Every year, millions of people around the world – mostly women – experience at least one urinary tract infection (UTI). And those numbers are on the rise. In fact, research suggests the health impact of UTIs increased by nearly 70 percent between 1990 and 2019. Not only is the condition more common than it once was, but its growing resistance to antibiotics is also making it even more dangerous.
UTIs can take a toll on your health – especially if the infection keeps happening again and again. That’s why we’re sharing warning signs, treatment options and tips for preventing this all-too-common infection from returning.
Understand how UTIs Develop
Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder) and bladder and a UTI can start in any part.
The bacterium Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, is the common culprit for UTIs. E. coli lives in the intestines of healthy animals and people and doesn't usually cause any trouble. However, a UTI is likely to develop if E. coli leaves your intestines and enters your urinary tract.
Bladder infections (cystitis) are the most common type of UTI. However, the infection can also travel to your kidneys, causing more severe health consequences, including kidney damage, sepsis and premature delivery.
Know your risk
Women get UTIs up to 30 times more often than men do, and as many as 40% experience reoccurrence within six months. And it’s a matter of basic anatomy. The location of a woman’s urethra makes it easier to transfer the infection-causing bacteria from one area of her body to the other.
Your risk of UTI also increases if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are sexually active
- Have or recently had a catheter
- Have diabetes
- Have kidney stones
- Have gone through menopause
- Use a diaphragm or other birth control with spermicides
Discover "the Beef" With Beef
Thousands of UTIs are caused by bacteria found in meat. That might seem farfetched, but raw meat often contains large quantities of E. coli because when animals are butchered, the bacteria in their intestines can become mixed with the meat on your dinner table.
Eating meat from animals that have been heavily treated with antibiotics may also be a reason for rising UTI rates. Farm animals often receive antibiotics to protect them from disease. Although this practice may keep the animals from becoming ill, it also weeds out the weaker bacteria and creates an environment for more antibiotic-resistant strains to flourish. Eating meat from these animals can increase your need for more potent antibiotics.
Recognize UTI symptoms
If you’ve ever had a UTI, chances are good you still remember the burning sensation that turned urinating into a painful experience.
Other common symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloody urine
- Constant urge to urinate
- Cramping or pain in the groin or lower abdomen
- Fever and chills
- Lower back pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain or burning during urination
Think Beyond Cranberry Juice
Although research on the benefits of cranberry juice for UTI prevention and care is inconclusive, many studies show that drinking a glass or two regularly may help reduce bladder and kidney infections. Cranberries contain a substance that prevents bacteria from sticking to your bladder’s walls. Cranberry juice may also help slow the growth of harmful bacteria in your urinary tract lining. In any case, staying well-hydrated is always a good idea and one of the best ways to help reduce your risk of UTI.
Other ways to prevent UTI include:
- Always wipe from front to back and clean the area well
- Avoid using douche and feminine hygiene sprays
- Limit baths to 30 minutes or less
- Remove wet bathing suits or workout clothes quickly
- Urinate before and after sex
- Urinate frequently
- Stay hydrated
- Wear underwear with a cotton crotch and loose-fitting pants
Time to Call Your Doctor
Even with your efforts, you can still get a UTI. Seek medical attention if you continue to experience back or side pain, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting for more than a few days.
A course of antibiotics is usually the best treatment for a UTI. Most people feel better within a day or two of starting the medication, but it's essential to finish all the antibiotics you’re prescribed.
Other treatments may include:
- Antibiotics after intercourse
- Long-term, low-dose antibiotics
- Regular urine testing
- Vaginal estrogen therapy
Delivering Lasting Relief
If you suspect you have a UTI, don't wait to get care. The world-class specialists at AdventHealth Urgent Care offer quick, convenient access to the care you need for fast relief and a speedy recovery
