4 Myths About UTI
Myth 1: Only Women in their 20’s Who are Sexually Active have to worry about UTI’s
False. UTI’s can happen at any time in life though they often do more frequently during menopause and perimenopause. That’s because the falling estrogen and lower “good bacteria” levels allows the infection to grow freely in the urethra or vagina. Sex can trigger a UTI, but it’s not the only risk factor. The female anatomy aids in the UTI development as does some birth control, menopause, abnormalities in the urinary tract, complications within the urinary tract, an immune system that is impaired, catheterization, as well as previous UTIs.
If you’re pregnant, you are more likely to get a urinary tract infection as well. It turns out that pregnancy changes can increase your risk. It’s the increased level of progesterone that relaxes your uterine and bladder muscles. This decrease when coupled with the growing pressure on your bladder from your developing baby can slow the flow of urine and that is what puts you at high risk of developing at UTI.
Myth 2: A UTI is No Big Deal
Unfortunately, a UTI infection left untreated result in a kidney infection which can cause serious and permanent damage.
Myth 3: UTI’s Only Occur in Women
False. Men are also subject to infection though it is far less common. Studies show that 40-50% of women have a UTI sometime in their lifetime. Compare that to men who report only 12% have contracted the infection. It’s because the design of the female anatomy makes it easier for bacteria to grow.
Myth 4: Poor Hygiene is the cause of UTI’s
False. Contracting a UTI does not mean that you have poor hygiene skills. Whether or not you get a Urinary Tract disease is based on your anatomy, sexual activity, type of birth control, urinary tract abnormalities, complications within the urinary tract, and your immune system’s ability to fight off infection. Plus if you’re pregnant or menopausal, the hormone changes can bring one on.
How Can You Help Reduce Your Risk of Suffering From a UTI?
Always drink lots of water and and clean yourself after every bowel movement by wiping front to back, so you don’t contaminate yourself with fecal material. Avoid irritating products like douches and feminine body sprays and wear panties with a cotton crotch. Always urinate after sex and avoid holding your urine – relieve yourself as soon as you feel the urge.
About Uristat®
You can find URISTAT® products online and at local retailers across the US including Walgreens, Kmart, Kinney Drugs, Rite Aid,, DrugStore.com, and Walmart. Find a retailer near you – use the Where to Buy Uristat Locator.
Any revelations in the myths about UTI for you? Did you know there was an OTC solution to the pain and burning of a UTI?
While this topic is a tough one it is also so important. I have 3 daughters in their 20’s so when you bring these issues up you need to be prepared with answers. Sharing this with them because Myth’s are not cool when it comes to our health. Thank you for sharing.
A lot of women out there still don’t know all the facts about UTIs! Thanks for spreading some truth!
Those are very painful. I haven’t had many, but when I did it was horrible. Thank you for sharing this information.
I know how uncomfortable they can be, but am thankful that I only had one in my lifetime so far. Thanks for revealing the truth about these myths!
I am prone to UTI’s and so this post was very helpful. I really like that with Uristat you can test for the infection. Makes it an easier process when you call the doctor!
I’m glad you put these myths to rest. It’s important to know the facts, so that we can take care of ourselves.
I will have to see if my drugstore carries Uristat. I hate getting a UTI and having to wait to get into the Doctors for medicine.
My Sister suffers from UTI’s. I will have to share this post with her. I don’t think she knows about Uristat.
I’ve never had a UTI, but I will pass this info along! My friend’s son was just diagnosed, and I didn’t even know that was possible!
I had my first UTI this year and boy was it painful!!! The burning was enough to send me to the store for some of this stuff!
I’ve never had a UTI, knock on wood, but I take cranberry supplements to support urinary tract health and follow Momma’s advice. She told me to always urinate after sex; something many women don’t talk about!
I am well over 30, and just had my very first UTI a few months ago. And didn’t know what it was, until it turned into a kidney infection. Scary scary scary! My family couldn’t believe I had never had one before as apparently they are more common than I thought. Definitely something to know about and how to treat before it turns into a kidney infection!
UTIs are the absolute worst. I get the quite often. No matter what I do, it seems like I can’t get away from them! =(
I had one when I was pregnant and it was terrible. I hope I don’t get anymore.