Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common problem for women. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urine and start to grow. When left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious complications. The good news is, there are many ways to relieve and prevent UTIs.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how to identify UTIs, prevent them from occurring, and how to relieve the symptoms if you do get one.
Identifying a UTI
UTIs can cause a variety of symptoms and can often be confused with other conditions. Symptoms of a UTI include:.
- Painful urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen or lower back
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. Your doctor can diagnose a UTI and prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
Preventing UTIs
While not all UTIs can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
- Urinate after sex to flush out bacteria
- Avoid using feminine hygiene products such as douches
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid holding in urine for long periods of time
Relieving UTI Symptoms
UTI symptoms can be very uncomfortable, but there are ways to relieve them:.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen
- Use a heating pad on your lower abdomen or back
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids
- Take a warm bath
- Use a UTI pain relief product, such as AZO Urinary Pain Relief
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing UTI symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious complications such as kidney damage or sepsis.
In addition, some UTIs can be caused by more serious conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections. If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away:.
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Flank pain
- Chills
Conclusion
UTIs are a common problem for women, but there are many ways to prevent and relieve them. If you think you may have a UTI, see a doctor right away. Taking steps to prevent UTIs can also help reduce your risk of developing them in the future.