It’s something women don’t really like to talk about – yet Urinary Tract Infections are pretty common – it’s estimated a third of woman have at least one attack by the age of 24.
Sometimes known as cystitis, UTI symptoms are not fun. Here are the symptoms:
- Itching and burning
- You feel like you have to pee all the time – and when you do, it stings!
- Your urine will be dark, stronger smelling and cloudy
- You may have a pain low in your tummy
- You generally feel unwell, aching and tired.
Sometimes a UTI starts when bacteria that naturally live harmlessly on your skin or in your bowel get pushed up inside your bladder or urethra, the tubes that carry urine, either from your kidneys to your bladder, or from your bladder to outside your body.
Higher risk when you’re pregnant
But your risk of cystitis also increases when you’re pregnant – it’s due to pregnancy hormones your body releases to relax your insides so you can accommodate a growing baby and give birth.
These hormones also relax the urethra and your bladder, so it’s easier to get an infection in your urethra or bladder.
Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to kill UTI. And they work. But today doctors warn that more bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. So preventing a UTI in the first place is a smarter move – and surprisingly easy.
Unlike synthetic fabrics, cotton fabric lets your skin breath in hot and sticky Singapore. This means less moisture down below. And less moisture reduces bacteria growth.
You don’t want germs from your rear getting anywhere else. Wearing thong underwear daily can also increase your risk of cystitis – the way it nestles into your rear end provides a “ladder” for bacteria to climb up.
Call it a design quirk, but your urethra is really close to your vagina, and it’s much shorter than the same tube in men. So the friction of sex can push bacteria up inside you.
Pressure and bruising can also sometimes cause cystitis – it’s why some women can get cystitis after an operation or a car crash.
When it comes to sex, if you always use positions where he’s on top, his movements and weight can put pressure on your bladder and urethra. This can sometimes cause cystitis – especially if you haven’t had sex for a while.
So if you notice a certain position is a problem for you, try alternative positions.
If your vagina is a little too dry when he enters you, the in and out friction of sex can cause micro-tears in your skin, and this can lead to a cystitis infection. Due to hormones, you can feel drier inside with age, after having a baby, or at certain times of the month.
At times like these, water-based lubricant can help – and so can extra foreplay.
If you used a sex toy, or his your fingers or his penis back there… wash it well in soapy water before it goes anywhere else inside you.
And avoid silicone-based lubricants as they can “eat away” at plastic or silicone toys (within seconds) and cause microscopic holes where bacteria can lurk . Water-based lubricants are a better bet, and they’re sold without a prescription, at pharmacies.
Don’t cross your legs for too long! It’s better to go to the toilet every four hours or so, because a full bladder is an ideal place for bacteria to grow. Your pee should be a pale gold colour, if it’s darker, you’re not going enough.
Keep it flushed out by going to the bathroom after sex – and ideally before. And if you use lube, gently wipe it off, front to back.
- Avoid foods that make your pee more acid, like chilli, tomatoes, wine, fruit juices, cola and citrus fruits.
- Check with your doctor if you can take an over the counter painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to dull the ache.
- Also avoid coffee as it can irritate the lining of your bladder. Instead, drink water to dilute your pee.
- You can also buy cystitis relief Sodium Citrate powders from the pharmacy, without a prescription. Mixed with water, they stop your pee stinging. FYI: women keep sachets in their travel kits for when they go on holiday.
- If the sting hasn’t stopped after a few days, go to the doctor. Because an untreated infection can make its way up inside your urethra tubes and possibly infect your kidneys. It’s especially important if you’re pregnant as there is a small risk that an untreated urine infection may lead to miscarriage or premature labour.
- If you are prescribed antibiotic pills, finish the whole course, or you’re just making any bugs inside you even more resistant to antibiotics.