What Do I Need to Know About UTIs? An Expert Answers Your Burning Questions

Chloe Castleberry

November 21, 2022 at 11:01 PM·4 min read

I think we can all agree that urinary tract infections are the top 5 worst things anyone can experience. They’re painful, and uncomfortable and happen quite frequently for some unlucky people. But that doesn’t mean getting a UTI is a hopeless situation, or that there aren’t ways to prevent them in the first place. It also doesn’t mean it should be anything to be ashamed of, especially considering they are so common. About 60% of women and 12% of men will have at least one UTI during their lifetime, according to Urology Care Foundation.

If you’re in that 60%, fear not. Urinary health is an important part of overall health and in order to make sure it’s a priority in your life, women (and men) need to have all the knowledge possible to tackle UTIs head-on. And we can help you do just that. Below, read more on the most common UTI questions asked by patients so that you can feel empowered to be proactive about your urinary tract health.

More from SheKnows

These Tried & True Gift Ideas Will Actually Impress People Who Are Hard to Shop For -- Trust Us

What causes UTIs?

UTIs typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to spread in the bladder, according to Mayo Clinic. The urinary system is designed to keep out bacteria but that sometimes fails and when that happens, bacteria can grow into an infection in the urinary tract. The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra. It’s important to note that all women are at risk of bladder infections because of their anatomy due to the fact that the urethra is close to the anus and the urethral opening is close to the bladder. This makes it easier for bacteria around the anus to enter the urethra and travel to the bladder.

What are UTI symptoms?

UTI symptoms include burning while peeing, needing to pee often, or having to rush to the bathroom. Other symptoms include pain or pressure in the lower pelvis, cloudy urine, or blood in the urine. It’s important to note that children can get UTIs as well. Younger children may not be able to tell you about the UTI symptoms they are having, according to the CDC. A fever is the most common sign of UTI in infants and toddlers, but most children with a fever do not have a UTI so be sure to contact your child’s doctor if you suspect he or she may have a UTI.

Why am I so prone to UTIs?

Click here to read the full article.

There are some people who are predisposed to getting UTIs. This could be due to an anatomical difference in the urinary tract or a combination of inherited and environmental factors. The CDC outlines a number of factors that can lead to an increased risk of UTIs such as sexual activity, menopause or the use of spermicides, pregnancy, age, and an enlarged prostate.

How do I prevent UTIs?

“I believe patient education is central to prevention. The more a woman understands the factors that can increase her risk for infection, the easier infections are to prevent,” says Dr. Katherine Klos, a board-certified urologist practicing in Washington D.C. She adds that hydration can also be a preventive measure. “The why behind how hydration decreased UTI rate is attributed to two factors: the dilution of urine, which reduces nutrient concentration needed for bacterial growth, and the flushing of bacteria,” Dr. Klos says. “With more urine volume, you are forced to empty the bladder at shorter intervals, thus pushing opportunistic bacteria out of the bladder instead of allowing it to sit and multiply within the bladder.” Further ways to prevent UTIs include peeing after sex, wiping from front to back, and minimizing irritating feminine products in the genital area. While these can be helpful for some people, it’s not always enough for everybody.

How do I treat a UTI?

If you think you have a UTI, we recommend speaking to your doctor to get antibiotics. If you’re prone to UTIs, Uqora’s UTI Emergency Kit is great to keep on hand to help you find relief until you can see your doctor. ?The UTI Emergency Kit includes test strips to detect a UTI, pain relief to manage symptoms, and infection control to slow bacterial growth until you can see a medical professional?. But if you’re looking for a proactive way to take care of your urinary tract health, Uqora offers a number of products.

How do I get proactive about my urinary health?

You can get proactive about your urinary health with Uqora’s Complete Regimen. With over 15,000 five-star reviews, their three-part proactive regimen provides the most support, keeping you covered from all angles. Flush (their drink mix) flushes your urinary tract keeping you clear when you need it most, Defend cleanses biofilm and supports bladder wall integrity, and Promote maintains healthy vaginal bacteria. Each product holds a distinct function and supports you on your ongoing journey toward vaginal and urinary health.