Understanding urinary tract infections (UTIs) is very important as they are among the most common infections in females worldwide. Experts estimate that around 40% of women will experience a UTI at least once in their lives. Around 25% of these women will experience what doctors call a recurring infection, an infection which comes back at least twice in six months.
Most cases of UTIs are not considered medical emergencies. However, untreated infections can move up the urinary tract and cause damage to your kidneys. Understanding UTIs is the first step towards prevention. To help you, we have put together answers to some of your most frequently asked questions:
1. What is it?
A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary tract, from your kidneys down to your bladder and urethra. Most infections develop in the lower urinary tract but can travel higher and become more serious if left untreated for too long.
2. What are the symptoms?
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Burning pain when urinating,
- Needing to use the loo often, but not much comes out when you do,
- Smelly or cloudy urine,
- Bloody urine,
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
3. Can poor hygiene cause a UTI?
Studies show that UTIs are generally not a sign of poor overall hygiene. However, some experts have found a link between intimate area washing techniques and increased risk of UTIs. Like wiping, washing from back to front can increase your risk of moving the E.coli bacteria responsible for UTIs to your urethra. The soap used can also increase your risk. Scented and coloured bath products are more likely to cause more irritation.
4. How do UTIs develop?
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, rise to the bladder and cause infection. UTIs are about 30 times more common in women since their urethra is much shorter than in men. The most common bacteria to cause UTIs is E. Coli, which can live in the bowel. Much like colds, some people are more susceptible to UTIs and should take extra care to avoid behaviours that are linked to UTIs, such as wiping back to front, wearing synthetic underwear, or holding in their urine for prolonged periods.
5. Is there a difference between a UTI and a bladder infection?
A bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is a type of UTI that specifically affects the bladder. A UTI is a broad term that refers to an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A bladder infection on the other hand is in the bladder alone. Essentially, while all bladder infections are UTIs, not all UTIs are bladder infections.
6. How can I treat a UTI?
In uncomplicated cases, over-the-counter medications like Canephron can be used to treat both the symptoms and the cause of a UTI. However, it is always important to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing the symptoms of a UTI.
Canephron is an effective non-antibiotic prevention and treatment for UTIs. By addressing both the underlying cause and the symptoms of UTIs, Canephron offers comprehensive support for your urinary health. Canephron is clinically proven to treat the cause and manage the symptoms of UTIs in adults and children from 6-years-old.
In cases where you may have gone without treatment for too long or are experiencing any complications, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. These can be used with Canephron to help relieve the symptoms of UTIs. In addition to medication, doctors recommend drinking plenty of water to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract
If you find yourself suffering from a UTI, speak to your doctor about Canephron’s 4-in-1 action, or look out for us at Clicks, Dischem, or any leading pharmacy or shop online.
Source: Austell Pharmaceuticals
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