Avoid Feminine Hygiene Products With Scents And Chemicals
Using feminine products that have perfumes and other irritating chemicals can introduce disruptive bacteria into your body, Dr. Sherry says. Even more so, Dr. Sherry stresses that if youre prone to UTIs, any products that will allow unwanted bacteria to enter your body should be avoided. Avoid diaphragms, vaginal sponges, diva cups, and sex toys if youre prone to UTIs, she advises.
How Do I Know If I Need Antibiotics To Treat My Uti
Once you have a UTI, home remedies and OTC medications will not cure a UTI. You will need antibiotics to cure your UTI. Once you start antibiotics, symptoms usually clear up in 2-3 days.
Even though the symptoms should clear up quickly, you should still take all the antibiotics your doctor prescribes for you. If you dont, the infection could come back even stronger the next time.
For an uncomplicated UTI, these antibiotics are prescribed most often:
Do I Really Have To See A Doctor For A Uti
It may seem unnecessary to see a doctor for such a common illness. Why not just let it go and treat it on your own? Dr. Elizabeth Rice, a licensed naturopathic doctor and primary care physician at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, has tips for natural treatments, but says you always have to be careful. A partially treated or mistreated UTI can quickly become a serious condition known as pyelonephritis , so care must always be taken when treating UTIs naturally.
If youre just starting to feel or see potential UTI symptoms, you can try a few natural remedies to try to flush out the bacteria and reduce inflammation before the infection really takes hold, Rice says. Increase your intake of fluids to help flush the bladder. But if the symptoms persist more than a day, or get worse, you have to go to the doctor.
Going to the doctor may be a bit annoying, but a UTI that morphs into a kidney infection is way worse than an afternoon in the waiting room. Kidney infections can lead to potentially life-threatening sepsis or permanent kidney damage. Seeing a doctor to prescribe antibiotics may ultimately help you avoid a lifetime of medical complications.
You know your body best, so listen to it. You may not run to the doctor after one weird-feeling pee. If you start to have mild symptoms, here are a few natural choices that may help you out.
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How Are Urinary Tract Infections Treated
You will need to treat a urinary tract infection. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria and fight an infection. Antibiotics are typically used to treat urinary tract infections. Your healthcare provider will pick a drug that best treats the particular bacteria thats causing your infection. Some commonly used antibiotics can include:
- Nitrofurantoin.
Its very important that you follow your healthcare providers directions for taking the medicine. Dont stop taking the antibiotic because your symptoms go away and you start feeling better. If the infection is not treated completely with the full course of antibiotics, it can return.
If you have a history of frequent urinary tract infections, you may be given a prescription for antibiotics that you would take at the first onset of symptoms. Other patients may be given antibiotics to take every day, every other day, or after sexual intercourse to prevent the infection. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment option for you if you have a history of frequent UTIs.
Faqs About Utis Answered By Your Doctors Online Team
Can UTIs clear up in a day?
It usually takes around 2-3 days or more to notice an improvement in the symptoms, but starting treatment on time ensures a quick and complete recovery.
How long does it take antibiotics to work for UTIs?
It usually takes 2-3 days for the symptoms to improve after starting the antibiotics. To prevent a UTI from recurring or prevent re-infection, it is best to complete the course of the prescribed antibiotics.
What is the best antibiotic for UTIs in diabetics?
Diabetic patients are more likely to get urinary tract infections due to frequent urination, high blood sugar level, and an impaired immune system. A high blood glucose concentration in urine makes the patients more prone to developing UTIs as glucose is a perfect medium for bacteria to grow and multiply. Nitrofurantoin is a popular choice of antibiotic for such patients.
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Common Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection or bladder infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system. Bacteria typically enter via the urethra and multiply in the bladder.
Factors that contribute to the development of UTI include:
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Sex: Womens urethras are shorter than mens, so its easier for bacteria to migrate up to the bladder.
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Age: Post-menopausal women face an additional risk of UTIs because decreased estrogen levels cause changes in the urinary track that increase susceptibility to infection.
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Urinary tract abnormalities: Some people are born with unusually shaped urinary tracts that cause urine retention and increased the risk of infection.
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Blockages:Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can make it difficult to fully empty the bladder, which may enable bacteria to multiply.
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Suppressed immune system:Cancer treatments that decrease the immune response can increase the risk of UTI. Diabetes also suppresses the immune system and is associated with increased risk of UTI.
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Catheter use: Some people who are hospitalized, paralyzed or have certain neurological diseases use a flexible tube to empty the bladder. However, contaminating microorganisms can also enter the bladder via the tube and cause a UTI.
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How Do I Get Rid Of A Uti Quickly
There is no quick fix for a UTI. Taking cranberry supplements and drinking water could help flush bacteria out of your system more quickly. However, it can be dangerous to drink too much water in a short period of time. In many cases, taking an antibiotic for a UTI could be the quickest way to get rid of one.
