Did you know that urinary tract infections are the most common outpatient infection? 

Most people have experienced at least 1 urinary tract infection in their lifetime, here are some tips to try to prevent and manage UTIs! 

A UTI develops when a microbe enters the urinary tract and causes an infection. This can occur along any of the urinary systems which includes your kidneys, bladder or urethra. Typically bacterial infections are the most likely to cause UTIs. Women are more likely to develop a UTI over men due to the shortness of the urinary tract compared to males. 

Common Symptoms of UTIs can be but is not limited to: 

1. A strong persistent urge or urinate 
   
2. A burning sensation when urinating 
   
3. Urine that appears cloudy or has foul smell 
   
4. Pain in the pelvic region especially in the center of the pubic bone 
   

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider to be screened. 

If you tend to get UTIs frequently, try these tips out to prevent UTIs from occurring: 

1. Drink plenty of water – water dilutes urine, and ensures bacteria is flushed from the urinary tract. Aim for between 6-8 glasses daily.
   
2. Don’t hold your urine for long periods of time, try not to go more than 4 hours without voiding, as this can increase bacterial growth 
3. Make sure you are fully emptying your bladder – lean forward, backward and side to side to ensure your bladder is fully emptying every time you sit. 
   
4. Pelvic Physical Therapy – Research studies have shown that a majority of women that have frequent UTIs also have elevated tension in their pelvic floor muscles or have decreased coordination of their pelvic floor muscles, this can result in urine not emptying completely causing increase risk of developing a UTI
   
5. Try a bladder supplement like cranberry – Current research shows that cranberry supplements will not treat a UTI that is already occurring however there is a possibility that cranberry supplements can prevent future UTIs. Cranberries contain an ingredient called proanthocyanidins that can prevent bacteria from sticking to the wall of the bladder 
   
6. Ensure you are wiping from front to back, the rectum is the largest source of bacteria, E Coli, that frequently causes UTIs
   
7. Urinate before and after sexual activity this can flush out bacteria exposed to the urethra. 
   

Try these tips out and lets prevent these UTIs from occurring! If you are having recurrent UTIs, reach out to us at 636-225-3649 to see how we can help.