Due to the nature of the condition, questions and solutions surrounding UTIs and their symptoms aren't something we often shout about from the rooftops! However, perhaps we should, as UTIs and cystitis affect many women, and can often be tricky and frustrating to overcome, to say the least. Throughout this blog, I help answer some frequently asked questions to enable you to feel better prepared against urinary tract infections in the future.
1. What is the cause of a UTI?
UTIs are usually caused by an underlying bacterial infection. Generally, bacteria from the outside of the body makes their way into your urinary tract via the urethra, where they can set up camp and give rise to irritation, inflammation and a number of subsequent symptoms.
What's the best advice?
There a number of diet and lifestyle tips that can help to prevent the bad bacteria that cause UTIs, from entering the body in the first place. Aim to drink plenty of water to help keep your system flushing through (up to 2 litres daily) and be sure to limit sugar, fizzy drinks and caffeine which can all risk adding to the irritation. Wear cotton, breathable underwear and limit the use of chemical-laden toiletries wherever possible. Click this link to read more tips on preventing UTIs and cystitis.
2. Will a UTI go away on its own?
Especially in the current climate, most of us are trying to avoid unnecessary trips to the doctors' surgery. Luckily, when it comes to UTIs, self-care is often an appropriate avenue. By taking the proper steps to look after yourself, whilst staying vigilant of course, the bad bacteria, that we generally have elsewhere in our bodies already, will eventually pass from where it's not so welcome.
What's the best advice?
Drinking plenty of water, limiting sugar and starting on a dose of Uva Ursi & Echinacea is the best course of action if the early signs of a UTI have started to rear their ugly heads. Taking 5 doses of Uva Ursi daily should help to stop most mild infections in their tracks, however, as always, if your symptoms don't start to improve or get any worse, it's time to give your doctor a ring. Any pain in your back is one to watch for and could suggest your kidneys are under threat - you should call straight away if this is the case.
A.Vogel Self-Care Tip: Easing UTIs from home
My top tips for easing UTI's from home:
3. What does UTI pain feel like?
The pain associated with UTIs can often be described as niggling and burning, especially when the frequent need to go to the loo is apparent. Generally, the pain isn't severe (if it is, or there is blood present, you should call your doctor immediately), but it is often considered more 'uncomfortable' than painful. The pain as a result of UTI's often starts to subside as quickly as it came about, especially if you act fast and take the appropriate steps.
What's the best advice?
Be sensible. As with most conditions if your symptoms start to escalate and are beyond self-treatment (this can include blood in your urine, or back pain) it's time to contact your GP. However, in most cases, by flushing your system through with plenty of water, sipping on some good quality Cranberry Juice (I recommend Biotta's Wild Mountain Cranberry Juice) and starting on a dose of Uva Ursi & Echinacea, you should be able to dampen the uncomfortable stinginess fairly quickly.
4. How long does a UTI last?
Whilst recurrent infections can make you feel like you're never getting a break, separate infections shouldn't be lasting for any great length of time, or it could suggest something more serious is at work. Especially after starting a dose of Uva Ursi & Echinacea, if your symptoms relating to a UTI, including frequent urination or burning when peeing, don't start to subside within 7 days, it's time to see your doctor for a check-up in case your symptoms are the result of another underlying medical condition instead.
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What’s the best advice?
If one particular infection is more severe or longer lasting than would be expected (blood present when peeing, pain transmitting from your back or an infection lasting longer than 7 days) then it's time to get checked in case something else is at the root of the cause.
If, instead, it just feels like your UTI's are never ending as you are subject to recurrent infections, it's time to try and help understand what some of the underling causes may be. Some examples of points to consider are as follows:
- Diet & lifestyle – being guilty of not keeping yourself hydrated, being a bit of a caffeine junky or caving to daily sweet treats could all be contributing to more frequent urinary tract infections. Click this link to get more cystitis diet tips to help get you back on track.
- Hormones – it's true that unfortunately women succumb to the nasty symptoms associated with UTIs and cystitis, more often than our male counterparts. Menopause can also have a part to play as our hormones start to change during this time in our lives, which can have an effect. Click this link for some hormone-specific tips to help overcome those uncomfortable symptoms.
- Hygiene practices – Wiping front to back after going to the loo and peeing after sex are important rules to stick by when it comes to helping prevent cystitis. However, some lesser known tips include considering which toiletries you use on a daily basis. Click this link for more info and tips.