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What Are The Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection
The main causative agent of infections in the urinary tract is bacteria. This happens when the bacteria enter the urinary tract of your body through the urethra and begin to multiply in the urinary bladder. It is common when an individual is exposed to public washrooms or unhygienic urinary conditions. Most of the time, the urinary system keeps these invading microorganisms out of the tract, however, sometimes they may enter the tract causing infections.
- The infections in the urinary bladder are generally caused due to the contamination of the bacteria Escherichia coli . E.coli is one of the most common bacterial contaminations usually found in the urinary tract. However, apart from E.coli, some other bacteria may also be present.
- The infection in the urinary bladder can also occur due to the sexual intercourse
A certain group of people is more prone to the development of urinary tract infections. The high-risk factors of UTI include:
Urinary tract infection is more common in females than it is in males. This is because of the different anatomy in both males and females. These differences include:
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Can Home Remedies Quickly Treat A Uti
As resistance to antibiotics is becoming more common, many people are looking for ways to avoid using them. While this can be a good thing in some cases, it can draw out your illness in other instances.
The most commonly asked about home remedy for UTIs is cranberry. Drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry tablets has been long-touted as a natural alternative for treating UTIs. The thought is that cranberry makes your urine more acidic which, in turn, kills the bacteria causing your infection.
Unfortunately, cranberry does not treat UTIs very well. On the flip side, though, it can be useful for helping to prevent infections if youre prone to them. This seems to also be the case for other acidic fruits like lemon. Just be sure if youre going to try this for preventing future UTIs that you drink unsweetened juice, as sugar actually helps bacteria to grow.
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How To Prevent Uti Naturally
Preventing urinary tract infections naturally is the best way to avoid the pain, misery, and discomfort that a UTI causes. Many of the UTI remedies mentioned in this article are just as effective for treating UTIs as preventing them.
What else can you do to prevent UTIs naturally? Dr. John Brusch from Harvard Medical Schools recommends some of the following ways to prevent bladder infections and urinary tract infections:23
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Treatment For More Severe Utis
Kids with a more severe infection may need treatment in a hospital so they can get antibiotics by injection or IV .
This might happen if:
- the child has high fever or looks very ill, or a kidney infection is likely
- the child is younger than 6 months old
- bacteria from the infected urinary tract may have spread to the blood
- the child is dehydrated or is vomiting and cannot take any fluids or medicine by mouth
Kids with VUR will be watched closely by the doctor. VUR might be treated with medicines or, less commonly, surgery. Most kids outgrow mild forms of VUR, but some can develop kidney damage or kidney failure later in life.
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Take An Otc Medication
Phenazopyridine hydrochloride is a pain reliever for the urinary tract and can be purchased over the counter in generic form or as the brand name drug AZO. This medication temporarily relieves urinary urgency, pain, and pressure associated with UTIs. However, it doesnt treat the underlying infection.
What Are The Factors That Cause Utis In Men
Older men, specifically those above the age of forty, have a higher risk of acquiring urinary tract infections. Most UTIs develop when the bacterium passes through the urinary tract and multiplies until it becomes a bladder infection.
Other risk factors that can lead to the development of UTIs include the following:
- Enlargement of the prostate gland
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is a condition wherein there is overgrowth on a mans prostate gland. An enlarged prostate gland can lead to the development of urine blockages which can cause infections in the lower urinary tract.
Men with kidney stones are at risk of having UTIs. This condition causes an obstruction along the urinary tract, which is often associated with the development of the infection.
People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting UTIs as their condition interferes with their immune response. Diabetes also causes nerve damages that weakens the bodys signals which keeps them from emptying their bladder. It encourages the invasion of bacteria and poses a greater risk of infection.
- Insertion of instruments
Several procedures that include the insertion of tools such as catheters, drain tubes, and cameras can increase UTI odds. The bacteria can use the foreign material as a reservoir to reach into your system leading to urinary or bladder infection.
- Unprotected sexual intercourse
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Looking For More Natural Remedies
As you may know, I’m extremely passionate about providing women with all the details they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
I’m not in any way against pharmaceuticals when they are necessary and indicated for a particular treatment. Antibiotics have a time and a place in our health. But when other options are safe and effective, I like to offer women choices that include natural options they can administer themselves.
If you’re into that sort of balance too, I’d love to send you an email when I post new articles. Hop on my mailing list HERE so I can share my research with you!
What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection occurs when a bacterial infection affects your urinary system, causing problems like discomfort during urination, frequent urination, urgency, and other symptoms. The most common culprits causing the problem are the microbes Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
Why do Urinary Tract Infections Occur?
Studies suggest that when women are encouraged to drink more water, they are less likely to develop a UTI.
