get this taken care of, you may end up with more serious issues, such as a kidney infection, which is very painful.
Older adults often have additional symptoms that aren’t usually found in younger adults. These symptoms include:
● Confusion, interruption in memory
● Restlessness
● Reduced appetite
● Dizziness leads to falls.
Everyone who has had a UTI doesn’t ever want to have one again. If you want to lower the risk of getting a UTI, follow the guidelines below:
● Drink water on a daily basis. Water will clean out your system and help control or reduce the bacteria in your urinary system. Coffee and other drinks are not a good replacement for water.
● Avoiding holding in urine. Be sure to find a restroom as soon as you feel the urge to go.
● Urinate after sex; this helps your body get rid of any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract.
● Avoid products like feminine hygiene sprays, powders, and douches. These products can interrupt the natural bacteria found in the body, causing UTIs and cystitis.
● Women who use diaphragms and lubricated condoms may increase the risk of getting a UTI. If you are plagued with numerous UTIs, you may choose to change your form of birth control.
● Instead of taking a bath, take a shower, which limits the bacteria entering the urethra.
● Wear cotton underwear that isn’t restrictive.
● Scented soaps and body washes can increase the chances of getting a UTI.
● Drink plenty of water before, after, and during workouts.
● Pregnant women suffer from UTI frequently. This is because hormones are changing, which can cause a build-up of bacteria.
● A blockage of the urinary tract may cause frequent YTIs.
● Those with weakened immune systems have an elevated risk for UTIs; this includes those with HIV, AIDS, and other illnesses that affect the immune system.
● Those who have had to have a catheter may suffer from UTIs.
Supplements and Medications Help with UTIs
Some people tend to suffer regularly with UTIs, and many find themselves going to the doctor frequently. If you are plagued with UTI, you may want to explore UTI medication. Many companies offer test strips that will let you know if your urine has the presence of bacteria.
These test strips are easy to use and convenient as they can be used in your own home. The UTI test strips are the same products that clinics and physicians use to check for the presence of white blood cells or E. coli in the urine.
To prevent the build-up of bacteria, many people take supplements containing cranberry extract, which is a natural inhibitor of this particular bacteria.
Contrary to popular belief, both men and women are prone to UTIs, but it is way more common in women just because of how our bodies differ.
Men and women suffer similar symptoms when they are fighting a UTI. Some of the common symptoms include:
● The feeling that you need to constantly urinate. This feeling doesn’t go away after emptying your bladder.
● Burning pain in the lower abdomen/pelvis and when you begin urinating.
● Cloudy, bright yellow, or bloody urine
● Strong-smelling urine
● Fever
Men who suffer from frequent UTIs should discuss causes and solutions with their physicians. Some causes of UTIs in men include:
● Unprotected sexual activity, especially those with several partners.
● Men with enlarged prostates that can block the flow of urine.
● Those with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV and AIDS.
No one wants to be plagued with urinary tract infections; they are painful and can inhibit your daily routine. At the first sign of cystitis, make an appointment with your physician. In addition, you can create a daily routine of drinking plenty of water and taking supplements that reduce your risk.
If you are prone to UTIs, Utiva Health offers supplements, test strips, and more that can help! They come in handy so you can begin treatment as soon as possible!
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