URINARY TRACT INFECTION: WHAT TO DO?
Nearly half of women* would be affected, at least once in their life, by a urinary tract infection. Also called cystitis , the latter causes burning, difficulty in urination and the desire to urinate repeatedly. This infection requires rapid and specific treatment.
Find out how to react to a urinary tract infection.
How do you catch a urinary tract infection?
The most common urinary tract infection is caused by the gut bacteria Escherichia Coli . Naturally present in the large intestine (completely harmless at this level), this bacterium can penetrate the urethra and then infect the bladder. As the emptying of this organ is less efficient, the urine stagnates, thus offering the possibility for bacteria to proliferate . This is the start of the urinary tract infection. This form of infection mainly affects women.
There are two other types of urinary tract infections which are less common and which affect organs other than the bladder: infectious urethritis which is a localized infection in the urethra (the outlet channel connected to the bladder) and pyelonephritis which is an inflammation of the kidney. A classic urinary tract infection that is not taken care of quickly enough or poorly treated can lead, in some cases, to a much more serious infection such as pyelonephritis.
Urinary tract infection: what are the symptoms?
In the case of a urinary tract infection due to the bacterium Escherichia Coli , the signs and symptoms are almost always the same:
- pain in the lower abdomen, especially when urinating;
- burning sensations or pain when urinating;
- difficulty urinating;
- a very frequent urge to urinate;
- colored urine;
- sometimes even blood in the urine;
- smelly urine;
- and sometimes an isolated fever.
- In the case of pyelonephritis, high fever accompanied by poor general condition and lower back pain may also occur.
What are the risk factors for urinary tract infection?
Men and women are totally unequal in terms of the risk of cystitis due to the bacterium Escherichia Coli . Due to their anatomy, women are indeed much more affected than men: the proximity between the genitals and the anus promotes the transport of intestinal bacteria to the bladder. The shorter urethra in women than in men also facilitates the proliferation of bacteria that cause urinary tract infection.
Other elements are also considered risk factors for the occurrence of urinary tract infections:
- certain malformations of the urinary tract;
- the presence of a urinary calculus;
- sexual intercourse (this is why it is advisable to urinate systematically after each intercourse in order to drive out any bacteria by emptying the bladder);
- the use of the diaphragm as a means of contraception (a small silicone medical device that is inserted into the vagina before intercourse to block sperm from entering the uterus);
- intimate hygiene carried out with a product that is too aggressive and/or too frequently (several times a day) can unbalance the vaginal flora and cause an infection;
- poor hydration: drinking plenty of water is essential to treat and prevent cystitis;
- hormonal changes that take place during certain key periods of life such as pregnancy or menopause.
How to treat and prevent a urinary tract infection naturally?
UTIs can be relieved with natural remedies . Some food supplements are made from proven active ingredients**.
What is the role of D-mannose ?
This simple carbohydrate, naturally present in the body, acts quickly by lining the interior wall of the urinary tract , in particular the bladder. The LESCUYER laboratory has selected D-Mannose for its rapid action, since once absorbed it reaches the bladder in 30 min.
If it is not taken care of quickly and with the adequate treatment, the urinary tract infection can give rise to more or less serious complications , some even going so far as to affect the motor function of the kidneys .
The medical prescription of an antibiotic (which is therefore not a natural solution) may be necessary to treat cystitis: consult your doctor at the slightest symptom.
A urinary tract infection can be considered chronic when it appears three or more times a year. If you are prone to this inconvenience, know that natural solutions exist to protect you, this is particularly the case with food supplements. Laboratoire Lescuyer has reformulated CYSTICALM to help all women limit their urinary discomfort and prevent their recurrence.
At the heart of its formula, D-mannose, heather, vitamin C and minerals (copper and zinc) act in synergy to restore well-being and urinary comfort.. Heather is a plant traditionally used to support the elimination of water through the urinary tract and thus contribute to urinary comfort.
How painful is urinary tract infection?
The irritation can cause pain in your lower abdomen or pelvic area and even lower back, and will usually make you feel like urinating more often. Burning or pain when urinating is the most common symptom. You may even feel a strong urge or need to urinate but only get a few drops.
What happens if a UTI goes untreated for a week?
If your UTI goes untreated, it may progress into a more serious infection. “An untreated bladder infection can become a kidney or prostate infection. These infections are more serious, because they can travel through the blood stream causing sepsis. Sepsis makes people very ill and can even be critical,” Dr.
