UTIs: What Are They and How Can I Prevent Them?

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are common yet painful infections that are more common in women than in men and most often for the reasons in the difference of our anatomy. What are UTIs, and how can they be prevented? With the help of Magnolia Place, one of the best OBGYN Greenville NC clinics, we can help you identify and prevent UTIs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to UTIs and your urinary health.

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What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary system through the urethra and multiplying along the tissue tracts and in the bladder. Most UTIs are acute, meaning they come on suddenly and last for a short time. However, some UTIs can become chronic if not adequately treated, coming back again. If this sounds like something you are experiencing, your women’s clinic Greenville NC Magnolia Place will suggest treatments.

UTIs are more common in women than men because of the anatomy of the female urinary tract. The urethra is shorter in women than in men, making it easier for bacteria to travel from the outside of the body to the bladder. In addition, sexual intercourse is a common cause of UTIs because it can introduce bacteria into the urethra. Other risk factors for UTIs include dehydration and or not drinking enough H20, pregnancy, diabetes, the use of certain medications (such as antibiotics), and the use of devices around the genital tract.

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Symptoms of UTIs

Symptoms of a UTI can include a strong urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain, and low-grade fever. If you think you might have a UTI, it’s important to see your OBGYN Greenville NC so that you can begin treatment as soon as possible. Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney damage or even sepsis—a life-threatening condition caused by an infection that has spread throughout the body.

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How to Prevent UTIs

There are some simple steps you can take to prevent UTIs:

• Drink plenty of non-sugar, non-caffeinated fluids to flush out bacteria from your system
• Avoid holding your urine for too long; go to the bathroom when you need to
• Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom with bowel movements or rinse your perineum if any concern for cross-contamination
• Immediately empty your bladder after sex so that you can flush any bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse
• Avoid using bar soap or perfumed products around your genitals; these products can irritate your skin and make you more susceptible to infection
• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing; tight clothing traps moisture and provides a breeding ground for bacteria
• Take your time in the restroom, empty your bladder completely when you go to the bathroom; don’t leave any urine in your bladder so that bacteria don’t have a chance to multiply

If you have 2 or more UTIs in one year, you need to seek care as it could be a sign of a more significant problem. See your women’s clinic Greenville NC if you have more serious symptoms or have UTIs frequently.

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Magnolia Place | OBGYN Greenville NC

Urinary tract infections are no fun—but fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent them! With these tips and the help of your OBGYN Greenville NC, you can help keep UTIs at bay. And if you do get a UTI, see your gynecologist at Magnolia Place right away so that you can begin treatment as soon as possible.

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