All About UTIs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights for Women
My first UTI. I was about 23, in love or lust after a weekend with a new boyfriend and then it hit me on a Tuesday. At the time I was working in a cool Yorkville Salon and I remember the discomfort and urgency to pee driving me almost mad and totally distracting me from a day’s worth of clients. I felt like absolute crap on the Subway ride home and the pain started to intensify on the walk home from the station. I told my roommate what I was experiencing and she informed me I was way past the cranberry juice stage and needed to go to urgent care straight away. Once that first dose of antibiotics kicked in, it was like pure bliss. I’ve had my share of them since then, but I have become wiser at preventing them. For starters, don’t fall asleep post sex without peeing first!
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, have almost become a rite of passage—an uncomfortable one at that. If you’re among the 25% to 40% of women in the United States aged 20-40 who’ve experienced this ailment, you know the urgency and discomfort that come with it. Let’s clear up the confusion and tackle this common issue head-on.
Disclaimer
Please note that while this blog post is informed by research and personal experience, I am not a medical professional. Always seek the advice of a healthcare provider for individual advice and treatment plans.
The Prevalence of UTIs in Women
UTIs trigger more than six million doctor visits annually in the US, dominating the conversation around women’s health concerns. Sex plays a significant role in this narrative due to the friction during the act guiding bacteria toward the urethra. Post-coital UTIs are so common that symptoms often start around two days after sex.
UTI Causes
Bacteria is the most common cause of UTI’s, although rare, fungi can also cause a UTI. E. coli bacteria, which live in the bowel, cause most UTIs. The female anatomy contributes to women’s increased likelihood of contracting a UTI. Dehydration, improper wiping after peeing or doing a number two, not peeing after sex and rubbing during sex can irritate the opening of the urethra making it easy for bacteria to enter.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Early detection is crucial. Here are common red flags signaling a UTI:
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Frequent urges to urinate
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Pain or burning sensation during urination
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Sudden and intense urges to urinate
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Inability to fully empty the bladder
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Lower abdominal discomfort
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Cloudy, odorous urine, sometimes with visible blood
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General malaise, including body aches and fatigue
When Prevention Isn’t Enough: Seeking Treatment
Ignoring UTI symptoms can lead to more daunting issues like kidney infections. At the first hint of a UTI, consult with a healthcare professional. While homeopathic remedies are excellent for prevention, antibiotics are often necessary for effective treatment.
A Closer Look at Helpful Products
Let’s examine how these recommended products can be incorporated into your routine:
Enter the Super Supplement for Bladder Health
Boasting over 3000mg of cranberry and potent proanthocyanidins, these supplements are not a mere band-aid; they support your urinary tract comprehensively. More than just a bladder ally, they maintain a respectful distance from your pH levels and hormones, ensuring nothing else goes awry in your body.
Momotaro Salve: The Down-There Defender
Fight back against the itchy aftermath of a yeast or bacterial infection with Momotaro’s multifunctional salve. Infused with healing botanicals such as Echinacea, Calendula, and Goldenseal, this balm provides a layer of relief and protection. It’s especially useful for soothing irritation following sexual encounters, tight clothing, or even an intense workout session.
MOMOTARO PROBIOTIC PROMOTE A HEALTHY VAGINAL MICROBIOME 30 capsules / 25 billion CFU
The Game-Changer: Woo More Play Freshies
Don’t let those icky post-sex or post-gym feelings linger. With Woo More Play Freshies, you can stay ahead of irritation and keep things fresh. These vegan, hypoallergenic wipes pack a punch with their organic ingredients, providing a convenient and discreet solution wherever your day might take you.
WOO MORE PLAY FRESHIES 10 pH BALANCED INTIMATE AFTER PLAY WIPES SET x 2
Conclusion: Empowerment Through Education and Self-Care
It’s time to flip the script on UTIs. They’re common, yes, but they don’t have to be an accepted part of being a woman. By staying attuned to your body’s signals and taking proactive measures, you can shield yourself from the discomfort and inconvenience of UTIs. Whether through preventative self-care or seeking prompt medical intervention, empower yourself to maintain urogenital health with confidence.
Remember, while UTIs are a prevalent concern, they’re also highly preventable and treatable. Keep your head high, your self-care game strong, and always consult a medical professional when in doubt. Here’s to your health and happiness!
