UTI 101

CONTENTS

What is a UTI?

Symptoms

Who can get it?

Statistics

Causes

Types

Prevention

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What is a UTI?

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection found in any part of your urinary system such as the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. Although, most UTIs are typically in the lower urinary tract within the bladder and the urethra.

Symptoms

Symptoms

Symptoms

  • Strong and frequent urge to urinate
  • Pain or a burning sensation when you urinate
  • Cloudy, blood, or strong-smelling urine
  • Fever and chills
  • Urinating frequently, but in small amounts
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Feeling very tired or shaking
  • Muscle aches, abdominal pain, or lower back pain
  • Pelvic pain (in women)

Who can get it?

Who can get it?

Who can get it?

While anyone can experience a UTI, women tend to suffer from them more often. This is because female urethras are shorter than those of a male. The female's anus is also positioned closer to the urethra, making it easier for bacteria to travel up into the bladder and kidneys.

You are also more likely to get a UTI if you:

  • Have had a UTI before
  • Have diabetes
  • Utilize a spermicide or a diaphragm
  • Are sexually active
  • Have kidney stones or another urinary tract obstruction
  • Have a spinal cord injury
  • Are in postmenepause

Statistics

Did you know?

UTIs are responsible for 10 million doctor visits every year

60% of women will experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime

25% of women will suffer from recurrent UTIs

Causes

What causes UTIs?

What causes UTIs?

Simply put, UTIs are caused by a breach in the body's natural defence system, which causes overgrowth in bacteria (commonly E.coli) in any part of the urinary tract.

Specific growth conditions can cause an overgrowth of bacteria such as:

  • Warm temperatures
  • Moisture
  • Environmental pH
  • Oxygen

To successfully prevent UTIs from coming back, it's essential to find out what's causing them in the first place!

Types

What are the types of UTIs?

Cystitis

An infection of the bladder

Urethritis

An infection of the urethra

Pyelonephritis

An infection of the kidneys

Prevention

Ways to prevent UTIs in your everyday routine

Stay hydrated

The more water you drink, the more often you urinate. That means your urinary tract is continuously being flushed of potentially harmful bacteria that could cause an infection.

Pee before and after sex

Peeing flushes out any harmful bacteria that might have been spread around while you were doing the deed.

Wipe front to back

When you go to the bathroom, make sure you always wipe from front to back (and use that paper once per swipe) to avoid spreading any harmful bacteria.

Avoid tight pants

Wearing tight pants traps heat and moisture 'down there,' which creates a favorable environment for bacteria to grow.

Change your feminine hygiene products often

It can get a little hot and sweaty ‘down there’ during your menstruation cycle. Replacing your pads or tampons often prevents those pesky bacteria from getting too comfortable.

Natural supplements with Utiva

There are many natural options to consider, and Utiva provides doctor-proven options to help maintain a healthy urinary tract by promoting the natural flushing of bacteria.

References

Flores-Mireles, A., Walker, J., Caparon, M., & Hultgren, S. (2015). Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options. Nature reviews microbiology, 13(5), 269-284.

See Details

Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.) Urinary Tract Infections in Adults.

See Details

Scott, V., Thum, L., Sadun, T., Markowitz, M., Maliski, S., Ackerman, A., Anger, J. & Kim, J. (2021). Fear and frustration among women with recurrent urinary tract infections: findings from patient focus groups. Journal of Urology, 206(3), 688-695.

See Details

Zare, M., Vehreschild, M., & Wagenlehner, F. (2021). Management of uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infections. BJU international, 129(6), 668-678.

See Details

UTIVA SOLUTION

Utiva Cranberry PACs

UTIVA SOLUTION

Utiva Cranberry PACs

PACs are the active molecules from cranberries. One Utiva Cranberry PACs capsule has 36 mg of PACs, the clinically proven dose to help manage urinary tract health.

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Utiva UTI Guide

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Diabetes & UTIs

Learn more

Are UTIs More Common as we Age?

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Sex and UTIs: How to Master Your UTI-Free Sex Life

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Why Utiva?

Why Utiva?

We know there's more to life, so we took the hard part, the science, and created the most effective products recommended by doctors and loved by patients. Using the highest quality of all ingredients, we work with leading medical experts to develop our products to be the most potent on the market.

A Commitment to Quality

A Commitment to Quality

We believe that everyone deserves the best quality healthcare and that some of the best solutions to our wellness needs are offered by nature. All of our supplements are made of all-natural, locally sourced ingredients that have been carefully selected for their exceptional quality. Our products are vegan, gluten free and non-GMO.