A Guide To Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

As you gear up for your next adventure, the last thing you want is a pesky urinary tract infection (UTI) slowing you down. Understanding what UTIs are and how to prevent them can ensure you continue enjoying your Sunshine State escapades to the fullest.

A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary system like the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra and are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. While UTIs can effect anyone, women are more prone to them due to their internal anatomy structure. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to more severe complications, so it’s crucial to recognize and address them early on.

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we understand the importance of maintaining good urinary health, and our team is committed to providing information and guidance to prevent UTIs. If you suspect that you have a UTI, our healthcare professionals are readily available to provide prompt and effective treatment options. We are here to ensure that nothing—including UTIs—gets in the way of your adventures.

Common Symptoms of UTIs

Understanding the symptoms of UTIs is crucial for early detection and treatment.

• A burning feeling when you pee: This sensation is often the first sign of a UTI. The infection causes inflammation in the urinary tract, leading to discomfort or a burning sensation during urination.
• Frequent or intense urge to pee: A UTI can make you feel like you need to urinate more often than usual, even if you’ve just emptied your bladder.
• Cloudy or smelly urine: UTIs can cause your urine to appear hazy or have a strong, unpleasant odor.
• Pain in the lower belly: Some people with UTIs experience pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or back.
• Feeling tired or shaky: Some people might feel generally unwell with fatigue or shakiness.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. UTIs are not something to ignore. A superficial bladder infection can progress to a more severe infection rapidly. By recognizing the early signs and seeking prompt treatment, you can prevent further infection from spreading.

Factors Contributing to UTIs

Dehydration

Dehydration is a common factor that can cause the development of UTIs, especially in the heat of Florida. When dehydrated, your body isn’t producing as much urine to flush out bacteria. This can lead to urinary stasis, where urine stays in the bladder for too long and gives bacteria a chance to grow, leading to a UTI.

Drinking ample fluids, specifically water, helps dilute your urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently, allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin. Aim for at least 1.5 liters of fluid daily.

Holding in Urine for Long Periods

We’ve all been there: you’re in the middle of an exciting activity and don’t want to pause for a bathroom break; however, holding in urine for long periods can increase your risk of UTIs. The longer urine stays in your bladder, the more time bacteria has to multiply. Regularly emptying your bladder helps flush bacteria out of your system.

Lack of Proper Hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene can be challenging when you’re out and about; however, poor hygiene can contribute to UTIs. For instance, bacteria from the bowel can quickly get into the urethra and travel up into the bladder, causing an infection.

Ensuring cleanliness, especially around the genital area, can help prevent UTIs from developing and include simple practices such as wiping from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anal region from spreading to the urethra. Also, washing up before and after sexual activity helps to remove bacteria that could potentially enter the urethra. Avoid irritating products like scented toilet paper, douches, and deodorant sprays that can increase the risk of infection.

Lifestyle Changes for Urinary Health

Dietary Habits

What you eat and drink can impact your urinary health. Drinking water is critical, but other dietary habits can help prevent UTIs. For instance, drinking cranberry juice can help relief urinary tract pain and infections, as it may prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. It’s also important to avoid irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods when you are experiencing a UTI. These products can irritate your bladder, potentially causing your UTI to worsen.

Clothing Choices

Believe it or not, your clothing choices can contribute to UTI prevention. Opting for breathable cotton underwear and avoiding tight pants are good preventative measures in order to limit moisture from being trapped in your clothing and creating a breeding ground for bacteria. It is also recommended that after swimming or sweating, you change out of your wet clothes as soon as possible to keep your genital area dry and less hospitable to bacteria.

Physical Activity and Rest

Staying active ensures good blood flow, which helps your immune system stay strong and fight off infections. Try to incorporate some form of physical activity into your daily routine and work to ensure you sleep well each night to keep your immune system in shape.

Frequently Asked Questions on Urinary Tract Infections