URISTAT® provided information on menopause symptoms and urinary tract infections as part of their Never on Pause education effort to facilitate this sponsored conversation.
The one thing in life that we want to avoid getting is a urinary tract infections. They are not only painful, but they can be very uncomfortable and for women that are going through perimenopause and menopause it can be an added discomfort we just do not need! I recently shared with you tips on how to avoid getting a Urinary Tract Infection, today I will share some common myths of UTI’s.
Common Myths About Urinary Tract Infections
Myth: Only sexually active women in their 20’s get UTIs
UTIs can occur at any age and in fact, many women will experience a UTI during menopause and perimenopause due to the lack of estrogen and drop in “good bacteria” levels. A lack of estrogen and good bacteria allows “bad bacteria” to grow more easily in the vagina or urethra, resulting in a UTI. Additionally, while sex may be a trigger for a UTI, there are other risk factors as well. These include:
• The female anatomy
• Certain birth control
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Urinary tract abnormalities
• Complications in the urinary tract
• Impaired immune system
• Catheterization and previousUTIs!
Myth: UTIs are not a big deal
It’s true that a UTI may subside without treatment, but it’s also true that the infection could spread to your kidneys and cause serious and permanent damage. If you are experiencing discomfort, it’snin your best interest to check it out.
Myth: UTIs only occur in women
Men can also contract UTIs, but it is far less common. While about 40 – 50% of women will experience a UTI in their lifetime, the same is true for only about 12% of men. This is because of the natural structure of the female urinary system.
Myth: UTIs are caused by poor hygiene.
Getting a UTI does not mean that you have poor hygiene. You can be completely clean and!still get a UTI— unfortunate, but true. There are several causes and risk factors for developing a UTI.
Myth: Pregnancy and UTIs are unrelated.
The changes that occur in your body during pregnancy can increase the risk of infection in your urinary tract. The main reason that the chances of infection are increased is that the hormone progesterone, which your body produces at an increased amount during pregnancy, relaxes the muscle in your uterus and bladder. This decrease in muscle tone, along with the pressure that your growing uterus puts on your bladder, can slow the flow of urine and put you at a higher risk of UTI.
Our bodies change as we get older and we need to do whatever we can to make sure we stay as healthy as we can. Going through perimenopause and menopause is hard enough, you don’t want to add a Urinary Tract Infection on top of everything else. I have had my share of Urinary Tract Infections and I really can do without them while going through menopause.
Below are a few tips to help you avoid a UTI.
Hydrate with water
One of the best ways to prevent a UTI is to urinate frequently so that as much bacteria as possible can be flushed out of your system. The best way to urinate frequently? Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.
Front to back
Remember when your parents taught you to wipe from front to back after you go to the bathroom? Think of this as the golden rule of UTIs – that bacteria from the anal region does not belong around the vagina and urethra.
Avoid irritating products
Some feminine products, such as deodorant sprays, douches, and powders, can irritate the urethra and trigger a UTI. Also, certain types of birth control – like diaphragms and spermicidal agents – can increase the risk of infection.
Urinate after sex
This is another way to prevent bacteria from moving into the urethra. And if you don’t feel like you need to urinate, drink a glass of water.
Cotton will keep you dry
Bacteria that cause UTIs flourish in warm, moist environments. Underwear made from synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester, or spandex, restricts airflow to the genitals. Cotton, on the other hand, is porous and keeps the genitals dry.
Go when you need to go
“Holding it” is never good. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also make it easier for bacteria to multiply in your urinary tract.
While UTIs – at any stage in life – are inconvenient, uncomfortable and even annoying, they are nothing to worry about, as long as you seek treatment from your physician. And while waiting for treatment and the infection to clear, you can get fast, temporary relief from the pain and discomfort with URISTAT ® Pain Relief Tablets. UTIs must be treated with a prescription antibiotic, but you can seek relief as soon as you begin to experience symptoms and think you have a UTI with URISTAT® Pain Relief Tablets. URISTAT® Pain Relief Tablets deliver fast, temporary relief of pain, burning and urgency and frequency of urination while you wait until you can see your doctor!
If you have never had a UTI or just don’t know what signs you should look for her are several symptoms which could signify a UTI:
- Pain and/or burning sensation when you urinate
- Feeling like you have to urinate often, even right after emptying your bladder
- Passing small amounts of urine
- Cloudy or bloody (pinkb or brownbcolored) urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain and/or pressure and cramping in lower abdomen or back
- Fever or chills
If you have to wait to see the doctor and need that temporary relief from the pain and discomfort, then you need to try from the makers of MONISTAT®, over the counter URISTAT ® Pain Relief Tablets contain phenazopyridine HCl, the #1 doctor recommended ingredient used to treat UTI pain or discomfort.
For more information and for a $1 off coupon for URISTAT ® products, please visit URISTAT!