Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are incredibly common and are the second most common infection in the body, resulting in more than eight million doctor visits in the United States each year.
A UTI is an infection that occurs in any part of your urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureter and urethra. UTIs can be painful and many people are more susceptible to them and will have recurring infections throughout their lives.
UTIs are usually treated with a course of antibiotics but you can minimize the risk by taking some preventative measures.
Symptoms
Unfortunately, urinary tract infections don't always present with clear signs and symptoms, which can lead to more severe infection, but when they do they may include:
· a strong and frequent urge to urinate,
· a burning sensation when urinating,
· passing frequent, small amounts of urine,
· cloudy urine,
· red, bright pink or cola-colored urine, which is a sign of blood in the urine,
· strong-smelling urine and
· pelvic pain, especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
Increasing water intake by one or two glasses per day may help limit the length of time that you have symptoms and reduce the infection.
Prevention
Making sure to empty the bladder every couple of hours may aid in prevention of recurring infections. Research has shown that consuming cranberry juice or extract in supplement form decreases the ability of bacteria to adhere to the lining of the urethra and bladder. Vitamin C has been shown to do the same. Proper hygiene, especially washing after sex and wiping front to back have also shown to decrease the rate of infection.
UTIs are no fun but with the proper prevention and treatment, the duration and pain can be mitigated. As always, if you’re experiencing any signs or symptoms, contact your doctor or pharmacist to see what the best course of action and treatment is for you.
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Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447