I had barely finished the first chapter when I felt a sudden urge to go to the bathroom. I'd had a large glass of water with my dinner, so I thought nothing of the urgency to pee. But ten minutes later, the pressure on my bladder returned… and then again…and again. Each time I tried to pee, I felt an uncomfortable pinching sensation that increased with each visit to the restroom.
Two hours and ten bathroom trips later, I was doubled over in pain on the couch. Panic set in because I had no clue what was going on with my irritable bladder.
Unable to reach my husband by phone, I did the next best thing and called my mother once the pain became unbearable. She calmly explained that I had what her generation called the "honeymoon disease"---a urinary tract infection. Fortunately, my sister was nearby, and after a quick call to my OB/GYN to explain the situation, she was able to deliver the antibiotics I desperately needed to clear the infection. Had I been informed earlier about UTIs and preventative measures, I might not have had to suffer the discomfort and fear that I did that evening.
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Last month I wrote a blog post on the symptoms and factors that contribute to urinary tract infections in women like me who are peri-menopausal or menopausal (you can read it HERE). Today, I'm sharing part two in my sponsored series for the Uristat campaign to educate women on the myths of UTIs, which includes preventative measures that can be taken to avoid recurring infections.
Many women entering the menopausal years expect to experience the usual symptoms that their peers complain about----hot flashes, irregular periods, night sweats, mood swings etc. but few are aware of another common side effect---urinary tract infections. These are more prevalent in middle-aged women due to a decrease in estrogen production, which leads to changes in the urinary tract, making it more susceptible to infections. With 53% of women over the age of 55 experience recurring UTIs (at least three over a twelve month period), it's important to understand that there are ways to prevent the recurrences, and relief from the painful symptoms should an infection occur.
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT UTIs:
MYTH: Only sexually-active women in their 20's get UTIs.
FACT: Urinary tract infections can occur at any age, especially in women who are peri-menopausal or menopausal. They're caused by a lack of estrogen and a drop in "good bacteria" levels.
MYTH: UTIs only occur in women.
FACT: Men can also contract a urinary tract infection, although it far less common in males. Roughly 12% of men will experience a UTI in their lifetime compared to 40%-50% of women.
MYTH: UTIs are nothing to worry about.
FACT: A urinary tract infection may subside on its own without preventative treatment, but it's also true that the infection is capable of spreading to the kidneys and causing irreparable damage. If you are experiencing discomfort, it's best to consult your physician for treatment.
MYTH: UTIs are caused by poor hygiene.
FACT: Getting a urinary tract infection does not mean that you have poor hygiene. You can be completely clean and still get a UTI. There are several causes and risk factors involved, which include sexual activity, certain birth control methods, pregnancy, menopause, urinary tract abnormalities or complications in the urinary tract, an impaired immune system, catheterization or previous UTIs.
MYTH: Pregnancy and UTIs are unrelated.
FACT: There are several changes that occur in a woman's body during pregnancy, which are conducive to UTIs, such as an increased amount of progesterone. A higher level of this hormone relaxes the muscles in the uterus and bladder. The decrease in muscle tone, coupled with the pressure that the growing uterus puts on the bladder, can slow the flow of urine and put a pregnant woman at a greater risk of urinary tract infections.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING UTIs:
* Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Frequent urination is necessary to flush as much bacteria out of the system as possible.
* Always wipe front to back. Bacteria from the anal region does not belong around the vagina and urethra.
* Avoid douches, vaginal deodorant sprays and powders. These products can irritate the urethra and cause a UTI. Certain types of birth control such as diaphragms and spermicidal agents can also increase the risk of infection.
* Urinate after sex to prevent bacteria from moving into the urethra. Drink water if necessary to trigger the urge to urinate.
* Wear cotton underwear to keep dry. Bacteria thrives in warm, moist areas on the body. Undergarments made from nylon, polyester, or spandex restrict the airflow to the genitals, whereas cotton is porous and keeps the area drier.
* Go to the bathroom whenever you feel the need to urinate. Holding in urine is never good and makes it easier for bacteria to multiply in the urinary tract.
There's no need to suffer through the discomfort of a UTI while waiting for a doctor's appointment or for an antibiotic to kick in. The good news is that there is now an over-the-counter medicine that will help reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of the infection. From the makers of MONISTAT comes URISTAT Pain Relief Tablets, which are specifically designed for fast, temporary relief of pain, burning and frequent urinating associated with a urinary tract infection. Each tablet contains phenazopyridine HCI, which is the #1 doctor recommended OTC ingredient for relief from UTI pain. URISTAT Pain Relief Tablets can be taken as soon as the the symptoms are detected, and while being treated with antibiotics.
To determine whether or not a UTI is present before meeting with a physician, URISTAT has available a convenient Relief Pak that includes a test strip for detecting white blood cells and Nitrate in the urine, which can indicate the presence of a UTI. Each URISTAT Relief Pak comes with one test strip and twelve URISTAT Pain Relief Tablets.
URISTAT products are available in many drugstores and online retailers across the country, including Walgreens, Walmart, Kmart, Rite Aid, Kinney Drugs and drugstore.com
For more information about UTIs ad URISTAT, please is it www.uristat.com and download a $1 off coupon by clicking HERE.
There's no need to suffer through the discomfort of a UTI while waiting for a doctor's appointment or for an antibiotic to kick in. The good news is that there is now an over-the-counter medicine that will help reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of the infection. From the makers of MONISTAT comes URISTAT Pain Relief Tablets, which are specifically designed for fast, temporary relief of pain, burning and frequent urinating associated with a urinary tract infection. Each tablet contains phenazopyridine HCI, which is the #1 doctor recommended OTC ingredient for relief from UTI pain. URISTAT Pain Relief Tablets can be taken as soon as the the symptoms are detected, and while being treated with antibiotics.
To determine whether or not a UTI is present before meeting with a physician, URISTAT has available a convenient Relief Pak that includes a test strip for detecting white blood cells and Nitrate in the urine, which can indicate the presence of a UTI. Each URISTAT Relief Pak comes with one test strip and twelve URISTAT Pain Relief Tablets.
URISTAT products are available in many drugstores and online retailers across the country, including Walgreens, Walmart, Kmart, Rite Aid, Kinney Drugs and drugstore.com
For more information about UTIs ad URISTAT, please is it www.uristat.com and download a $1 off coupon by clicking HERE.
