A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It is the most common bacterial infection in both community and hospital-based settings. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the bacterium responsible for causing the majority of UTIs.
While UTIs can affect anyone, women are more susceptible than men. One in five women will experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime, and about 20% of women who have had a UTI will experience recurrent infections.
What are the signs and symptoms of a UTI?
If you have one or more of the following signs and symptoms, you are more likely to have a UTI.
- Frequent or persistent urge to urinate but unable to pass much urine
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Pain or pressure in the rectum (men) or in the area of the pubic bone (women)
- Blood-stained, cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Discomfort in lower abdomen
- Fever or chills
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat UTIs. However, they can destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the body. Additionally, if the bacteria causing the infection have developed resistance to the prescribed antibiotics, some options may be less effective. An imbalance in microflora and bacterial resistance to antibiotics can further increase the risk of recurrent UTIs, particularly in women.
How to prevent a UTI?
There are several measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing a UTI or stop it from coming back, including:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Emptying the bladder regularly and completely, especially after sexual intercourse
- Wiping your bottom from front to back after going to the toilet
- Avoid using any perfumed products around your genitals
- Avoid using spermicide-containing products, particularly with contraceptive devices such as a diaphragm
Natural remedies for treating UTIs
Look out for the following natural ingredients as your first defence against UTIs:
Cranberry contains A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), a type of flavonoid that offers dual antioxidant and anti-adhesion properties. It prevents bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining, reducing the risk of infection and recurrence.
Saw palmetto has long been used to treat bladder inflammation and UTIs. In addition to its role in improving urinary tract function, it is said to aid in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in men.
Pygeum, an extract made from the bark of the African plum tree, is a traditional remedy used for treating inflammatory urinary tract disorders. It helps improve the symptoms of BPH and relieve prostate swelling.
Rich in lycopene, tomato boasts high antioxidant properties to support prostate and urinary tract health. It plays a protective role in the prevention of prostate cancer.
Uva ursi is effective in treating UTIs due to its high content of arbutin, a glycoside with diuretic and urinary antiseptic properties. It helps flush out bacteria by promoting healthy urine flow.