How to Prevent UTIs: Habits That Actually Work
Frequent urge to urinate and an unpleasant burning sensation are signs that plague people all over the world. UTI cases are on the rise. The number of patients suffering from this disease has increased rapidly from 1990 to 2021 by 66.45%, reaching 4.49 billion cases! ASIR, ASPR, and ASDAR are predicted to increase until 2050. The highest incidence of UTIs was observed in older women and men. But this disease can happen to anyone! If you are one of those patients, what should you do? Let’s discuss the successful ways to prevent UTIs and what to do if you get ill.
What are UTIs?
This illness occurs when an infection develops in the urinary system. The infection often spreads to different areas. The main thing is not to waste time if you feel unpleasant symptoms. These include frequent urges to urinate, burning, and cloudy urine. You should not neglect a visit to the doctor. But if you cannot yet get an appointment due to being busy or feeling unwell, use telemedicine services. A quick and timely online consultation—and now you have an online prescription, thanks to which you can buy all the necessary medications and immediately begin treatment. In addition, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle. And it is even better to prevent the occurrence of the disease.
The Most Common Symptoms
If you experience these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor. If you can’t get an appointment now, use telemedicine services. For example, acute pyelonephritis can manifest itself as a sharp increase in body temperature, frequent urge to urinate, headaches, nausea or vomiting, etc. Common symptoms of cystitis include frequent urination, sometimes blood in the urine, cloudy urine, etc.
Who Is at Risk?
Women get UTIs more often than men. This is because women have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra and bladder. Also, in women, the opening of the urethra is located closer to the anus, where most of the bacteria that cause UTIs are located. Risk factors for women include frequent sexual activity, some types of contraceptives, changing sexual partners, and menopause. Risk factors for both men and women include blockages and pathologies of the urinary tract, weakened immunity, kidney stones, use of a catheter, and so on. But even if you are at risk, do not despair. You can easily avoid the disease if you behave correctly.
How to Prevent a UTI?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause significant discomfort. The smartest approach is to prevent them from occurring, and it is possible. Let’s analyze the best UTI prevention tips.
Maintain Your Water Balance
This is the first rule when it comes to urinary tract health. Try to drink at least eight glasses daily (and more in hot weather or when exercising!). However, the amount of water is individual in each case; these are just average values. It is better to consult your doctor. A sufficient amount of water that you drink creates an uncomfortable environment for bacteria to multiply. This habit contributes to frequent urination, which is also helpful in this case.
Choose the Right Contraception Options
Some types of contraception can promote the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. It is better not to use unlubricated condoms and condoms with spermicides. If you are not sure what to choose, consult a doctor. The specialist will help you choose the best option.
Pay Attention to Products with Cranberries
A glass of cranberry juice instead of orange juice to reduce the number of UTIs? It really works. Products with cranberries tend to stick to the mucous membrane of the urinary tract, which prevents the creation of a favorable environment for the growth and spread of bacteria. A quick note: Choose unsweetened juice.
Probiotic Supplements or Eating Foods Containing Probiotics
can help diversify your diet with healthy supplements containing probiotics. This is highly beneficial for the health of the urinary tract. You can also eat yogurt, a product containing beneficial probiotics. This will reduce the likelihood of developing a UTI.
Intimate Life
If a woman needs lubrication during sex, she should give preference to a water-based lubricant. These products for intimate life can reduce friction during intercourse, which can irritate. And as you know, excessive irritation can also contribute to developing UTIs.
Maintain Good Hygiene
It is essential to maintain good hygiene. Always wash from front to back after going to the toilet; this will prevent bacteria from getting from the rectum to the urethra. And you should also avoid using scented products in the genital area. Unfortunately, they contain chemicals or additives that can irritate the urinary tract. Because of this, they disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria. Choose cotton underwear; it helps keep you dry and prevents bacteria from growing. And also, choose a shower over a bath. It is good to prevent urinary tract infections.
Urine Frequently
When doing your daily chores or work, you can sometimes get so carried away that you will ignore the urge to urinate. This is a nasty habit. Try not to hold your urine because this can contribute to the proliferation of bacteria in the bladder. When you feel the urge to urinate, go to the toilet. It is also helpful to urinate before and after any sexual intercourse; this allows you to wash out bacteria that could get into the urethra during sex.
Visit Your Doctor Regularly
Visit your doctor regularly to check your health. In the early stages, the disease is much easier to cure. And even better, maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent the occurrence of UTIs.
Conclusions
We understand that with a busy lifestyle, a lot of work, and daily chores, you do not always have the opportunity to make an appointment with a doctor. In addition, you may feel worse on weekends, at night, when it would seem there is no opportunity to get a consultation. But KM Medicine specialists are always in touch! Get an online consultation and prescription, and start treatment immediately. Take care of your health!