Understanding UTIs
While most women experience at least one urinary tract infection or UTI by the time they turn 30, some women, in particular, struggle with frequent infections of the bladder, kidneys and urethra. Painful UTI symptoms can include burning with urination, a tender belly, a constant feeling of having to urinate despite little urine being produced, back pain, fever or chills, and cloudy urine. UTIs occur when germs enter your body through your urethra and travel to your bladder or kidneys – since women have shorter urethras than men, it is easier for germs to reach theses organs. Sex, diabetes, lack of fluids, pregnancy, certain types of birth control and completing menopause can all increase the likelihood of UTIs.
If you struggle with ongoing UTIs, talk to your doctor about options for preventing or managing these infections. Likewise, if you have a fever or vomiting and sharp pain on one side of your back under your ribs, have diabetes or kidney problems, or are pregnant, call your doctor immediately rather than trying to diagnose your own UTI. Your doctor will take a urine sample to determine the potential infection. Treatment typically includes a few days of antibiotics and pain medication. To prevent recurrence, stay hydrated (including cranberry juice), wipe from front to back, empty your bladder right after intercourse and avoid douches, sprays and powders which can all irritate the urethra.
