The urinary tract includes the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters. When a urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs, it means harmful bacteria have entered the urinary system, typically via the urethra, which is where urine exits the body. Ensuing symptoms are often uncomfortable and sometimes painful but easily treated.
In this article, we discuss 7 common myths about urinary tract infections and outline the most effective treatment for UTIs, as well as what you can do to prevent them.
How Do Urinary Tract Infections Happen?
According to research, 95% of UTIs occur due to bacteria known as Escherichia coli (E. coli) entering the urinary tract via the urethra. E. coli is known to thrive on the skin around the anus and due to the proximity of the anus to the female urethra, UTIs are far more common in women than men.
This is not due to a lack of hygiene but rather down to the fact that bacteria are easily spread from the female anus to the urethra during sex, or while wiping back to front after using the toilet.
During pregnancy, a woman’s urine is more potent with higher levels of sugar, protein, and hormones that can be conducive to UTIs. Extra pressure on the bladder during this time can also mean that some urine is retained, which can instigate irritation of the bladder wall and a UTI.
After menopause, low estrogen levels can cause the vaginal tissues to thin, dry, and lose elasticity making the environment more susceptible to UTIs and other infections.
Dehydration, or not drinking enough water to flush toxins out of the body can also lead to UTIs, as can kidney stones or other conditions that prevent the bladder from emptying regularly. A weak immune system due to underlying conditions can also contribute to the onset of UTIs, as can the long-term use of catheters.
What Are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections?
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection will depend on whether it is a lower UTI or an upper UTI.
A lower UTI affects the urethra or the bladder and is also known as cystitis. Common symptoms include pain or a burning sensation when urinating, a more frequent need to urinate, feeling the urge to urinate despite having an empty bladder, pink urine due to the presence of small amounts of blood, and pain in the lower abdomen or groin.
An upper UTI affects the kidneys and ureters and is also referred to as a kidney infection. Considered more serious than a lower UTI, upper UTIs most commonly occur when a lower UTI has been left untreated and the infection spreads. Symptoms of an upper UTI are similar to those of a lower UTI, however, fever, nausea, vomiting, and lower back pain are also known to occur.
7 Common Myths About Urinary Tract Infections
Several myths and mistruths exist around the subject of UTIs, including how they are contracted, prevented, and treated. To prevent further UTIs and treat them correctly if they do occur, we’ve exposed the most common myths to disregard below.
Myth 1. Having a UTI Means You Have Poor Hygiene
One example of hygiene that can trigger a UTI is wiping from back to front after using the toilet. This effectively spreads harmful E. coli bacteria from the anus to the urethra.
On the other hand, cleaning the vagina too much can also have adverse effects on vaginal health. For instance, using synthetic douches, fragranced soap, or scented shower gels to clean the vagina can upset the natural balance of good and bad bacteria in the vaginal microbiome, and lead to other types of infections.
Myth 2. A Burning Sensation When Peeing Always Means a UTI
Although a burning sensation when urinating is a common indicator of a UTI, this symptom is also a sign of other conditions. A burning sensation or a feeling of irritation when urinating can also be a sign of a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or a sexually transmitted infection, for example. Treating a UTI will not address any of these conditions so it’s important to visit your healthcare provider to determine the exact cause of your symptoms rather than assuming.
Myth 3. Symptoms Are Always Present with UTIs
The symptoms most commonly associated with UTIs are a burning sensation when urinating, a more frequent urge to empty the bladder, and pain in the lower abdomen or groin.
However, UTIs can also be asymptomatic for some, meaning no symptoms occur at all. Asymptomatic UTIs are known to occur in post-menopausal women and those suffering from an underlying condition.
Myth 4. You Can Spread A UTI to Your Partner During Sex
UTIs are not sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and it is not possible to pass this type of infection onto a partner during sex. Although UTIs and several STIs share the symptom of a burning sensation while urinating, the microbes that cause each are different and UTIs are not contagious.
Myth 5. Drinking Cranberry Juice Can Cure UTIs
While it’s true that the acidic properties of unsweetened cranberry juice can somewhat help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls, cranberry juice will not cure UTIs once they have started. On top of that, despite its close connection to UTIs, cranberry juice is not the most effective way of preventing them.
For a more successful method of preventing recurring UTIs, try taking Freeze-Dried Aloe Vera Supplements with D-mannose & Calcium daily. For those who don’t suffer from recurring UTIs, these supplements are also effective for finding quicker relief from UTI symptoms while waiting for antibiotics to treat the infection.
Myth 6. UTIs Will Go Away on Their Own without Treatment
UTIs are bacterial infections that require antibiotics to kill the harmful bacteria. If medication is not administered, the UTI will not go away on its own and a lower UTI could easily become a more serious upper UTI.
