getting real about urinary tract infections
“Here is your cup. When your sample is collected, place it on the shelf.”
“Oh good,” I thought to myself. “This is my favorite kind of cup.”
When you have a preference as to what kind of cup you prefer to collect your urine, you know you have a problem. And yes, I had a problem.
After having urinary tract infections (UTIs) pretty consistently throughout my life, the issue came to a head (no pun intended) in 2009 when I either had one long infection from March-September or several separate infections. I was in and out of multiple doctor’s offices all spring and summer. And it was a summer I do not look back on with fondness.
If you have ever had a UTI, you know the symptoms are miserable: urinating to the point of dehydration, or trying to urinate and nothing comes out; sharp or crampy pain in the pelvic area; bloody urine; and sometimes even a fever. And while you feel absolutely horrible, no one around you can see your symptoms and may accuse you of being overdramatic.
Even worse, there are no quick, over-the-counter remedies for UTIs. You have to go to a doctor to complete a urine test in order to be prescribed antibiotics. And those antibiotics may lead to other issues, such as diarrhea or yeast infections.
UTIs are extremely common, with 50% of women experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime, and 25% experiencing recurrent UTIs. (Women get UTIs much more frequently than men because their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum.)
A UTI is an infection that occurs when bacteria (usually E Coli) enters the urethra and infects the urinary tract. (Urinary tract is a general term that includes the urethra, bladder and kidneys.) Typically when symptoms present, a urine test shows whether there are leukocytes, nitrites or white blood cells in the urine. A positive test results in antibiotics, with Macrobid being the most common prescribed for UTIs.
I learned the hard way about treatments for UTIs. Most suggestions from well-meaning friends or from good old Google made me feel worse. If you have a UTI, here are some of my recommendations based on way too much personal experience:
D Mannose is my number one favorite supplement for UTIs. I had constant UTIs until 2018, when I learned about D Mannose. I take two every morning and have not had a UTI since. Researchers believe it works by preventing bacteria from “latching on” in the urinary tract. Studies have shown that it reduces symptoms in those suffering from UTIs and prevents future UTIs as effectively as prophylactic antibiotics.
I love a heating pad for all that ails me, and a UTI is no exception. A heating pad over the irritated pelvic area is soothing and reduces soreness.
AZO pain reliever has been a lifesaver on many occasions. It really does relieve pain. (Caution: it turns your pee orange, which can be an issue if you are going for a urine test.)
AVOID cranberry, which is typically recommended for UTIs. It is highly acidic and irritating to the bladder. (I learned this the hard way.)
AVOID other “recommended” herbal remedies such as Uva Ursi, Juniper, Dandelion and Goldenrod. While they are antimicrobial they are also diuretics, which can aggravate an already painful situation. When you have peed to the point of dehydration, the last thing you need is something that makes you feel like you have to pee.
If you are dehydrated, you may need salt to help “hold in” what you are drinking. Electrolyte drinks or just adding a small amount of salt to water has helped me in this situation.
Probiotics can help optimize the urogenital microbiome which will create an unwelcoming environment for the wrong kind of bacteria.
I also keep home UTI test strips around so I can do a quick check if my bladder seems irritated. If I get a negative response, I wait a few days and re-test. If it is positive, I go to the doctor.
While it may seem counterintuitive to avoid things like cranberry for a UTI, for me it feels like pouring battery acid on a scab. The herbs also just made me continually have to pee, which added more pain to an area that already felt like a towel that had been wrung out over and over again.
And I would also avoid ANY acidic food and drink for a while, including citrus, tomato, coffee and chocolate. Once everything calms down, your bladder will be able to handle the foods you normally enjoy.
As far as prevention, beyond the D Mannose and good hygiene there is little you can do. In fact, a recent study has shown that even ONE UTI can change the DNA in the cells lining the urinary tract. The cells can change in size and start an immune response that makes them more susceptible to future infections. So, no matter what your doctor may be telling you, you are not doing something wrong because you get recurring UTIs. There is a physiological reason for it.
My summer of misery turned out to be caused by an IUD, which apparently prevented the infection from resolving. But I did have recurrences several times afterward until I started the D Mannose. And I also realized that I likely have interstitial cystitis, or what I like to call Irritable Bladder Syndrome.I would often run to the doctor every time I had bladder pain, only to be told my test was negative. The cause was just inflammation. So now I have a regimen to prevent flares. (Article coming soon on interstitial cystitis.)
In the meantime, I stick to my prevention regimen and keep my fingers crossed that I won’t be staring down the bottom of a collection cup anytime soon. Even if it is my favorite kind.
