Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common. More than half of women will have a urinary tract infection sometime during their lifetime. There are different types of infections, risk factors, and treatment methods to consider.

Personal Story

I was a newly wed when I first got a urinary tract infection. It was PAINFUL and I didn’t know what to do about it. Here are some things I have learned about urinary tract infections.

Types of Urinary Tract Infections

General types of UTIs are as follows:

• Bacterial Cystitis, or acute lower UTI, involves the bladder or ureter and has the symptoms of a frequent need to urinate and burning when doing so.
• Upper UTI involves the kidneys and/or the ureters. This infection requires professional medical attention.
• Recurring UTI is usually from reinfection from the same organism of the previous infection.
• Interstitial cystitis (IC) is different than recurring UTI because it doesn’t have bacteria. It is characterized by pelvic pain and urgency/frequency (PUF).

Learn the different types to determine an action plan. Be aware that some infections need medical attention for treatment.

Risk Factors

Increased risk factors are sexual intercourse and spermicide. Spermicide alters the flora of the vagina, which makes it more likely an infection will set in and cause symptoms.

Treatment Guidelines

• You may want to work toward drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces of purified water, having least two quarts each day. Adding lemon to the water can add acidity to the urine. When having a UTI, it may be beneficial to drink a half liter of unsweetened cranberry or blueberry juice each day.
• The goal for treatment of a urinary tract infection (UTI) is to aid the body’s defenses by increasing the amount of urine, encouraging a good pH to slow bacteria’s growth, preventing adherence of bacteria to the wall of the bladder, and improving the immune system’s response to invaders. Probiotics can help the infection and prevent its return.
• Consult your herbalist or health practitioner for a natural health plan which uses supplements, herbs, and physical interventions to support your body so it can heal from the urinary tract infection.

Action

Using prevention techniques are a good practice if you suffer recurring urinary tract infections. Seek out a natural health practitioner for guidelines before you have a UTI, so if it attacks, you have on hand what you need to reduce your suffering.  

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. How do UTIs affect you?