That said, antibiotics often come with side effects like stomach ache, nausea, dizziness, or the onset of a yeast infection (because antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria as well as harmful ones). In these cases, taking a probiotic with a course of antibiotics can help keep both the gut and vaginal microbiome healthy and balanced.
Myth 7. If You Don’t Have Sex, You Won’t Get UTIs
Due to the closeness of the anus to the vagina and urethra, having sex can very easily spread E. coli and instigate UTIs. However, refraining from sex will not stop women from getting UTIs. Sex is only one contributor to the onset of UTIs. Other factors, like wiping back to front after using the toilet, a weak immune system, hormone fluctuations, and underlying conditions can also play a role.
To ensure sex doesn’t trigger a UTI, always wash the vagina with warm water and unscented soap afterward before gently patting it dry to prevent irritation.
What Is the Best Way to Treat UTIs?
The best way to treat UTIs is to schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider as soon as you notice symptoms like a burning sensation when urinating or a more frequent urge to empty the bladder. Your healthcare provider will typically ask some questions about your symptoms and may perform a vaginal swab to determine the cause of the infection before prescribing the required medication as treatment.
To find quick relief from the burning, irritation, and frequent need to pee, take Freeze-Dried Aloe Vera Supplements with D-mannose & Calcium in conjunction with the prescribed medication. Aloe vera has been proven to reduce bladder pain, urinary frequency, urgency, and urethral burning by as much as 92%.
D-mannose prevents bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract, and the alkalizing calcium helps to restore and maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance. Additionally, Intimate Rose Flora Bloom Probiotic with Cranberry Extract and D-Mannose is helpful in protecting the lining of bladder and supporting overall urinary and digestive tract health.
What Women Can Do to Prevent UTIs
As many as 60% of women experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, and 25% are known to experience recurring infections as many as two or three times per year. While some women are genetically more prone to UTIs, others experience recurring infections because the infection was not completely cleared, or healthy vaginal pH levels were not properly restored.
Pregnant women and those going through perimenopause or menopause can also experience more frequent UTIs, as well as women with a compromised immune system due to underlying conditions.
Whatever is causing your UTIs, the following tips can help to prevent them:
- Drink 1-2 liters of water every day to help flush any harmful bacteria from the urinary tract
- Empty your bladder when you feel the need to - holding urine means the toxins within it have more time to irritate the bladder
- When urinating, make sure you empty the bladder, even if means sitting on the toilet seat a little longer. For some women, standing after urinating and then sitting back down on the toilet seat can help to excrete any urine left in the bladder
- Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet
- Wash the genital area every day with warm water and unscented soap.
- Always wash the genitals after sex with warm water and non-fragranced soap
- If you suffer from recurring UTIs, take a daily Freeze-Dried Aloe Vera Supplement with D-Mannose & Calcium to prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall and maintain a healthy vaginal pH
- Probiotics, like Flora Bloom Probiotics for Women, are also highly recommended for preventing UTIs and maintaining optimal vaginal health.
Conclusion
While myths and mistruths about urinary tract infections are widespread, UTIs are not caused by poor hygiene, they can happen to men as well as women, and refraining from sex will not stop them from occurring.
UTIs are most commonly caused by the spread of bacteria called E. coli and require antibiotics as treatment or they can cause a more serious infection in the kidneys. To prevent E. coli from sticking to the bladder wall, women suffering from recurring UTIs can benefit from a natural supplement of Freeze-Dried Aloe Vera with added D-mannose and calcium.
If you suspect you have a UTI, schedule a consultation with your healthcare provider for a correct diagnosis and effective treatment.
References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention – Urinary Tract Infection - https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html
Johns Hopkins Medicine - Anatomy of The Urinary System - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/anatomy-of-the-urinary-system
Office on Women’s Health – Urinary Tract Infection - https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/urinary-tract-infections
National Center for Biotechnical Information - Sexual Behavior and Urinary Tract Infections - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7188810/
Infectious Disease Society of America - Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Postmenopausal Women - https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/30/1/152/320582
Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology - Aloe vera gel: Effective Therapeutic agent against Extended-Spectrum β-lactamase Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Patients with Urinary Tract Infection - https://microbiologyjournal.org/aloe-vera-gel-effective-therapeutic-agent-against-extended-spectrum-%CE%B2-lactamase-producing-escherichia-coli-isolated-from-patients-with-urinary-tract-infection-in-tehran-iran/
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences - A promising support for acute urinary tract infections in women. A pilot study - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://europeanreview.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2920-2925-D-mannose-a-promising-support-for-acute-urinary-tract-infections-in-women.-A-pilot-study.pdf