UTI's and incontinence

What exactly is a UTI?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). Women generally have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.The rate of emergency admissions due to a urinary tract infection (UTI) has almost doubled over the last five years to 60 per 100,000 population. A UTI can develop when bacteria enter the urethra and travel up the urinary tract to the bladder. Sometimes, the bacteria infect more distant parts of the tract, such as the kidneys.

Why do we experience incontinence and leaks when we have a UTI?

Incontinence and leaks can be be caused by UTI's because they irritate your bladder, causing you to have strong urges to urinate, and sometimes, incontinence. Longer term there is evidence to suggest that recurrent UTI's can result in issues with overactive bladder later on in life.

What are the other symptoms of a UTI?

The most common symptom of a UTI are pain and discomfort when you pee:

A UTI can also cause the following symptoms:

• A strong urge to pee but very little urine coming out

• Urine with an unpleasant smell

• Pee is cloudy

• Blood in the urine

• Pressure or cramping sensations in the groin

• In children it can cause fever too

How do I treat a UTI?

They are relatively easy to treat and because they are bacterial infections they respond well to a course of antibiotics. For some people taking antibiotics for a longer period of time or an intravenous treatment might be needed to get rid of the UTI. If you suspect you have a UTI then see your GP who will do a dipstick test to see if this is the cause of your symptoms.

Are there other, more natural ways to treat a UTI?

We always recommend seeing a doctor as your first option but there are other things that can help:

• Stay hydrated and drink water

• Wipe from front to back when wiping yourself after using the toilet

• Avoid bladder irritating foods such as: tomatoes, vinegar, spicy foods, sugar and sweeteners, caffeine, carbonated beverages, alcohol and some fruits

• There is growing evidence to suggest D-mannose can help prevent frequent recurrent UTIs. D-mannose is a type of sugar which is believed to inhibit bacterial adherence to uroepithelial cells, and is already being used by some women in an attempt to prevent RUTIs.

• Antibiotics will also be prescribed and hopefully soon your symptoms will disappear.

To read about how what we drink impacts our bladder health click here!

So in summary remember:

🧡 UTI's are very common - they're unpleasant but with the right treatment they should pass

🧡 See your GP first who will potentially recommend a course of antibiotics

🧡 Make sure you fill your diet with as many bladder friendly foods as possible

🧡 Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water (this is good for general health too).