If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you already know it makes a quite common bodily perform incredibly painful. Certainly, no one likes experiencing a burning sensation every time they’ve to pee.
So, what’s a UTI, precisely? Well, according to Christine Greves, MD, an OB/GYN at Orlando Health, it’s an umbrella time period that would mean a couple of things. “Urinary tract infections are the most common bacterial infections found in women, and could describe either a bladder infection, or a bladder with kidney infection,” she explains. (In doctor converse, UTIs are also called “acute cystitis” or “pyelonephritis,” in case you ever see that on a medical chart or web site.)
It’s not all that onerous to get a UTI, both. “A urinary tract infection starts with the vagina having bacteria from the fecal flora, which then ascends into the urinary tract—starting in the urethra and then going up into the bladder,” says Greves. “The kidney infection occurs when those pathogens go farther up in the urinary tract, through the ureters to the kidneys.”
Lots of elements can impression how that micro organism gets into your urinary tract; some conditions are riskier and some women are simply extra susceptible to them than others. “Risk factors include having a history of urinary tract infection, recent spermicide use or recent sexual intercourse,” says Greves. “Other risk factors include pregnancy, because pregnancy can cause slowing of the urinary tract which in turn allows for growth of bacteria.”
Luckily, there are some issues you can do to assist scale back your danger of an infection. Here, Greves shares her prime UTI prevention methods.
7 Ways to Help Reduce Your Risk of a Urinary Tract Infection
Take frequent rest room breaks. It is perhaps a problem to hit the toilet, but it is best to make an effort to pee no less than each 4 hours. Greves says this apply “prevents the urine from being still, allowing bacteria to grow.” She places it this manner: “I like to think of it like a very still pond versus a flowing river. The still pond usually doesn’t appear to be as clean and fosters bacterial growth more easily.”
Pee proper after having sex. Greves also says it is best to goal to urinate shortly after intercourse, which can “help flush out any bacteria” around the vaginal area and hold it from getting into the urinary tract. Additionally, with intercourse, she recommends avoiding certain varieties of lubricants, as they have a tendency to improve UTI danger.
Drink up. According to a current research, women susceptible to UTIs who elevated their fluid intake by three pints (or six cups) decreased their danger of infection. “Drink plenty of water,” says Greves, “especially after sex, to flush out the potential bacteria.”
Wipe entrance to again. You may think very little of the way you wipe your self after using the restroom, nevertheless it undoubtedly issues when it comes to spreading micro organism and preventing UTIs. “After using the bathroom, it’s important to wipe front to back to prevent the fecal pathogens from contaminating the vaginal area,” says Greves.
Avoid lengthy baths. Keeping woman elements in a wet tub, swimming with bacteria, can improve your UTI danger. “Avoid taking long baths, because the water can become contaminated which can result in pathogens entering the urethral area,” says Greves. Keep it brief, or take an extended shower as an alternative.
Get out of these tight, sweaty fitness center garments. “Downstairs breathability” matters when it comes to decreasing your UTI danger. “Tight clothes don’t allow your private parts to breathe,” says Greves. Be positive to change out of stretch pants as soon as attainable after a exercise, and go for unfastened, breathable materials whenever you’re lounging around the home or once you’re sleeping.
Consider using tampons as an alternative of pads. As a further measure, “using tampons instead of sanitary napkins can also help keep the vaginal area more dry when you are on your period,” says Greeves. Just keep in mind to change your tampon regularly.
This article isn’t meant to substitute for knowledgeable medical recommendation. You shouldn’t use this info to diagnose or treat a health drawback or situation. Always verify together with your doctor earlier than altering your food plan, altering your habits, taking dietary supplements, or starting a brand new health routine.
This article shouldn’t be meant to substitute for informed medical advice. You shouldn’t use this info to diagnose or deal with a health drawback or situation. Always examine together with your doctor before altering your food plan, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.