At least one in three women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) that requiresantibiotics before they reach age 24, according to data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Despite the odds, it can be difficult to recognize whether what you're experiencing is a UTI or not. You may even be wondering what a urinary tract infection actually is. If you're curious about the symptoms of a bladder infection vs. a kidney infection or want to know how to tell if you have a UTI and how to treat it, the following breakdown should clear things right up.
What are the causes of urinary tract infections?
How to avoid a urinary tract infection
One of the most common urinary tract infection home remedies is drinking cranberry juice, which can work for some to prevent UTIs. Patients who are taking the blood thinner Warfarin are urged to consult their physician before opting for cranberry juice to treat a urinary tract infection.
Drinking water can also flush out bacteria that cause UTIs, going when you need to vs. holding it, wiping from front to back, and wearing cotton underwear are simple ways to avoid a urinary tract infection, but there are countless snippets of advice and home remedies when it comes to avoiding and treating urinary tract infections.
"Have your partner wash their hands and brush their teeth before sex. And make sure you pee after any sexual activity, including individual pleasure parties," mom of three Anitra Allen suggested to Mom.com. "The temperature and content of the urine will help to wash away any bacteria that could lead to the UTI."
Virginia Duan told Mom.com that she opts for natural remedy urinary tract infection treatments. "I use a mix of distilled water, frankincense, and lavender essential oils, and spray onto my under parts when I feel a UTI or vaginal irritation coming."
There are over-the-counter products that promote urinary tract health and treat the pain and discomfort that come with a UTI. Brands like AZO, Uricalm, and Uristat offer a variety of treatment and preventive options. Women with recurrent urinary tract infections, however, may wish to visit their doctor for a long-term treatment plan.
"Some women require suppressive antibiotics for three months or more at a time where they take an antibiotic pill each night before bedtime in order to establish a sterilized bladder that does not have any bacteria, Dr. Matthews imparted. "Then they go on from there and have a more normal pattern without recurring infections."
