A Urinary Tract Infection is one of the most unpleasant things you’ll ever experience down there. An annoyingly constant need to pee and a horrible stinging sensation when you do…UGH. If you’re a woman, the chances are that you’re going to get one at least once in your lifetime, but they are easily treatable. We tell you everything you need to know about UTIs, from how they’re caused to treatment and prevention. We make sure that you’ll be prepared to deal with this common problem like a boss.
Why Do They Happen?
A UTI is simply caused when bad bacteria enters the body through the urinary tract and basically causes chaos for the bladder and kidneys. Why they are so common in women is because of simple anatomy. It’s easier for bacteria to enter a woman’s body because of how short the urethra is compared to a man’s. For all you biology-challenged students, the urethra is the tube that connects the bladder to the outside world, so naturally it’s a longer route for the bacteria in terms of a man’s body. Also, in women, the urethra is closer to the anus, making it easier for germs to travel to the urethra and cause infections.
Common Ways You Can Get A UTI
Anything that causes bacteria to get within contact of the urethra or vulva can give you a UTI.
- During sex, when germs enter the urethra
- Using a public/ dirty toilet
- Touching genitals with dirty or unwashed hands
- When toilet water splashes back
Symptoms To Watch Out For
It’s very common for women to have it and not realize they do or understand the cause of it. These are the main symptoms to look out for:
- The most common symptom is the constant urge to pee. You will want to pee all the time, even if you just did 20 minutes ago.
- And when you do pee, it’s accompanied by a burning/ stinging sensation.
- Difficulty controlling pee and feeling like peeing even when you don’t actually need to (when your bladder is almost empty).
- Pain in your lower belly and back.
- Blood or pus in your urine.
- Constant and/ or recurring fever
Treating A UTI
The symptoms will not go away on their own. You must visit a doctor for a round of antibiotics to clear up the infection. If left untreated, the infection can spread to your bladder, and even worse, to the kidneys and blood.
While you wait for the antibiotics to kick in (it can take a day or two), make sure to down water like your life depends on it. Yes, we know it will only make you pee more, but it will help flush out the bacteria faster. Fresh cranberry juice is also a miracle drink for the general health of your bladder and urinary tract and can help treat it faster.
How To Keep The Misery At Bay
The most annoying thing about a UTI is that once you get it, you’re more prone to getting it again and again. The best ways to prevent them are:
- Avoid holding your urine for long. If you got to pee, then just pee!
- Drink plenty of water all day.
- Always pee right after sex.
- Make sure to wipe from front to back after you pee.
- Wear clean and comfortable underwear.
Images: Shutterstock
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