International Women’s Day 2022: What to do when you have Urinary Tract Infection

International Women’s Day 2022 is almost here. This day, dedicated to all the women in the world, is used to address gender inequality that is deep-rooted in our society and communities. This is the day when women are celebrated for being themselves and their struggles in scurrying through their daily lives are respected and addressed. The United Nations announced this year’s International Women’s Day’s theme as – ” Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”

Besides celebrating women, this is also the day to speak of the illnesses and difficulties that they deal with mostly. One of such illnesses is Urinary Tract Infection. UTI is referred to an infection in any part of the urinary system – kidneys, bladder or urethra. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Seema Sharma, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram said that the best way to deal with infection is to take an antibiotic to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

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Speaking of the symptoms of UTI, Seema Sharma said that it can range from the frequent urge to urinate to experiencing burning sensation, pain or discomfort while urinating. Sometimes cloudy urine containing blood or having the sensation of the bladder not being empty also indicate UTI.

Seema Sharma also shared some tips to follow in the day-to-day life to avoid UTI. They are:

Daily practices to be followed to avoid UTI:

Drink plenty of fluid, especially water. Drinking water helps dilute the urine and makes sure that a person urinates more frequently. This allows bacteria to be flushed from the urinary tract before an infection can begin.

Wiping from front to back after bowel movement or urinating can help prevent bacteria in the anal region to spread to the vagina and urethra.

Avoid using irritating feminine products in the genital area.

Drinking cranberry juice can also help prevent UTI.

Foods such as Greek yoghurt, fibrous food items like bananas, lentils, beans, nuts, oats, and other whole grains should be incorporated in the daily diet as they help in combating the bacteria that cause UTI.

Natural remedies to combat UTI:

Increasing vitamin C intake

Drinking plenty of fluids including water

Taking probiotics can promote a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut.

Practicing healthy habits like not holding urine for long, peeing after intercourse can help prevent UTIs.

Natural supplements like cranberry extract, garlic extract and bearberry leaf can also help.