A urinary tract infection (UTI), as it sounds, is an infection of your urinary tract. Your body eliminates excess water and waste via the urinary tract. It is also known as a water infection.
A UTI is a result of bacteria, however, it can also be caused by viruses and fungi. The body’s immune system usually eliminates them before they cause an infection. If your body doesn’t fight off the germs, you could get an uncomfortable UTI. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder specifically, and is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI).
While UTIs can affect anyone, certain factors increase your risk. Women are more prone due to their shorter urethras, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Pregnancy, menopause, and certain types of birth control can also up the odds. For blokes, an enlarged prostate gland can trap urine in the bladder, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
Staying hydrated is key to flushing out your system, so keep that water bottle handy! Cranberry juice isn’t just an old wives’ tale – it contains compounds that may help prevent bacteria from sticking to bladder walls. But don’t rely on it as a cure-all.
Proper hygiene is crucial too. Always wipe from front to back after using the loo, and try to urinate after sex to flush out any bacteria that might’ve hitched a ride. If you’re prone to recurrent UTIs, chat with your GP about preventative strategies. They might suggest things like taking low-dose antibiotics or using vaginal oestrogen creams for postmenopausal women.
The symptoms include an almost uncontrollable urge to urinate, peeing more frequently, not peeing much when you do go and a burning feeling when peeing. Get medical help if you feel you have a UTI. The doctor will determine if you actually have a UTI and prescribe an antibiotic to treat it.
Do you want to find out if you have a UTI quicker? Use a UTI home test to determine if you have Cystitis or a similar UTI.
How Do UTI Home Tests Work?
You can buy a UTI dipstick test over-the-counter or online. They are similar to a pregnancy test. Most kits come with three test strips. Just pee on the strip for a couple of seconds or you can collect your pee in a clean container and dip the strip. The strip will change colour after a few minutes and the colour will depend on the make of test. Read the instructions to find out if you are positive for the UTI.
Home test kits are useful if you have recurring UTIs. The test kits check the urine for bacteria and white blood cells. If you are taking certain medications, you might get a false positive. Research has shown that urine cultures are more reliable for detecting UTIs. If you have recurring UTI’s it is always a good idea to keep a stock of home UTI tests handy as this will save you time as you won’t need to book a GP appointment to determine if you have an infection. The Zoom Health test kit for UTI’s and Cystitis can be bought as a two or five strip pack, offering excellent value for money. This allows you to have tests ready for when you need them.
Photo by Zoom Health
Zoom Health is a leading UK supplier of Home Health Tests and Earplugs
