UTI Symptoms to Watch For & How to Prevent It
If you find yourself with an uncomfortable burning sensation while peeing or peeing all too frequently…you just might have a urinary tract infection. A urinary tract infection (also known as a UTI) is defined as an infection in any part of the urinary system including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
UTIs are one of the top types of outpatient infections, causing more than 8.1 million visits to the hospital and health care providers each year. Although symptoms are not always present in a UTI there are some more common symptoms to watch for as well as helpful preventative measures.
Possible UTI Symptoms to Watch For
- A burning feeling while urinating
- Urine that is cloudy
- Urine that looks red or bright pink (possible signs of blood in the urine)
- Strong smelling urine
- For women, pain in the center of the pelvis or near the pubic bone
- Urinating often and in small amounts
Due to a female’s anatomy a woman’s likelihood of contracting a UTI is much higher. The woman’s urethra is much smaller than that of a man’s, giving much easier access for bacteria to enter. Studies show women having a 1 in 2 chance of contracting a UTI versus a man with a 1 in 10 chance.
Predisposing factors for a UTI
There are a number of predisposing factors for UTIs that impact everyone. One of those is consistently not emptying your bladder when you need to and holding it in. This can easily lead to a buildup of bad bacteria and ideal conditions for a UTI to form over time.
For men a few of the factors that can increase the odds of a UTI include having a sexually transmitted disease or an enlarged prostate. STDs are one of the most common causes of a UTI in younger men. Additionally, having an enlarged prostate as an older man can block the flow of urine and increase bacteria growth, bumping up the odds for a UTI.
Diabetes can make someone up to 10 times more likely to contract a UTI. This condition causes higher sugar levels in both the blood and urine. High blood sugar levels can impact blood flow and potentially damage the nerves in the bladder, making it harder to tell when it is time to use the bathroom. If urine is left in the bladder for too long then bacteria have more space to grow and can result in a UTI. Diabetes also weakens the immune system which in turn creates a lowered immune response to fight off various infections in the body such as a UTI.
Other common risk factors include having an immune system disorder, being sexually active, being of an older age, having kidney stones, or having a past history of UTIs.
How to Treat a UTI
If you find yourself with any of the symptoms listed above or suspect you have a UTI it is best to go to the doctor for a test. Typically, a urine sample is used to test for the bacteria found in UTIs.
The most common form of treatment prescribed by doctors is antibiotics. Drinking ample amounts of fluids, taking antibiotics, and using a heating pad are a few practical things that can be helpful to speed recovery along. Most UTIs can be cured with antibiotics but failing to treat it can lead to kidney infections or other more serious issues so it is best to act swiftly.
For fast acting relief consider Vibrant Health’s U.T. Vibrance Powder, a powerful botanical blend for immediate and lasting support. With 5,000 mg of D-Mannose and anti-adherent botanicals this “crisis intervention formula” helps eliminate e-coli bacteria from the urinary tract while simultaneously increasing urine flow. U.T. Vibrance is an ultra-soothing formula designed to offer support against the itching, burning, and irritation that comes with UTIs. U.T. Vibrance is available in convenient stick packs of 10, powder, or tablets. It is wise to consult with your doctor before starting or considering a new regimen. For optimal results take 1 U.T. Vibrance Stick Pack mixed with water every 3-4 hours for 3 days.
Tips for Preventing a UTI
Making sure to hydrate and drink of plenty of water:
Hydrating well can be one of the first lines of defense against a UTI. Drinking lots of fluid keeps the bladder tissue hydrated and dilutes the urine, helping to lower the concentration of bacteria. It is suggested to drink at least 50 ounces (1.5 liters) of fluids daily as a helpful preventative measure but it is wise to consult with your doctor for your specific health needs.
Taking a quality probiotic
Probiotics assist in supporting the growth of beneficial “good” bacteria in the vagina and urinary tract which in turn prevents the bacteria that can cause UTIs. For a dynamic probiotic consider taking Vibrant Health’s Digestive Vibrance, an advanced gut health formula with 100 billion probiotics from eight strains picked specifically for their digestive health benefits. With just 1 scoop in 8 ounces of juice or water you can be on your way to a balanced gut while helping to protect yourself from a UTI.
Making sure to wipe front to back after using the bathroom
One easy tip is to wipe front to back after using the bathroom as this helps prevent bacteria from spreading to the urethra where most UTIs form.
Emptying your bladder fairly frequently
Regularly emptying the bladder can help the body eradicate unwanted bacteria. Allowing urine to sit in the bladder for longer lengths of time creates ideal living conditions for bacteria to grow. Urinating frequently every 2-3 hours can be helpful to flush out the body and staying hydrated can help.
While it is impossible to predict or fully prevent UTIs there are a number of simple preventative measures to tip the cards in your favor. Knowing whether you fall into a high-risk category can lay a blueprint for which steps to take. Staying ahead of the curve helps ensure your body (and urinary tract!) stays vibrant and healthy for many years to come.
