UTI 101
CONTENTS
What is a UTI?
Symptoms
Who can get it?
Statistics
Causes
Types
Prevention
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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
- 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?
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
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
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!
What are the types of UTIs?
Cystitis
An infection of the bladder
Urethritis
An infection of the urethra
Pyelonephritis
An infection of the kidneys
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 DetailsUrology Care Foundation. (n.d.) Urinary Tract Infections in Adults.
See DetailsScott, 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 DetailsZare, M., Vehreschild, M., & Wagenlehner, F. (2021). Management of uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infections. BJU international, 129(6), 668-678.
See DetailsUTIVA 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.
Learn more
Utiva UTI Guide
Diabetes & UTIs
Are UTIs More Common as we Age?
Sex and UTIs: How to Master Your UTI-Free Sex Life
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.