Discussing your urinary tract infection (UTI) probably isn’t on your list of hot conversation topics with your girlfriends. While they’re icky and uncomfortable, it’s important to educate yourself about how to avoid them or how to make them go away fast. Bacteria are the primary cause of UTIs, and one of the most common ones, staphylococcus saprophyticus, is prevalent during the late summer to fall seasons. Here are some tips on how to keep yourself UTI-free—especially this Summer!
Recognize the Symptoms
Studies show that every year that approximately 11 percent of women in the US report at least one doctor-diagnosed UTI. Some of the common symptoms are:
- Painful, burning sensation with urination
- Fever
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Frequent and urgent urination
- Pain above the pubic bone
- Pain in your back or side
Another reason we see an increased incidence of UTI, especially in the month of August, is due to dehydration. “These infections also tend to be more severe, and are caused to inadequate hydration due to the weather and infrequent urination due to outdoor activity,” says Dr. Nicole Williams, a Board Certified Gynecologist at the Gynecology Institute of Chicago.
How To Stay UTI-Free
“Make sure that you maintain good hygiene: wipe from front to back to prevent tracking bacteria from your rectum to your urethra and use unscented toilet paper to reduce irritation and potential inflammation,” says Dr. Jenny M. Jaque, Assistant Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology and Assistant Residency Program Director, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Keck School of Medicine at USC.
Dr. Jaque also recommends wearing cotton underwear during the hot summer months to help prevent moisture buildup. “Urinate before and after sex in order to help flush out any bacteria that may have entered your urethra during sexual intercourse,” says Dr. Jaque, “Avoid use of spermicides and use caution when using condoms with lubrication.”
To help prevent a UTI, Dr. Jaque suggests drinking cranberry juice because studies show that cranberry juice may decrease your risk of acquiring certain bacteria that tend to cause urinary tract infections.
If you aren’t sure if you have a UTI, see your doctor. You may have another type of infection and treatments may vary and, in some cases, medication may be needed.
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