Beating Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's)
- Katie Bateman
- Sep 20, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: May 2
Proven Strategies for Conquering Urinary Tract Infections and Supporting Vaginal Health.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common yet incredibly frustrating health issue that affects way too many women. If you've ever experienced the discomfort, burning, and frequent urge to pee that comes with a UTI, you're definitely not alone. In this blog post, I’ll dive into the causes, symptoms, and treatments of UTIs while sharing my personal story of navigating recurrent infections. Whether you're struggling with your first infection or have dealt with them for years, I’ll provide tips and insights that have helped me manage UTIs and improve my overall vaginal (Yes I used the word Vaginal - You can expect more Vagina talk in blog posts to come…. You’re welcome.) and gut health which are major players when it comes to keeping UTI’s at bay.
Jump Too:
My First UTI Experience:
I got my first UTI at 25. Up until then, my only experience was through friends who missed a lot of school because of their infections. Although I felt for them, I never fully understood what they were going through—until I experienced it myself.
I remember it clearly because it was agonising. It struck in the middle of the night, starting with a persistent pressure in my bladder, making me feel like I needed to pee constantly. A few hours later, I was glued to the toilet, but nothing more than dribbles of urine (most of it blood) would come out. The pain was excruciating. My flatmate, who was also a work colleague, yelled through the bathroom door, "Are you okay? That doesn’t sound good." I was definitely not okay.
I rushed to the doctor as soon as I could and was prescribed antibiotics. Thankfully, within 48 hours, I started feeling better.
Since then, I’ve battled over 10 years of recurring UTIs.
I’ve been struck down on remote tropical islands, I’ve had lingering infections lasting almost a month, I’ve been through countless rounds of antibiotics, battled thrush as a result, tried every remedy on the market, had ultrasounds, and visited specialists. Through all of this, I’ve learned a thing or two about what causes UTIs, how to avoid them, and what to do when they strike.
What is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria, most commonly E. coli, enters the urinary tract and causes infection. This can affect different parts of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and even the kidneys if left untreated. While anyone can get a UTI, women are more prone to them due to the shorter distance between the urethra and the bladder.
Causes of UTIs
The causes of UTIs vary, but there are several common triggers:
Vaginal PH Imbalance:“Bacteria that occur naturally within the vagina have a particular pH level, and when it increases, it can cause problems like yeast and bacteria to grow. It leads to pain, burning, itching, discharge, and foul odours contributing to yeast infections and UTIs.” - Source - myuti.com
Gut Biome imbalance:“Individuals with repeated UTI's had a lower diversity of beneficial gut commensals, which makes it easier for pathogenic bacteria to overgrow. Among the most notable findings was the reduction in butyrate-producing bacteria, as this is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) with anti-inflammatory activity.” - Source - https://www.news-medical.net/
Bacteria transfer: Often, bacteria from the bowel enters the urinary tract.
Sexual activity: Certain positions and types of sex can cause bacteria transfer to the urethra.
Dehydration: Not drinking enough water makes it harder for your body to flush harmful bacteria.
Drinking Alcohol: Because it leads to Dehydration.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, can increase the risk.
Wearing synthetic undies: Synthetic materials trap moisture which can lead to the growth of unwanted bacteria.
Symptoms of a UTI
If you've ever had a UTI, you know how miserable the symptoms can be. Common signs include:
A burning sensation when you pee
Frequent and urgent need to urinate, even when little comes out
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or back
In more severe cases, symptoms can escalate to fever, nausea, and chills, indicating that the infection has spread to the kidneys. If this happens, seek medical attention right away.
Gut Health and UTIs: The Link
Our gut plays a huge role in maintaining overall health, including vaginal health. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria that can travel to the urinary tract. After improving my diet, adding probiotics, and focusing on healing my gut, I noticed fewer infections. Maintaining a healthy gut has been a key factor in reducing my UTI frequency.
Effective Supplements and Surprising Tips to Avoid and Manage UTI’s
If you’re struggling with recurrent UTI's or just want to prevent them, here are some tips that have worked for me:
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help flush out bacteria.
Pee after sex: Completely emptying your bladder helps remove any bacteria introduced during intercourse.
Use a condom: Yes, even if you’re with a stable partner and not needing to use them as contraception, using a condom can reduce the spread of bacteria during intercourse. I’ve been doing it and for me it works!
Sit Backwards on the toilet: Hot Tip from Nurse Philippa Page: After struggling with persistent UTI's herself, Pip discovered a simple but effective trick: try sitting on the toilet backwards to fully empty your bladder. Curious about whether any urine remained in her bladder after she went for a wee, she performed an ultrasound on herself before and after using the toilet. Sure enough, she found that by facing the toilet cistern while urinating, she was more likely to completely empty her bladder. This can be helpful in reducing the risk of bacteria growth and preventing future UTIs. Ive used this trick many times since Pip shared it with me and can confirm it helps!
Organic Bamboo cotton undies: These have been a life changer for me. I thought cotton was good enough, but after a bout of Low level UTI’s and having ticked all the other boxes to avoid UTI’s, In desperation I searched for some knickers that might save the day. I ordered Organic Bamboo cotton undies and within a week of wearing them all symptoms had diminished. These are the ones I bought. https://veeunderwear.com/
Maintain good hygiene: Wipe from front to back, and avoid harsh soaps in the vaginal area. Avoid taking baths, as these can disrupt your vaginal PH and spread bacteria.
Support gut health: Incorporate probiotics and eat foods that support a healthy microbiome. You can get Specific Vaginal and Urinary support Probiotics these days. Click here to find my favourite, Flora & Flow
Consider supplements: Although lifestyle factors have been the biggest game changer for me, I still find supplementing with Hiprex, Cranberry supplements and D-Mannose helpful to prevent and manage infections. Click here to find my favourite, Flora & Flow
Seeking Treatment for UTIs
If you suspect you have a UTI, see your healthcare provider. A simple urine test can confirm the infection, and antibiotics are typically prescribed for treatment. However, overusing antibiotics can lead to resistance and other rubbish side effects like thrush and poor gut health, so exploring these long-term lifestyle strategies to prevent future infections will be life giving.
Dealing with recurring UTIs can feel overwhelming, but understanding the causes and taking proactive steps to manage them can make a huge difference. Through my own journey, I’ve learned that prevention is key, and small changes to your daily routine can have a big impact on your bladder health. Whether it’s trying out natural remedies, adopting new habits, or using expert-backed tips like the one from Nurse Philippa, the goal is to take control of your health. Remember, this is a journey—so be kind to yourself, and know that you’re not alone. If you’re struggling with UTIs, keep exploring, don't give up, you don't have to live with constant, persistent UTI's. You’ve got this!
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