UTIs: What's Up Down There?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause a lot of discomfort. If you experience pain or burning when you urinate, have an urge to urinate frequently or pain or heaviness in your lower abdomen, seek medical help. Usually setting up an exam at Sindecuse and following prescribed treatment will clear up the UTI, but there can be complications. If you’ve ever experienced a UTI, you know that it’s the kind of thing you want to avoid in the future. Here are some tips to do so:

  • Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated will help your body to flush out unwanted bacteria in your urinary tract that can cause UTIs. Diuretics, such as caffeine and alcohol, can leave your body dehydrated.
  • Urinate as often as you need to. Don’t hold it.
  • More cranberry. Drink cranberry juice or add cranberries to your cereal. Many scientists believe that cranberries contain a substance that prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract, preventing bacteria growth and infection.
  • Get tested for sexually-transmitted infections. Because some STIs can cause symptoms similar to UTIs, it’s good idea to get tested and make sure that a UTI is all you’re dealing with.