By KIM GARRETT
Contributing Writer
Hey! Have you ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI)? Odds are, if you have a urethra, especially a urethra contained in a vulva, you have had a UTI at some point in your life. Luckily, UTIs are both preventable and treatable.
Let’s talk about what causes a UTI. A UTI is an infection of, well, the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, kidneys and the tubes that connect them. A urinary tract gets infected when it is exposed to foreign bacteria, usually from the vagina or anus. A lot of sexually active people, especially people with vaginas, get UTIs since all of the parts are close together and bacteria from one place can easily get close to the urethra. UTIs can make their way from the urinary tract and become bladder infections and even more severe kidney infections.
Symptoms of UTIs include painful urination, lower back pain, lower abdominal bloating, fever, frequent urination and urine that appears cloudy. This sounds scary! Don’t worry, UTIs are common and it’s easy to get checked for one. Visit your doctor, a local urgent care or the Winslow Health Center. You’ll probably just need to provide a urine sample. Typically, UTIs can be treated by taking antibiotics, drinking lots of fluids and resting.
Nobody wants a UTI. Here are some things you can do to prevent them:
1. Urinate before and after sex. This will help keep your urethra clean. If you can’t do both, aim for using the bathroom after.
2. If you have a vulva, wipe from front to back when you use the bathroom. This will make sure no bacteria from your vagina or anus gets to your urethra.
3. Avoid using scented products around your genitals.
4. Keep hydrated by drinking lots of water. Bonus points if you can drink a glass of cranberry juice every once in a while. Cranberries keep your kidneys nice and clean.
UTIs stink, but they happen to the best of us. One of best things you can do if you think you have a UTI is to seek medical advice ASAP.
Have questions, comments or suggestions? Contact ReproCo at [email protected] or stop by our meetings on Wednesdays at 7:00pm in McKinley’s Private Dining Room.
