#1 Best Remedy for a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
Ureters: These tubes carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder.
Bladder: This muscular sac stores urine until you release it when you pee. Bladder infections are the most common type of UTI.
Urethra: This tube carries urine from your bladder out of your body. UTIs in the urethra are less common.
Causes of UTIs:
The most common cause of UTIs is bacteria, often Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria from the intestines, entering the urethra and traveling up into the bladder [Mayo Clinic, Urinary tract infection (UTI) – Symptoms & causes].
Here are some factors that can increase your risk of UTIs:
Female anatomy: Women have a shorter urethra than men, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
Sexual activity: Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urethra.
Certain birth control methods: Using a diaphragm or spermicide can increase UTI risk.
Urinary tract problems: Conditions that block the flow of urine can increase UTI risk.
Catheter use: Using a catheter to empty your bladder can increase UTI risk.
Diabetes: Can increase your risk of UTIs.
Symptoms of UTIs:
Symptoms of a UTI can vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is infected. However, some common symptoms include:
Frequent urination
Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
Urgent need to urinate (urgency)
Passing small amounts of urine
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Pelvic pain in women
Lower abdominal pain in men or women
Diagnosing UTIs:
Doctors typically diagnose UTIs based on a combination of your symptoms and a urine test. The urine test can detect the presence of bacteria or blood in the urine [Mayo Clinic, Urinary tract infection (UTI) – Symptoms & causes].
Treatment of UTIs:
Most UTIs are treated with antibiotics. The type and duration of antibiotic treatment will depend on the severity of the infection. It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better, to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
Preventing UTIs:
Here are some lifestyle changes that can help prevent UTIs:
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract.
Urinate when you feel the urge to avoid holding urine for long periods.
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
Empty your bladder completely after urination.
Drink cranberry juice – studies show mixed results but some people find it helpful.
Consider wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to allow for better ventilation.
If you experience any symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications like kidney infections.