UTI in women: Symptoms & treatment

Urinary tract infection or UTI:

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection in a woman is caused by bacteria that have entered the urinary tract. There they cause an unpleasant and painful infection. For many women, a urinary tract infection occurs again and again. As a rule, the bacteria in our bodies are the usual suspects. Most commonly, E. coli is behind a UTI, a bacteria normally found in the gut. The bacteria Staphylococcus saprophyticus is also a possible cause, especially in young women, but other types of bacteria can also cause a urinary tract infection.

Why are women more susceptible?

The risk of infection is higher in women than men because the female urethra is small and its opening is close to the anus. From there, bacteria easily enter the urinary tract and quickly reach the bladder, as they only have to travel a short distance.
Another cause of a urinary tract infection in women is the decline in estrogen levels with age. This can cause the walls of the urinary tract to become thinner and drier. The acidic environment of the protective mucosa is no longer sufficient, making it harder to prevent infections. Therefore, estrogen therapy is often recommended to prevent urinary tract infections, as well as to restore vaginal dryness and hydration.

What are the symptoms of urinary tract infection in women?

Pain and a burning sensation during urination are typical symptoms of a urinary tract infection in women. The bacterial infection causes swelling and redness of the tissue. There may be blood in the urine and the affected person suffers from a general feeling of illness. Women who often have a urinary tract infection usually recognize the first signs quickly. Early detection is important to prevent a bladder infection.

With a urinary tract infection, the following symptoms may occur:

• pain and burning sensation during urination
• frequent need to urinate, as well as frequent urination
• small amounts of urine are released with each urination
• traces of blood in the urine
• strong smelling, dark or cloudy urine
• feeling cold, but rarely with fever
• sudden urinary incontinence

Treatment of urinary tract infection.

As a rule, the doctor prescribes antibiotics for a urinary tract infection, after first performing the necessary microbiological tests to identify the pathogen causing the UTI. In this way, he can tailor the antibiotic precisely to the type of pathogen. Sometimes mild infections can clear up on their own. However, you should not expect symptoms to go away without medical treatment. In any case, if you have a urinary tract infection, it is recommended to consult your doctor.

Over-the-counter UTI treatment

A mild one urinary tract infection it can go away on its own without the administration of antibiotics and with the use of nutritional supplements and proper cleaning of the woman's sensitive area.

What you can take instead of the antibiotic:

• Probiotics: Probiotics (live microorganisms used to change the balance of bacteria) are thought to prevent disease-causing bacteria from growing in the urinary tract and causing infections.
  The probiotics they compete with pathogenic bacteria for nutrients and binding sites on mucous membranes. The attachment of pathogenic bacteria causes infection. Thus, probiotics displace disease-causing E. coli bacteria. Probiotics should not necessarily be used vaginally in women. Studies show that taking probiotic capsules can have a beneficial effect on the bacterial composition of the intestines and vagina. As a result, less E. coli bacteria enter the urinary tract.
• Hydrate yourself: Do you drink plenty of fluids so that you have to go to the bathroom often? In this way, the bacteria are literally washed away.
• Cranberries: have been used for many years to prevent urinary tract infections. The cranberry they contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), which prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. This could help prevent infections and reduce the need to spend time seeing a doctor. However, there is currently no firm proof of their use against UTI.
• D Mannose: It prevents the adhesion of bacteria to the walls of the urinary tract and facilitates their removal through diuresis.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)* relieve pain, reduce fever, and minimize inflammation.

Tips for preventing a urinary tract infection as a woman

A clean and healthy sensitive area reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. In a healthy and strong vaginal environment, bacteria are less able to multiply. In addition, you should empty the bladder completely every time you go to the toilet, as bacteria can multiply in the residual urine in the bladder.

There are many other preventative measures that have been proven effective that can help you avoid a urinary tract infection as a woman in many cases.

• When you go to the toilet, you should always wipe the toilet paper from front to back.
• You should not clean the sensitive area of ​​your genitals too intensively and, above all, do not use aggressive soaps, as they disrupt the acid mantle of the skin and irritate it. Use specialized care products for the sensitive area, friendly to your microbiome.
• Dry the skin thoroughly when changing hygiene products: bacteria multiply best in a humid climate.
• Go to the bathroom after intercourse and clean your sensitive area.
• Adequate intake of vitamin D strengthens your immune system.
• If you are prone to a urinary tract infection, you should shower instead of taking a bath.
• Vaginal estrogen can have a preventive effect – sometimes even in postmenopausal women.

A urinary tract infection affects many women relatively often and is associated with unpleasant symptoms. However, there are effective treatment methods and, above all, preventive measures that ensure that the bacteria have no chance of spreading in the first place. If you suffer from frequent urinary tract infections consult your doctor for the best treatment and prevention.