What is a UTI?

A UTI (urinary tract infection) is usually synonymous with bladder infection, as this is the most common type of UTI. However, infections of the urinary tract can also appear in the urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (acute pyelonephritis) (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2021). 

Nearly half of all people with vaginas will experience at least one UTI (Foxman, 2002)--and having one UTI makes it more likely that you will have another, with about 40% of UTI cases recurring within 12 months (Arnold, Hehn, & Klein, 2016). 

How Do I know if it’s a UTI?

If you have a UTI, the first sign you’ll likely notice is a burning pain when you urinate (if you notice any symptoms at all–sometimes a bladder infection won’t show any!) You may also notice fatigue, an increase in how often you need to urinate, a small amount of urination each time, and/or pain or pressure in your abdomen or lower back.

However, a UTI is tricky because many other different vaginal conditions can have overlapping symptoms. It’s also possible to have more than one of these conditions concurrently! Other conditions that can cause similar vaginal discomfort include:

Because of this, it’s very important that you seek medical advice to diagnose any pain, discomfort, odor, or discoloration in discharge you may be experiencing. Make sure to list any and all symptoms you’re having when you go to the doctor. 

Leaving a UTI or any of the above conditions untreated can have serious effects including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), where the infection that may start in your vagina spreads to your internal organs.

In addition to the normal symptoms of a vaginal or urethral infection, you want to watch out for a fever or chills; that’s a big sign that your infection may have spread, and it requires immediate medical attention (Das, Ronda, & Trent, 2016). 

Preventing UTIs: FAQs

Let’s be clear: if you have a UTI, you need to go to the doctor and get an antibiotic. An over-the-counter remedy may help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with your UTI, but you need medication to treat a UTI once you get it. We have some tips about how to prevent future UTIs with vitamins & supplements, but these are not a replacement for medical treatment for your current UTI.

What’s the best way to prevent a UTI?

A UTI is caused by bacteria entering the vagina–and one of the most common ways this occurs is a lack of vaginal hygiene. Some vaginal hygiene tips from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2011) include:

  1. After going number two, make sure you wipe front to back to keep from dragging harmful bacteria towards the vagina.
  2. Use a mild, gentle cleanser on your vulva (the outside of your vagina–never the inside!) daily. Do not use a washcloth or sponge to wash your vulva.
  3. Do not douche; this can upset the pH balance of your vagina.
  4. Do not put anything inside your vagina that is not washed; this includes regular washing of any toys or fingers you might be inserting into your vagina and making sure any of your sexual partners are hygienic. 
  5. Wear loose-fitting clothing, including loose underwear made of cotton or silk. You may want to go without underwear while at home or while sleeping.

Is there a relationship between UTIs and sex?

Yes. A UTI is not a sexually transmitted disease, but research shows that frequent intercourse–particularly with the use of the contraceptive spermicide–can cause more frequent UTIs. If you are currently using spermicide and subject to UTIs, you might consider switching your birth control method.

Otherwise, make sure everything is clean while you are having intercourse, and make sure you and your partner(s) get tested for STIs frequently (Arnold, Hehn, & Klein, 2016).

Does cranberry juice prevent UTIs?

Cranberry juice or pills are some of the most common treatments used to prevent recurrence of UTIs. Current research is inconclusive about whether this treatment actually works; however, unless you need to watch your blood sugar, it probably won’t hurt to try (Jepson RG, Williams G, Craig JC., 2012).

Can estrogen help UTIs?

Research shows that postmenopausal women are a little bit more likely to get recurring UTIs than premenopausal ones. Some research has suggested that hormone replacement therapy (estrogen treatments) might help combat this effect (Arnold, Hehn, & Klein, 2016).

Conclusion

If you have a burning sensation when you urinate, an increased need to urinate small amounts, pressure or pain in your lower back or abdomen, and/or fatigue, you should see your doctor as soon as you can to get tested, as you might have a UTI or another vaginal condition.

Because UTIs are so commonly repeated, you may also need to take some actions to prevent future UTIs, including proper vaginal hygiene, a change in contraceptives, cranberry supplements (though these are not a research-backed solution), and/or estrogen.

And remember: if your UTI symptoms come with a fever or chills, seek immediate medical attention; this may mean the infection has reached your organs, and it can cause serious damage.

FAQs

How can I prevent UTI from forming?

You can prevent UTIs by practicing proper hygiene: always wipe front to back, wash the vulva (not the inside of the vagina) with mild soap, avoid douching, wear loose-fitting cotton underwear, and clean any objects or hands that come into contact with the vaginal area.

Can you stop a UTI in the early stages?

A UTI in its early stages may not be fully stopped without antibiotics, but drinking plenty of water, avoiding irritants (like caffeine and alcohol), and urinating frequently may help flush out some bacteria before the infection worsens.

Why am I constantly getting UTIs?

Frequent UTIs can be caused by poor hygiene, frequent sex, spermicide use, hormonal changes, or an underlying medical condition. It's important to see a doctor for evaluation if you're experiencing recurrent infections.

Why do I get a UTI every time my boyfriend finishes in me?

Semen can alter vaginal pH and introduce bacteria, increasing UTI risk. Proper hygiene, urinating after sex, and using protection or switching birth control methods may reduce recurrence. Consider discussing with a healthcare provider.

Can bad hygiene cause UTI in females?

Yes, bad hygiene like wiping back to front, using harsh soaps, or not cleaning sex toys or fingers properly can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and lead to a UTI.

Can you fix a UTI without antibiotics?

While drinking fluids and using over-the-counter remedies may ease symptoms, antibiotics are necessary to treat a UTI effectively. Untreated UTIs can lead to serious complications.

Can dehydration cause UTI?

Yes, dehydration can contribute to UTIs. When you don’t drink enough water, you urinate less, which allows bacteria to multiply in the urinary tract instead of being flushed out.

Is it possible to get rid of a UTI in 24 hours?

It’s unlikely to fully eliminate a UTI in 24 hours. However, starting antibiotic treatment early and staying hydrated may begin symptom relief within that timeframe. Full recovery typically takes a few days.

Can your body fight off a UTI?

In some very mild cases, the immune system may fight off a UTI, especially with increased hydration. However, most UTIs require antibiotics to prevent complications like kidney infections.

 

References

  1. Mayo Clinic Staff (2021). Urinary tract infection (UTI). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447 
  2. Foxman B. (2002). Epidemiology of urinary tract infections: incidence, morbidity, and economic costs. The American journal of medicine, 113 Suppl 1A, 5S–13S. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9343(02)01054-9  
  3. Arnold, J. J., Hehn, L. E., & Klein, D. A. (2016). Common Questions About Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women. American family physician, 93(7), 560–569. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27035041/ 
  4. Bandukwala, N.Q. (2019). Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/your-guide-urinary-tract-infections 
  5. Das, B. B., Ronda, J., & Trent, M. (2016). Pelvic inflammatory disease: improving awareness, prevention, and treatment. Infection and drug resistance, 9, 191–197. https://doi.org/10.2147/IDR.S91260 
  6. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gyneacologists (2011). The Management of Vulval Skin Disorders. https://mrcog.womanhospital.cn/ueditor/php/upload/file/20190821/1566377001.pdf 
  7. Jepson RG, Williams G, Craig JC. (2012). Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev., (10):CD001321. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23076891/ 
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