How to Prevent a UTI
6/2/2023
MOBERLY, Mo., June 2, 2023 – Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in the United States, resulting in seven million office visits to healthcare providers each year. Additionally, 50 percent of women and three percent of men worldwide will experience a UTI in their lifetime. While most UTIs are not serious, they can cause discomfort, and if left untreated could lead to kidney damage or sepsis.
UTIs are an infection in any part of the urinary system including kidneys, bladder and urethra, often caused by bacteria, like E. coli, entering through the urethra. Symptoms include painful urination, the frequent urge to urinate and pressure in the abdomen or groin.
“Anyone who has had a UTI knows how uncomfortable they can be,” says Dr. Clark Butler, primary care physician at Moberly Rural Health Clinic. “While there are steps you can take to help prevent a UTI, once you have a UTI, the most effective treatment will generally include a course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor paired with good hydration, and avoiding bladder irritants such as soda, coffee, tea, and tobacco products.”
Dr. Butler suggests these habits to help reduce the risk of developing a UTI:
- Empty your bladder completely and frequently: Holding urine for long periods of time can increase the risk of bacteria accumulating in the bladder.
- Wipe correctly: To avoid bacteria entering the urethra, always wipe from front to back after using the restroom.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking a lot, especially water, helps flush out bad bacteria that can cause infection. Oppositely, avoid liquids that can irritate the bladder like alcohol and excessive caffeine.
- Avoid irritations: Scented feminine hygiene products and sprays can irritate the urethra, increasing the risk of developing an infection.
- Try cranberries: Cranberry juice is often associated with relief from UTIs and according to the National Health Institute, cranberries contain the compound proanthocyanidins that can help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder.
“If you feel that you may be experiencing symptoms of a UTI, it is important to get those symptoms checked out,” Dr. Butler says. “Although some UTIs may go away without treatment, infections can last longer without treatment, and lead to more serious conditions if not treated.”
If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI or want to book a wellness visit with a primary care physician, visit moberlyphysicians.com or call 660-263-9095.
For more health and wellness information, sign up for MRMC’s email newsletter by visiting moberlyregionalmedicalcenter.com/enewsletter-sign-up.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4457377/
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-prevent-uti
https://www.healthline.com/health/uti-home-remedies
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/pscmanual/7psccauticurrent.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5414046/#:~:text=In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20UTIs,2%2C%205%2C%206%5D.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults/treatment
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027998/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7027998/#:~:text=Cranberries%20(usually%20as%20cranberry%20juice,prevent%20bladder%20and%20other%20UTIs.
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