Menstrual
cramps, PMSing, pregnancy related mood swings, the list of issues
women have to deal with is endless. Another common issue faced by
many women is urinary tract infection, also referred to as UTI. Now
while you cannot completely stop issues like menstrual cramps, mood
swings during pregnancy or suppress the dramatic version of yourself
when you are PMSing, as all of these are biological changes mostly
related to your hormones and are a natural occurrence, what is under
your control is averting problems like UTI. UTI, unlike the issues
mentioned, is not your body's own calling, but is mostly related to
your lifestyle and hygiene, as pointed by urologists in Chandigarh. UTI can sure be extremely painful, not to mention the
discomfort that you experience. So much so that you might consider
and actually practice holding your pee rather than torture yourself
by experiencing burning sensation and unbearable pain in the pelvis
area and lower abdomen. The frequent urge to pee, inability to hold
it in, bloody urine, and contracting fever are the other symptoms
that you experience on contracting a urinary tract infection.
The
major cause of UTI in women is infections caused by a type of
bacteria in the vaginal walls and subsequently to the urethra. The
bacteria can ascend from the urethra to infect the bladder, causing
lower tract infection, or travel upwards from the bladder to the
ureters infecting the kidneys which leads to upper tract infection.
Women are more prone to contract urinary tract infections as a
woman's urethra, which is the tube connecting the bladder to the
outside of the body, is shorter than that of a man. While there are
antibiotics prescribed by a urologist to cure UTI, there are many
preventive measures that can be observed to avoid the repeated
occurrence of one. The key to this is to limit bacterial overgrowth
that leads to the infection. This can be achieved by incorporating a
few small but significant lifestyle related changes in your daily
life. Following are the effective preventive measures that can save
you from frequently contracting the dreaded infection:
1.
Flush out the harmful bacteria: Water sure works wonders for your
body. And by regulating your water intake to consume at least 6 – 8
glasses a day helps flush out all the toxins and unwanted bacteria.
What is also important to note here is that postponing a trip to the
loo when your bladder is hinting that you need to hit the washroom is
not a good idea. Always attend the call of nature when you feel the
urge as you could be risking unwanted bacterial growth in your
bladder by holding you pee.
2.
Good toilet hygiene is the key: There cannot be enough emphasis
laid on the urgency and seriousness of practicing good toilet
hygiene. In addition to going to the washroom when you need to,
ensuring you clean yourself right after having used to washroom
ensures you do not give a breeding ground to bacteria. Cleaning and
wiping yourself is extremely important. Another factor that can lead
to a bacterial build-up is spending long hours bathing in a bath tub
as bath water can get contaminated rather easily and contaminated and
one's own skin florae lead to such a contamination. Sitting in a tub
filled with bathing water can cause the bacteria to reach the bladder
thus resulting in UTI.
3.
Fabric is your best friend: Though fancy sounds fun, it is not
really healthy when it comes to the fabric of innerwear.
Non-breathing fabrics lead to moisture build-up allowing bacterial
overgrowth. Cotton is the most appropriate fabric as it is breathable
and does not let moisture to accumulate. It is advisable to use
cotton for daily use to keep moisture and thus bacteria at bay.
4.
Go the natural way: The vaginal area contains naturally active
good bacteria that ward off any infection. A balanced pH is essential
to keep the right balance of good bacteria and it is very crucial to
not disturb this natural pH. Products such as fragrant intimate
washes, body wash, sprays and powders interfere with the natural pH
and thereby disturb the growth of good bacteria which then allows the
infestation of harmful, infection causing bacteria. It is always best
to use plain water to wash the intimate area as it is sufficient for
the required cleansing and does not adversely affect the natural pH.
These
tips do come in handy to help reduce the risk of contracting a
urinary tract infection. However if you do suspect you have
contracted an infection, seeking medical help is essential, and the
urologists Chandigarh has are the right point of contact.
