5 Common Myths About UTIs

I am the queen of UTIs. I use to get them all the time.  I have a family history of them.  I’m just one of the lucky people who just get them.  What I recently learned however is that UTIs are actually very common among perimenopausal or  menopausal women, with more than half (53%) of women over 55 experiencing recurring UTIs (at least  three UTIs over 12 months).  Women entering perimenopause or menopause are more susceptible to UTIs  because a decrease in estrogen production leads to changes in the urinary tract that make it more  vulnerable to infection.   Who knew, right?  

There is a lot of misinformation about UTIs out there.  I know I’ve heard all of these.  That is why I want to talk about the 5 most common myths about UTIs.  

Myth: Only sexually active women in their 20’s get UTIs.  UTIs can occur at any age.  While sex may be a trigger  for a UTI, there are other risk factors as well.  These include:   

• The female anatomy
• Certain birth control
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Urinary tract abnormalities
• Complications in the urinary tract
• Impaired immune system
• Catheterization and previous UTIs    

Myth: UTIs are not a big deal.   It’s true that a UTI may subside without treatment, but it’s also true that the infection could spread to your kidneys  and cause serious and permanent damage.  If you are experiencing discomfort, it’s in your best interest to check it  out.    My constant UTIs made me go see a urologist who then found I had kidney stones that needed to be removed.  You never know what else may be lurking.  

Myth: UTIs only occur in women.  Men can also contract UTIs, but it is far less common.  While about 40-50% of women will experience a UTI in their  lifetime, the same is true for only about 12% of men.  This is because of the natural structure of the female urinary  system.    

Myth: UTIs are caused by poor hygiene.  Getting a UTI does not mean that you have poor hygiene.  You can be completely clean and still get a UTI— unfortunate, but true.  There are several causes and risk factors for developing a UTI.  While certain risk factors may be out of your control, here are some ways you can prevent a UTI:

• Hydrating with water
• Wiping from front to back
• Avoiding irritating products
• Urinating after sex
• Wearing cotton underwear  
• Not “holding it” when you need to use the bathroom

Myth: Pregnancy and UTIs are unrelated.  The changes that occur in your body during pregnancy can increase the risk of infection in your urinary tract.  The main reason that the chances of infection are increased is that the hormone progesterone, which your body  produces at an increased amount during pregnancy, relaxes the muscle in your uterus and bladder.  This decrease  in muscle tone, along with the pressure that your growing uterus puts on your bladder, can slow the flow of urine  and put you at a higher risk of UTI.  I know that I had a UTI when I was pregnant with Will that made me end up in the ER!

UTIs must be treated with a prescription antibiotic, but you can seek relief as soon as you begin to  experience symptoms and think you have a UTI with URISTAT® Pain Relief Tablets. URISTAT® Pain Relief  Tablets deliver fast, temporary relief of pain, burning and urgency and frequency of urination while you  wait until you can see your doctor.    I know I’ve used them just for that which is why I also want to share a URISTAT® Pain Relief  Tablets coupon!

Have you ever gotten a UTI?  Have you heard any of these myths before?  Did you learn anything new about UTIs today?