Urinary tract infection is a common disease or infection of the urinary system involving the bladder, kidney, ureters, and urethra, but the most common is the infection of the lower urinary which implicates bladder and urethra. Antibiotics are used to treat UTI.
Women are more prone to getting UTI than men, especially pregnant women. Women who are conceiving a baby are tested for UTI and treated for it to prevent the infection from spreading.
What Are The Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection?
- Constant feeling or urge to urinate
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent but with the inconsiderable amount when urinating
- Cloudy appearance of the urine
- Blood in the urine
- Strong-smell of the urine
- Pelvic pain (pain around the pubic bone)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pains
What Are The Ways To Prevent Urinary Tract Infection?
- Observing proper hygiene is vital in preventing UTI. After a bowel movement and you are using a tissue to clean up, make sure that you don’t wipe from back to front. Remember to wipe from front to back. This way, you are avoiding the bacteria coming from the rectum to pass to the vagina.
- Avoid taking long baths. Instead, take showers. The water during baths may easily be contaminated, and the bacteria can reach the bladder opening area allowing for infection.
- Empty your bladder as needed. Never hold urine for an extended period. It will encourage bacterial growth within the bladder causing it to be infected. When you feel the need to urinate, find a clean and comfortable place.
- When you’re having menstruation, avoid using sanitary pads or napkins. Use tampons instead. It will keep the bladder opening drier preventing bacterial growth.
- Empty the bladder after having sex to prevent bacterial growth in the bladder opening. Make sure to urinate after sex to avoid infection.
- Wear breathable cotton fabric underwear, and avoid using tight undergarments to prevent moisture buildup causing bacterial growth and infection in the bladder opening.
- Increase your fluid intake. The ideal color of the urine is very pale yellow, and any shade darker means you are not getting enough fluids. Try increasing water intake by adding one glass per meal interval.
- Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements. Cranberries have an active ingredient which can prevent bacterial growth in the bladder wall.
- Eating probiotics can also help in the prevention of urinary tract infection. It uses live microorganisms or what is also known as probiotics to aid in fighting bacterial growth.
Does Baking Soda Work Wonders For Urinary Tract Infection?
Baking soda is believed to clear the urinary system, especially the kidneys, with toxins preventing the spread of the infection. Drink a glass of water mixed with ½ to 1 teaspoon of baking soda on an empty stomach. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes, and you will be able to pass urine better with lesser pain.
When feeling symptoms of urinary tract infection, it is okay to try to treat yourself the natural way, but if your symptoms prolong, it is best to consult a doctor to prevent any worsening of the infection.