Frequent UTIs: What Not to Do

Important to Know

Aug 16

The signs of a urinary tract infection can vary in each person – but typically with unexpected pain and burning while peeing. And if you get them more than 3 times a year or have had 2 infections in the last 6 months, you’re dealing with frequent UTIs – most commonly found in post-menopausal women and men over the age of 60.

How can I stop my UTI from coming back?

First, it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider as soon as your UTI symptoms appear. Ignoring the infection could make it worse and spread to your kidneys. If you experience multiple UTIs in a year, ask your physician about submitting a urine culture test, or an advanced UTI test, which can detect the exact bacteria in your bladder and the best treatment to target it.

Without knowing it, you may be irritating your bladder enough to make it an open house for the bacteria causing the frequent UTIs. By making a few changes in your daily behavior, you may be able prevent future infections and keep from aggravating the current infection.

How to treat or alleviate your UTI at home

What not to do when you have a UTI

1. DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS OF A UTI - If you’ve struggled with frequent urinary tract infections, it’s important to be cautious and alert your healthcare provider as soon as you recognize the telltale signs. UTIs can spread to your kidneys which require a more serious treatment with intravenous drugs.

2. DON’T DRINK BOOZE, COFFEE, & SODA LIKE IT’S GOING OUT OF STYLE – these delicious drinks are known as “bladder irritants,” meaning, the bladder doesn’t like them and kicks them out of the party pretty quickly. Ever get a papercut on your finger and then accidently squeeze a lemon on it? That’s how your bladder feels when you drink beverages with:

Alcohol
Caffeine
Artificial sugar (such as nutrasweet or dextrose)
Acidic Juices (such as tomato or citrus juice)

A healthy bladder can more easily withstand these irritants, but while battling an infection, it can worsen your symptoms. To prevent a UTI, be mindful of your intake of the above items and see how your bladder reacts. Following up any irritant with a glass of water can help to flush the bladder more quickly and keep you from getting dehydrated.

3. DON’T STOP TAKING YOUR PRESCRIBED ANTIBIOTICS – if you’ve been prescribed antibiotics for your UTI, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and finish the course of treatment. Typically, symptoms can subside in 24-48 hours which can incorrectly prompt some to assume the drugs worked and are no longer needed. Wrong. There is still what is called “survivor bacteria” and if they’re left untreated, would make the infection harder to treat.

4. DON’T DELAY USING THE BATHROOM – continuously flushing out your bladder will help to get the unwanted bacteria out. Look, we get it - peeing while dealing with a urinary tract infection feels like a “ring of fire” (no offense to Johnny Cash) but by staying hydrated with water, it will keep you hydrated and fluids moving through your body.

The most important thing to remember is that there are over 10 million people a year that visit a clinician for a bladder infection. Companies like Sesame are now offering telemedicine appointments for management and treatment of UTIs.

If you have had multiple UTIs in a year or if your symptoms persist over more than a few days advanced UTI PCR testing to identify the root cause may be just what you need.