What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection, or UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that carry urine. A bladder infection is a type of UTI and doctors use UTI and bladder infection interchangeably. UTIs usually happen when bacteria gets into the bladder through the urethra (the tube […]
Interpreting a Urinalysis
A urinalysis (analysis of your urine) is a test that can quickly show if you have evidence of an infection. A simple urinalysis is performed in many medical offices and is also called a “dip test” since a test strip is dipped into urine. You can even buy them over the counter and use them […]
How is A UTI Diagnosed
This is a very tricky question and the definition varies depending on the country you are in even though symptoms of UTIs are universal! Most people have a frequent urge to urinate, pain or a burning sensation during urination or just afterwards, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or discomfort in the lower abdomen. For years, we […]
Suppressive Antibiotics
For some people, completely avoiding antibiotics does not work. Ongoing infections can be caused by the same bacteria reinfecting from the outside of the bladder, but often when cultures show the same bacteria over and over again an embedded infection is to blame. Bacteria (especially E. Coli) can live inside of bladder cells or in […]
Methenamine Hippurate or Mandelate
Methenamine is a prescription medicine that can be helpful in preventing UTIs without the need for antibiotics. While the name might sound a bit complex, the concept is pretty straightforward. This medicine by creates an environment that is unfriendly to bacteria. When you take a pill, it gets broken down in your urine into formaldehyde, […]
Vaginal Estrogen
As women age, hormonal changes lead to a decrease in estrogen levels all over the body. This decline drastically changes vaginal tissues, the urethra (tube you urinate out of) and the bladder. The vaginal walls become thinner and less elastic, different types of bacteria grow in the vagina and bladder, and the urethra physically becomes […]
Vaginal Probiotics for UTIS
Vaginal probiotics can restore a healthy balance and help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Your vagina and bladder have very similar types of bacteria in their ecosystems since the areas are so close to each other. An imbalance in the vaginal bacteria after you take an antibiotic, get a vaginal infection, or go through menopause […]
Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma
If you have never heard of bacteria called Ureaplasma or Mycoplasma, you aren’t alone! These are sexually transmitted bacterial infections of the vagina, bladder, urethra and pelvis that can cause painful and bothersome symptoms. Since these infections can show up in different ways, they can be hard to diagnose, especially since the only test for […]
Constipation Management
Keeping your bowels regular is important for your general health, but may also lower your risk of UTIs. There is some evidence that shows that preventing constipation lowers the amount of bacteria in your stool. Since normal bacteria in the colon is the cause of UTIs, this may lower your risk of UTI. Additionally, constipation […]
D-Mannose
D-mannose is another natural way to keep your urinary tract healthy. This over the counter supplement is a complex sugar that helps prevent bladder infections When bacteria like E. Coli enters the bladder, it tries to stick to the walls of your bladder using something called mannose receptors. D-mannose blocks these receptors, making it hard […]
