A urinary tract infection (UTI), also known as cystitis, is a common infection characterized by inflammation of the lining of the bladder and urethra.
This condition is usually caused by bacteria, with E. coli (Escherichia Coli) being a common culprit. E. coli is found in the intestines of both humans and mammals. A UTI can develop when this bacterium enters the bladder through the urethra and attaches to the bladder wall, leading to inflammation.
UTIs occur in both men and women, but women are more susceptible. The reason for this is explainable: women have a shorter urethra, and it is located closer to the anus. This makes it easier for infections to reach the bladder.
If a UTI is not treated promptly, it can even lead to a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). The good news is that a UTI is not contagious.
Symptoms of a UTI:
The symptoms of a UTI are often clearly recognizable and may include:
- Pain and a burning sensation during urination;
- Frequent urge to urinate, with only small amounts of urine being passed;
- Changes in the color and odor of urine;
- Pain in the lower abdomen or back;
- Sometimes blood in the urine.
Tips for prevention and treatment:
Fortunately, there are several simple measures you can take to reduce the risk of a UTI and to relieve the symptoms:
- Drink plenty of water: By drinking a lot of water (about 7 large glasses a day), you dilute the urine and urinate more often, flushing bacteria out of the bladder.
- Go to the toilet more often: It may seem frequent, but urinating at least 7 times a day is good for you. Never ignore the urge to urinate and always empty your bladder completely.
- Choose moist toilet paper: Use moist toilet paper for a major bowel movement, but always clean afterwards with a moist wipe. Make sure the wipes have a skin-neutral pH value and do not contain alcohol or perfume. Also, always wipe from front to back so that any bacteria from the anus are not moved towards the urethra.
- Do not use vaginal cleansing products: The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and cleansing products can only disrupt its natural balance. When the number of lactic acid bacteria is out of balance, infections with E. coli bacteria can only increase, and as you may have read, this bacterium is usually the culprit of a UTI.
- Choose breathable underwear: Preferably wear breathable underwear, such as cotton or bamboo, to avoid a warm and moist environment where bacteria thrive.
- Urinate before and after sex: It's probably nothing new that women are advised to urinate after sex. This flushes away bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sexual activity. But did you know that urinating before sex can also help? This way, your bladder is empty, and bacteria have less chance to cling on.
- Support with the right diet and supplements: Add cranberries or cranberry juice to your diet; research has shown that this can help prevent UTIs. Furthermore, vitamin C-rich foods can reduce bacterial growth, and probiotic foods promote a healthy gut flora. Additionally, EGCG (a polyphenol) appears to inhibit E. coli bacteria (steep the tea bag for at least 3 minutes for the best results), and garlic contains antimicrobial properties that can help reduce UTIs. Finally, meat is a source of certain E. coli bacteria, so try to eat it less often.
Treatment with antibiotics:
Did you still get a UTI despite your efforts to prevent it? In some cases, antibiotic treatment is desired. However, be careful with this and ensure extra support for your intestines during an antibiotic course!
Do you regularly suffer from UTIs and would you like to discover and address the underlying cause? Feel free to request a consultation with one of our therapists, so we can specifically help you!
