.jpg)
If you’ve ever dealt with a UTI, you know just how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be. Whether it's your first time or you've had a few, it's one of those things we all wish we could avoid. But with the right steps you can not only prevent a Urinary Tract Infection but stop it in its tracks at the first sign of symptoms.
But what actually is a UTI? A Urinary Tract Infection is an infection in your bladder, kidneys, or anywhere in your urinary system. It’s usually caused by bacteria and can make you feel the need to pee a lot, or cause pain or burning when you pee. It's more common in women, but men can get them too. It's important to treat a UTI to avoid it getting worse.
Symptoms of a UTI:
- A strong, frequent urge to pee
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Cloudy or dark-coloured urine
- Blood in urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic or lower belly pain
- Feeling tired or shaky
- Fever
If you feel you have any of these symptoms it's important to catch it early as you don't want it getting any worse or becoming more serious. Luckily there are plenty of ways to help soothe symptoms and clear the infection.
Steps to take once symptoms appear:
Drink plenty of water: Drinking fluids helps flush out the bacteria from your urinary tract. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and acidic drinks like citrus juice as they can irritate your bladder.
See your local pharmacist: It's important to get a diagnosis from a healthcare provider, as they can confirm if it’s a UTI and prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Don’t try to self-medicate, as UTIs typically require prescription medication.
Avoid irritating substances: Stay away from products like scented soaps and bubble baths, which can irritate your urinary tract and make symptoms worse.
Take the full course of antibiotics: If prescribed antibiotics, make sure to finish the entire course, even if you start feeling better. This ensures the infection is completely gone.
Rest and take care of your body: Get plenty of rest to help your immune system fight the infection.
Use pain relief if needed: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help with discomfort. Some people also find relief with a heating pad/ hot water bottle on their lower abdomen.
Monitor symptoms: If symptoms worsen or you develop a fever, chills, or back pain, call your doctor right away, as this could mean the infection has spread to the kidneys. So now you know the important facts of exactly what to do when a UTI appears, but what causes them and how can we prevent this?
Causes of UTI’s:
Poor hygiene: Wiping from back to front after using the toilet can transfer bacteria from the rectum to the urethra, increasing the risk of infection.
Sexual activity: Sex can introduce bacteria into the urethra, especially for women, which increases the risk of UTIs.
Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can reduce urination, which helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Urinary retention: Holding in urine for long periods can encourage bacteria to grow in the bladder.
Menopause: After menopause, lower oestrogen levels can change the urinary tract's natural balance of bacteria, making it more susceptible to infections.
How to Prevent UTI’s:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It helps flush bacteria out of your urinary system.
Urinate when needed: Don’t hold it in for too long. Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to urinate, and try to fully empty your bladder each time.
Wipe from front to back: After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading from the rectal area to the urethra.
Urinate after sex: This can help flush out any bacteria that might have entered the urethra during intercourse.
Avoid irritating products: Avoid using scented soaps, bubble baths and feminine sprays, as these can irritate the urinary tract and increase the risk of infection.
Wear breathable clothing: Choose cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes to allow air circulation, which helps prevent bacteria from growing.
Take showers instead of baths: Baths can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, so showers are a safer option.
Use cranberry products: Some research suggests that cranberry juice or supplements might help prevent UTIs by stopping bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall, though it’s more of a preventive measure than a treatment.
Support:
If you are facing chronic UTI’s- recurring infections that come back several times over the space of a year- it’s important to seek further help and advice from your GP.
If you are looking for further support and guidance then please follow this link. Alternatively, try your local pharmacist as they can offer support and advice: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way, from fighting UTI’s to offering expert advice and delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge.
If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.