If you have ever had or currently do have a UTI, you know the pain and burning can be unpleasant. A UTI, formally known as a urinary tract infection, is when bacteria gets into your urinary tract.
This can happen to both men and women and be caused in many ways, including:
- Wiping from back to front after a bowel movement (BM). Germs can get into your urethra, which has its opening in front of the vagina. Always wipe your vagina first before wiping your behind.
- Having sexual intercourse. Germs in the vagina can be pushed into the urethra.
- Waiting too long to pass urine. When urine stays in the bladder for a long time, more germs are made, and the worse a UTI can become.
- Using a diaphragm for birth control, or spermicides (creams that kill sperm) with a diaphragm or on a condom.
- Difficulty emptying your bladder, like with a kidney stone.
- Having diabetes, which makes it harder for your body to fight other health problems.
- Loss of estrogen(a hormone) and changes in the vagina after menopause.
- Having had a catheter in place.A catheter is a thin tube put through the urethra into the bladder. It’s used to drain urine during a medical test and for people who cannot pass urine on their own.
Curing a UTI
UTI’s are common—therefore, there are many things you can purchase over the counter to help ease the pain. However, in order to kill the bacteria, you must see a medical professional to get a prescription. In the meantime, there are several things to do to ease the discomfort, including:
- Drink plenty of fluids— especially water. Passing urine may be uncomfortable; however, it will help pass through the bacteria and help have a faster recovery.
- Purchase an over-the-counter UTI medication, such as Uristat. This will help ease the pain until you can see a medical professional. Note that medication may turn your urine abnormal colors.
- Consume more Vitamin C. This vitamin helps keep you healthy and can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Cut bladder irritants from your diet. Caffeine, spicy foods, and carbonated beverages can all lead to discomfort while you have a urinary tract infection.
Visit Fast Track Urgent Care for UTI Treatment
If you are in the Washington, DC area and are in need of UTI treatment, look no further than Fast Track Urgent Care. Don’t wait to make an appointment with your family medical practitioner—walk right into our office for immediate medical help! Visit one of our two locations today to get treatment!
