Updated: Jun 28, 2021
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common bacterial infection involving the urinary tract. UTIs are more prevalent in women (approximately 60% of women will experience a UTI at some stage of their life) but can affect men too.
Most UTIs affect the urethra or in some cases, the bladder. Even though UTIs aren’t considered life threatening, they can cause painful symptoms and recurrent infections are incredibly common. Symptoms can include: the urge to urinate frequently, a burning sensation with urination, blood in the urine, strong odour in urine and lower abdominal cramping and pain.
What causes UTIs?
UTIs can be caused by:
- · Sexual intercourse or changes in partners
- · Wiping from ‘back to front’ after going to the toilet and hence, contaminating the vagina with bacteria
- · A decrease in oestrogen (which can be due to peri-menopause, menopause, thyroid conditions and autoimmune disease)
- · Poor hygiene
- · Oral contraceptive pill
- · Antibiotics
- · Irritating chemicals, soaps and clothing that can result in changes in vaginal pH levels
Antibiotic use and UTIs
UTIs equate to approximately 8 million visits to the doctor annually and are a huge driver for the prescription of antibiotics, which although helpful to treat the UTIs in the short-term, may increase the likelihood of antibiotic resistance if taken regularly or over a long period of time. Although antibiotics are usually necessary to help treat the infection, over time they can have a negative impact on the healthy microbiome that lives within the body.
The human microbiome is the sum of all resident microbiota, the nonhuman life that colonises the body. Through years of research, it has become clear that the human body harbours distinct microbial populations within different anatomical niches. Studies suggest that the vaginal microbiome supports the urinary tract by acting as a reservoir for protective commensal species, which is mainly dominated by the Lactobacillus species. This species secrete lactic acid that modulate the chemical environment in the vagina and act as a preventative for keeping E.coli out.
How you can decrease your risk
- · Engage in a healthy, active lifestyle with a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of water, is low in sugar and highly processed foods and is high in vitamin C.
- · When using the toilet, wipe ‘front to back’ to reduce contamination from the anus to the vagina and urethra.
- · Urinate before and after intercourse, to reduce the amount of unwanted bacteria.
- · Don’t ‘hold it’ – when you need to pee, go! And ensure you fully empty your bladder.
- · Avoid feminine hygiene fragrances, cleaners and soaps that upset the pH of the vagina.
- · Use organic cotton or bamboo sanitary products.
- · Choose natural fibre underwear (like cotton or bamboo) that is loose fitting and breathable.
- · Drinking green tea or parsley tea has been shown to help fight off UTIs.
- · Juices such as cranberry, blueberry and huckleberry juice contain D-mannose and anthocyanin that helps to fight bacterial infections.
- · Talk to a naturopath about taking an appropriate prebiotic, specific to UTI prevention.
Prevention is the best medicine. These simple changes can aid in reducing reoccurrence and aid in preventing the prevalence of UTIs in women. Understanding how the natural environment of the vaginal is protective of the urinary tract may empower more women to take charge of their health. With aims to reduce the need for antibiotics, we are reducing rates of antibiotic resistance at the same time.
Go Vita Ballarat always has a naturopath available in store to discuss general concerns and provide general advice. We can also arrange a private consultation for more complex issues, please contact us for more information.
