Tips for preventing urinary tract infections

Ouch! It stings, it burns and your pee breaks are like a torture session? Very painful, urinary tract infections will affect 50% of women at least once in their lives. It is a particularly widespread pathology that deserves attention. So what to do when going to the toilet becomes impossible?

What is a urinary tract infection?

Also called cystitis, it is an infection that will affect one or more parts of the urinary system:the bladder, kidneys, urethra or ureters. The urinary tract infection is manifested by burning felt when the affected person urinates. Urges to go to the bathroom will be more frequent and pain in the stomach and lower back is often felt.

A disease that affects both men and women

If women are more affected than men for anatomical reasons – because of the proximity between the anus and the urinary system which can lead to the transfer of bacteria – men can also be prone to urinary tract infections. In men, urinary tract infection will be rarer, but may be more serious and reach the prostate.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?

To detect the onset of a urinary tract infection, here are the symptoms that should alert you:

• Frequent and urgent urges to urinate, often for only small amounts;
• Burning when urinating;
• Presence of blood in the urine sometimes;
• Strong smelling urine;
• Cloudy urine
• Heaviness in the lower abdomen.

An infection that can have consequences

Even if it is extremely painful, a urinary tract infection can be treated quite quickly and easily, with the help of antibiotics in particular. It is a disease that must be treated quickly, at the risk of seeing complications appear which can be very serious:

• Pyelonephritis :In this case, the patient will develop a fever. The kidney is then more severely affected. A short hospitalization may be necessary for more intense antibiotic treatment.
• Sepsis :A urinary tract infection with fever can also worsen and lead to sepsis, when the bacteria pass into the blood. The person then risks a septic shock, that is to say a failure of the vital organs.
• Abscess :If the urinary tract infection is very severe, an abscess may appear on the kidney and lead to its destruction.
• Prostatitis :In men, prostatitis may develop. The bladder can therefore be completely blocked and the infection can spread to the testicles.

Are you pregnant?

In the event of pregnancy, a urinary tract infection can have much more dramatic consequences, such as causing premature delivery, so you should consult immediately if in doubt and do not take any risks.

How to prevent a urinary tract infection?

Some people are more prone than others to urinary tract infections, but there are a few good things to do to limit the risks, especially for you ladies:

• Drink at least 1.5 L of water a day :to allow the urinary system to function normally and to evacuate the bacteria potentially present in it.
• Do not hold back when you want to urinate :to prevent bacteria from multiplying in the bladder.
• Wipe from front to back :to avoid transporting bacteria to the urinary system.
• Perform a light wash after bowel movements :this eliminates the bacteria present.
• Clean the vulvar area with mild soap so as not to weaken the area.
• Urinate immediately after intercourse :germs can go up the urethra during penetration. Going to the toilet has a flushing effect and eliminates these undesirables.
• Do not wear clothes that are too tight and avoid underwear made of synthetic materials to prevent perspiration which promotes the appearance of germs.
• Using lubricated condoms during sex :thus, the area will not be irritated and weakened.
• Drink cranberry juice every day if you are prone to urinary tract infections. This fruit is rich in quinic acid and proanthocyanidin, antibacterial agents.

Tools to avoid urinary tract infections

Do you find it difficult to drink a lot of water during the day? Applications exist to inform you about the exact amount of water you need per day according to your build and your activity. You can opt for Watterlogged. You can also compensate by consuming water-rich foods. The Yazio application, for example, will tell you the amount of water present in each food you ingest.

Do not waste time in case of suspicion

If you experience warning signs of a urinary tract infection, consult as soon as possible. It will not heal on its own and you will need a medical professional to accompany you. Don't forget to respect the coordinated care pathway by calling your general practitioner who can refer you to specialists if necessary.

There you go, you know all the good gestures and tricks so that urinating is no longer a source of anxiety. And above all remember, at the slightest doubt, we consult!

Source:

http://www.infection-urinaire.fr/qu-est-ce-qu-une-infection-urinaire/#:~:text=Les%20infections%20urinaires%20en%20quelques,urinaire%20avoir%20un%20nouvel% 20%C3%A9pisode.

https://www.planetesante.ch/Maladies/Infection-urinaire

https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Ailments/Problemes/Fiche.aspx?doc=infection_urinaire_pm

https://www.allodocteurs.fr/ Maladies/prostate-reins-vessie/infection-urinaire-cystites/infection-urinaire-quand-faut-il-s-039-inquieter_12576.html