Practicing good sex hygiene and always wiping from front to back when using the bathroom can help prevent this contamination. Sometimes, even if youâre diligent, bacteria can still find its way to where it shouldnât be.
If youâre just starting to suspect that you have a UTI, chances are good that itâs only affecting your lower urinary tract that is to say, your bladder and urethra. This is why UTIs are commonly referred to as bladder infections. Technically, a bladder infection is a type of UTI, but most women use the term interchangeably.
In the later stages of a more severe UTI infection, the whole urinary system can be compromised, including your kidneys.
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There Are A Lot Of Variables To Consider When Diagnosing A Uti
Women who have had UTIs before most likely recognize their symptoms. However, something that causes you to urinate more frequently and causes discomfort isnt necessarily a UTI.
My first goal when speaking with a patient is to get as much information as I can, so I can determine the best diagnosis and treatment plan, says Dr. Talbott. Urinary tract infections can be confused with sexually transmitted diseases, or they can be more complicated if you have diabetes or other diseases that contribute to a suppressed immune system. It is also challenging when addressing a pediatric patient, or in the elderly with multiple complex health issues.
If youre experiencing fever, nausea, or pain, you most likely have a kidney infection. However, if you have thick white discharge, you might have a yeast infection. Blood in the urine may also suggest a bladder infection, while a discharge with a fishy odor may indicate bacterial vaginosis.
Giving your doctor as much information as you can helps him or her determine the most likely way to get you feeling better fast, says Dr. Talbott.
Seek Medical Attention For Utis
It is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have a UTI particularly if you think you may have a bladder or kidney infection, both of which are very serious conditions. Early treatment of urinary infection can help to prevent infection spreading to the bladder or kidneys.
Your doctor will test your urine to check which micro-organism is present. Urinary tract infections usually respond quickly and well to antibiotics.
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How To Get Rid Of A Bladder Infection Fast
If youre reading this post, youre likely in the midst of a bladder infection or urinary tract infection and are in some serious need of relief now! We get it UTIs are no fun they can be really painful, leave you rushing to the bathroom nonstop, and can even lead to leaks. So its no wonder youre researching quick cures for bladder infections.
The best thing you can do for fast relief from a bladder infection is to is see your doctor, and get an antibiotic.
Antibiotics kill the bacteria that causes bladder infections and are the best way to stop a UTI in its tracks. They typically work pretty quickly, although be sure to take your medication for the full course, even if youre feeling better sooner than that. So, if youve been experiencing a UTI for more than a couple of days, make an appointment with your doctor now to get treatment.
Wipe From Front To Back
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , UTIs can develop when bacteria from the rectum or feces gain access to the urethra. This small channel allows urine to flow out of the body.
Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs, where they can lead to infections.
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Practice Good Sexual Hygiene
Some sexual intercourse bacteria and other microbes into the urinary tract. Practicing good sexual hygiene can help to reduce this risk.
Examples of good sexual hygiene include:
- urinating before and immediately after sex
- using barrier contraception, such as a condom
- washing the genitals, especially the foreskin, before and after engaging in sexual acts or intercourse
- ensuring that all sexual partners are aware of any current or past UTIs
Avoid Vitamin C If You’re Already Experiencing Uti Symptoms
Vitamin C is known to help prevent UTIs by acidifying the urine, which can kill certain bacteria present in the urinary tract. But Dr. Sherry warns if you already have a UTI or are experiencing real symptoms of one, vitamin C will not be effective in killing off bacteria. This is because unless you know the exact bacteria causing the UTI, vitamin Calthough helpfulmay not be doing enough to kill the infection youre experiencing.
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Here Are Some Tips To Quickly Deal With Troublesome Uti Symptoms
1. Give yourself a sitz bath.
A sitz bath is a warm and shallow bath for cleansing the genital area, especially the perineum or the area between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum. You can set up a sitz bath on your bath tub. As an alternative, you may also use a kit that fits over the toilet.
Sitz baths are commonly used to relieve skin irritations, itching, and minor pains. If you are not satisfied with a shallow bath, you may immerse in warm water to help relieve your abdominal pain. This can also allow your muscles to relax, helping stop painful spasms.
2. Use a heating pad.
Abdominal cramps and pressure are probably the worst symptoms of UTI, and extreme pain in the abdomen can really prevent you from doing your normal daily routine. Applying a heating pad over your abdomen can ease muscle pain, cramps, and spasms. If you do not have a heating pad, a bottle of hot water or a warm washcloth can also help.
3. Wear cotton and avoid tight-fitting clothes.
Tight pants and underwear can be uncomfortable when you are dealing with abdominal pain and other UTI symptoms. They may also further irritate the genital area, leading to more discomfort and other minor infections. Make sure to wear cotton garments and opt for slightly loose clothing to keep the genital area dry and cool. This can can prevent or reduce bacterial growth.
4. Do urinate often.