Why you may be prone to UTIs and how to avoid them

The first time I had a urinary tract infection (UTI) I remember being advised to drink lots and lots of cranberry juice. I’d have been ecstatic if that had worked! 

Sadly, the level of pain and discomfort was so unbearable that I had to resort to antibiotics.

And the next time it happened I didn’t really wait long if I’m honest – at the first hint of infection I went straight to the GP and got more antibiotics.

If you’ve ever had a UTI you can probably relate to this.

Thankfully I’ve discovered alternatives to antibiotics (and cranberry juice).

UTI Triggers

UTI is a general term used to describe an infection anywhere in the urinary system: the kidneys, bladder, urethra or ureters (the tubes which carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder).

Most infections occur when bacteria from poo gets into the urinary system. 

UTIs are more common in women than in men – one reason for this is that the urethra is shorter in women and closer to the rectum. So it’s easier for bacteria to be transferred to the bladder or kidneys.

The main triggers for UTIs are:

• Low immunity

• Needing to have a catheter inserted

• Sex

• Childbirth

• Stress

• Changes in oestrogen levels during menopause

Symptoms

UTIs can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. It’s common for women to have recurrent flare-ups which can be very debilitating. 

Symptoms depend on which part of the urinary tract is affected. An “upper” UTI is an infection of the kidneys or ureters and common symptoms are:

• fever

• pain in your side or back

• chills / shivering

• nausea and vomiting

If you suspect you have an upper UTI you should always seek medical help. If left untreated it can lead to sepsis or damage to the kidneys.

A “lower” UTI affects the bladder or urethra, cystitis being the most common. You may be more familiar with these signs: 

• a need to urinate more often than usual

• a sudden urge to urinate

• pain or burning when urinating

• feeling you still need to go even when you’ve finished urinating

• pain in the lower part of your stomach or back

• cloudy, bloody, or strange smelling urine

• feeling generally unwell

Taking action

UTI symptoms tend to start off mild and can sometimes resolve by themselves. Needing to urinate more frequently and experiencing burning while urinating are normally the first signs.

Here’s my action plan for heading off symptoms at this early stage:

• drink lots of water

• take D-mannose – research shows it’s also protective for recurring UTIs

• have a hot bath

• avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks

• start taking probiotics if you don’t already – I recommend Optibac for women

• take homeopathic remedies

[Cranberries may help alleviate symptoms - like D-mannose they contain an active ingredient which prevents bacteria sticking to the bladder wall - however, the jury is out in terms of scientific evidence].

If these self-help actions don’t work and your symptoms get worse, you may need to take antibiotics.

The problem with taking antibiotics every time you have a UTI is that you can end up with a yeast infection such as thrush. 

This is because antibiotics can affect the balance of the vaginal microbiome (made up of helpful bacteria to keep the vagina healthy).

Antibiotics might help get rid of an acute infection, but they don’t stop you having another UTI in the future.

Avoiding recurring UTIs

If you’re prone to getting recurring UTIs, there are some simple things you can do to try to avoid them:

• have a shower before sex, and encourage your partner to do the same

• urinate and shower after sex

• take probiotics

• stay hydrated

• always wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet

• avoid using fragranced products

• wear cotton underwear

How homeopathy can help

Along with other self-help measures, homeopathy can be beneficial in heading off a UTI in its early stages so you can try to avoid antibiotics.

If you suffer from recurring UTIs homeopathy can also help address the underlying causes so that flare-ups become less frequent and less intense. 

It’s not always easy to talk about urinary or vaginal health issues, but they aren’t “part of life” and you don’t have to put up with them.

If you’re experiencing frequent bouts of UTIs, I can help. Book a free call with me to find out more. 

If you enjoyed this blog you may like to sign up for my email newsletter where I share useful and inspiring information: