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Common Myths About Urinary Tract Infections and How to Avoid Getting One

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This is part 1 of a 2 part series about UTIs and Menopause on behalf of Uristat® and the “Never on Pause” Education Campaign. Although I received free product and promotional consideration, all opinions are my own.

No one wants to get a Urinary Tract Infection. Not only are they uncomfortable, they can actually be quite painful. And for women going through perimenopause or menopause, it’s an added discomfort we just don’t need. A few weeks ago, I shared some information from the URISTAT ® “Never on Pause” Education campaign about UTI’s and Menopause, and shared some of the most common symptoms. Today I want to share some common myths surrounding UTI’s, as well as tips for avoiding getting a Urinary Tract Infection. 

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A Few Common Myths About Urinary Tract Infections

Myth: Only sexually active women in their 20’s get UTIs.
In truth, UTI’s can occur at any age, which is why many women will experience a UTI during perimenopause and menopause. In fact, more than half (53%) of women over 55 experiencing recurring UTIs (at least three UTIs over 12 months). This is due to the lack of estrogen and the drop in “good bacteria” levels.  Additionally, while sex may be a trigger for a UTI, there are other risk factors as well including:

  • the female anatomy,
  • certain birth control,
  • pregnancy,
  • urinary tract abnormalities,
  • complications in the urinary tract,
  • impaired immune system,
  • catheterization, and
  • previous UTIs.

Myth: UTIs are not a big deal.
I’m here to tell you, as far as discomfort, they ARE a big deal! However, while it is truth to the point that a UTI may subside without treatment, it is also true that the infection can spread to your kidneys and cause serious damage. If you’re experiencing discomfort, then it is in your best interest to make an appointment with your doctor and get it checked out.

Myth: UTIs only occur in women.
While 40 to 50% of women get UTI’s, 12% of men do. So it is safe to say that men can get UTIs, but they are much more common in women.

Myth: UTIs are caused by poor hygiene.
Not true. Getting a UTI does not mean you are not clean. In fact, you can be completely clean and still get a UTI. However, as mentioned in the first myth above, there are certain factors though that can increase your chances. 

Myth: Pregnancy and UTIs are unrelated.
Unfortunately, this is a myth, too. The changes that occur in your body during pregnancy, can increase the risk of infection in your urinary tract. The main reason that the chances of onfection are increased is that the hormone progesterone, which your body produces at an increased amount during pregnancy, relaxes the muscle in your uterus and bladder. This decrease in muscle tone, along with the pressure that your growing uterus puts on your bladder, can slow the flow of urine and put you at a higher risk of a UTI. 

How To Avoid Urinary Tract Infections

Now that you are aware of the some of the UTI myths, and are familiar with the symptoms of a UTI, here are some things you can do to help avoid a UTI.

  1. Hydrate with water this is one of the best ways to prevent a UTI. Drinking lots of water will cause you to urinate frequently, and the more you go the more bacteria is flushed out of your system. So drink plenty of liquids, especially water.
  2. Front to back – remember when your parents taught you to wipe from front to back after you go to the bathroom? Think of this as the golden rule of UTIs – that bacteria from the rear does not belong around the front!
  3. Avoid irritating products – there are some feminine products, such as deodorant sprays, douches, and powders, that can irritate the urethra and trigger a UTI. Certain types of birth control – like diaphragms and spermicidal agents – can also increase the risk of infection.
  4. Urinate after sex – this is another way to prevent bacteria from moving into the urethra. And if you don’t feel like you need to go, drink a glass of water.
  5. Cotton will keep you dry – the bacteria that cause UTIs grow exponentially in warm, moist environments. Wearing underwear made from synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester, or spandex, restricts airflow to your body. Cotton, on the other hand, is porous and keeps you dry.
  6. Go when you need to go – not only is “holding it” uncomfortable, but it can also make it easier for bacteria to multiply in your urinary tract. So when you have the urge, go.

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Getting Relief from a Urinary Tract Infection with Uristat®

As only life can work, within a week and a half of writing the first Uristat post, I wound up with an extremely uncomfortable UTI. I didn’t know whether to laugh from the irony or cry from the discomfort. Later that same week a package arrived in the mail, a box of Uristat® Pain Relief Tablets. After double checking with my doctor, I was able to take the Uristat along with my prescribed antibiotics, and relief came quickly. That sense of always having to go to the bathroom dissapated, as did the burning, and the cramping in my abdomen and lower back eased greatly. 

Remember, Urinary Tract Infections can only be cured by antibiotics prescribed by a physician, so it is very important that you make an appointment at the earliest signs of a UTI. However, thanks to URISTAT® Pain Relief Tablets, relief is possible while you are waiting for your appointment, and while you are taking your prescribed antibiotics.  

Uristat® Pain Relief Tablets are over-the-counter, and can be taken as soon as you start to experience the symptoms of an UTI. Each Uristat® Relief PAK™ comes with 36 tablets along with a UTI test strip which can help confirm a UTI before you meet with your doctor. 

More Information on Urinary Tract Infections and a Uristat Coupon

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Uristat® products are easy to find both online and in-store. Retailers across the country carry them, including Walmart, Walgreens, Kmart, Rite Aid, Kinney Drugs and drugstore.com. To learn more about urinary tract infections and URISTAT® products, visit uristat.com . 

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Have you heard these myths about UTI’s? What are your tips for avoiding getting a Urinary Tract Infection? Share them with us in the comments below!

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