UTIs or Urinary tract infections occur when germs (predominantly E.coli) enter the Urethra and start to multiply. The most common symptoms of a UTI include a frequent need to urinate, pain or burning when urinating and cloudy urine.
Who frequently gets UTIs?
UTIs tend to occur more frequently in females as they have a shorter urethra compared to a man, which decreases the distance the bacteria have to travel before they reach the bladder.
While it’s not always easy to accept that you have a UTI, it’s worth remembering you are not alone. In fact the majority of women will suffer several UTI infections over their lifetime with 1 in 3 women having had one before the age of 24.
UTI risk factors
There are a number of risk factors that make an infection more likely including.
Physiological differences or abnormalities in the structure of your uterine canal
Sexual activity, particularly with more than one partner can increase risk
The type of birth control you use can be a factor, with the diaphragm being an issue for some
Cases appear to increase around menopause when changes in oestrogen levels occur
Pregnancy can cause urinary tract changes as well as changes in muscle relaxation, predisposing some women to infection.
Kidney stones can create an obstruction that increases the risk of a UTI.
Various medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases or diabetes that can compromise the immune system
Surgery in the area of the urinary tract can also make a person more susceptible
While this list isn’t exhaustive it does indicate that anything that changes your existing bodily status in terms of exposure to bacteria, the immune system, or physiology may increase your risk of UTI infections.
What should you do when you have a UTI?
Although in some cases a UTI will go away on its own, in many cases it can be more severe and very painful. To avoid any risk it is therefore advisable to visit a GP for a course of antibiotics.
However, there are also several measures you can take yourself to deal with a UTI. These include helping to flush out the infection and keeping your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water.
You can also consider taking a food supplement to help prevent the recurrence of UTIs and help manage the severity of this condition . When managing the condition take it at the first signs of discomfort. If you chose to take a UTI supplement select one containing proven ingredients with a long history of successful use such as cranberry extract, D-Mannose and Birch extract.