What are signs that a UTI is getting worse?
Do UTIs come on suddenly?
Sometimes you don't even know you have a UTI. Most often you will have symptoms, though. They come suddenly, with no warning.
Can lemon water help with UTI?
Helps Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Natural News advocates adding half a cup of lemon juice to your drinking water in the morning to help combat UTIs – lemon maintains the correct pH levels in the urinary tract preventing bacteria from growing.
How do you sleep with a UTI?
Of course, make sure your bladder is completely empty before going to bed. You might also consider setting alarms during the night so that you can wake up and use the bathroom. Tools like a hot water bottle, heating pad, or even over-the-counter pain relievers can all help you with nighttime discomfort, too.
Should I keep peeing if I have a UTI?
Urinating often when you have a UTI can reduce the risk of a worsening infection. This happens because urination puts pressure on the bacteria. The longer you hold urine, the higher the risk for bacteria to build up in your system. Make sure to use the restroom as soon as possible if the urge arises.
Does sitting make UTI worse?
New evidence from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases linked prolonged sitting to kidney problems, including UTIs. According to the study, those who sit less and exercise more has the lowest risk of developing urinary complications.
Can you get a UTI from fingers?
Even if you're not having intercourse, fingering and oral sex can lead to infection. Ask your boyfriend to wash his hands before touching your genitals.
How much water should I drink to get rid of a UTI?
Don't stop, even if you feel better. During the infection — and after — make sure to drink a lot of water, at least 12 8-ounce cups per day. This will flush out your system and help prevent future infections.
Which fruits are good for urine infection?
Cranberries, blueberries, raspberries and other berries promote urinary tract health and provide protection against infection with an important compound that helps fight bacteria and keeps it from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract.
What drinks are good for urine infection?
Water is by far the best beverage choice for someone with a UTI. Drinking at least 12 8-ounce cups of water each day while you have an infection will help flush the bacteria from your system and can speed up the healing process.
When should I worry about a UTI?
As mentioned, antibiotics are typically needed to treat a UTI, so it's important to seek prompt care if you notice the signs of one. Especially if: Your symptoms are severe or getting worse. Your symptoms don't improve after a few days.
When is a UTI serious?
Lower UTIs are common and aren't usually a cause for major concern. Upper UTIs can be serious if left untreated, as they could damage the kidneys or spread to the bloodstream.
How do I know if my UTI is an emergency?
Please go to an emergency department immediately for symptoms of a urinary tract infection along with any of the following: Fever with severe and sudden shaking (Rigors) Nausea, vomiting, and the inability to keep down clear fluids or medications.
What does the beginning of a UTI feel like?
Symptoms of UTIs
Pain or burning while peeing. Frequent or intense need to urinate although little comes out when you do. Foul-smelling, cloudy, or bloody urine. Pain or pressure in your lower abdomen, just above where your bladder is located.
How can I test for UTI at home?
You can buy a home urinary tract infection (UTI) test kit. They are available without a prescription at a drugstore or online. The home test kit contains specially treated test strips. You hold them in your urine stream or dip them in a sample of your urine.
Can you drink water to cure a UTI?
“It's estimated 50 percent of UTIs can be treated by drinking a significant amount of fluid alone," says Felecia Fick, a Mayo Clinic urogynecology physician assistant who was not involved in the study. "The extra you're drinking is flushing out the bacteria that are present in the urinary tract."
Can you heal a UTI naturally?
Sometimes, you can get rid of a UTI naturally by resting, drinking lots of water, taking dietary supplements, and giving the infection some time to heal. Research from 2017 suggests that somewhere between 25% and 42% of UTIs resolve naturally without the use of antibiotics.
How long do UTIs last without treatment?
“A UTI can last several days up to a week without antibiotics. If symptoms are persisting longer than a week then antibiotics are typically necessary,” Dr. Tharakan says.
What causes urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.
Can a urinary tract infection go away on its on?
Urologist Mark Perlmutter, M.D., says a UTI can go away on its own, but not every type of UTI and not every time. “Yes, a UTI could go away on its own, but some infections are different than others,” he says. “And if left untreated, it may linger longer.”
What is the fastest way to get rid of a urinary tract infection?
If you have a UTI, make an appointment with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. The fastest way to feel better is by taking an antibiotic to kill the bacteria causing your infection.