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Understanding Incontinence

How to prevent a UTI when you feel it coming

Published by Sagar Luthra
How to prevent a UTI when you feel it coming

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be both painful and disruptive, and if you've experienced one before, you know how important it is to avoid them. The discomfort and inconvenience associated with UTIs make it essential to take proactive steps when you feel one coming on. In this guide, we will discuss strategies to prevent a UTI when you notice symptoms or warning signs. By staying proactive and following these tips, you can minimize your risk of a full-blown UTI and promote better urinary tract health.

Understanding the Early Warning Signs

Before we dive into prevention strategies, let's briefly discuss how to recognize the early signs of a UTI:

  1. Frequent Urination: You may notice an increased urge to urinate, even when there's not much urine to pass.
  2. Burning Sensation: A burning or painful sensation while urinating is a common symptom.
  3. Cloudy or Bloody Urine: Your urine may appear cloudy or contain traces of blood.
  4. Pelvic Pain or Discomfort: You may experience discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen.
  5. Fever and Fatigue: In some cases, UTIs can lead to fever, chills, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Once you recognise these early signs, it's time to take action to prevent the UTI from worsening.

Stay Hydrated

  • Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is crucial for flushing out bacteria from your urinary tract. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily. Proper hydration helps dilute your urine, making it harder for bacteria to thrive.
  • Include Cranberry Juice: While not a cure-all, cranberry juice contains compounds that can help prevent UTIs by preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. Include unsweetened cranberry juice in your daily routine.

Urinate Frequently

  • Don't Hold It In: When you feel the urge to urinate, don't delay. Frequent urination helps flush out bacteria from the urethra, reducing the risk of infection. Holding in urine allows bacteria to multiply.
  • Empty Your Bladder Completely: Make sure you empty your bladder fully with each trip to the restroom. Incomplete emptying can leave behind residual bacteria.

Maintain Proper Hygiene

  • Wipe from Front to Back: Proper wiping after using the toilet is essential for women. Always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anal area from reaching the urethra.
  • Clean Before and After Sex: Before sexual activity, both partners should maintain proper hygiene. After sex, it's essential to urinate to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
  • Avoid Irritants
  • Caffeine and Alcohol: These substances can irritate the bladder. Limit your intake, especially when you're already experiencing UTI symptoms.
  • Smoking: Smoking can irritate the urinary tract and weaken the body's natural defences against infection. Consider this as an opportunity to quit.
  • Certain Foods: Spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, and highly acidic foods can exacerbate UTI symptoms in some individuals. Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods and make adjustments accordingly.

Herbal Remedies and Supplements

  • Probiotics: Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in your body, which can support your immune system in fighting off infections.
  • D-Mannose: D-Mannose is a sugar that can prevent certain types of bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. You can find D-Mannose supplements at health food stores.
  • Don't Hesitate to Seek Medical Advice: If your symptoms persist or worsen despite your efforts, consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend antibiotics to treat the infection.
  • Recurrent UTIs: If you experience frequent UTIs, your doctor may suggest further evaluation to identify any underlying causes.

Take Control of Your Urinary Health

Preventing a UTI when you feel it coming is all about early recognition and proactive steps to promote urinary tract health. By staying hydrated, urinating frequently, maintaining proper hygiene, and avoiding irritants, you can reduce your risk of developing a full-blown infection. Always consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms, as early treatment is essential in preventing complications. With these strategies in mind, you can take control of your urinary health and reduce the impact of UTIs on your life.