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 aURISTAT® 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?
I had one when I was pregnant and it was terrible. I couldn’t get rid of that infection fast enough.
My sister in law just had a UTI. Thank goodness I don’t get them. She had to take a lot of antibiotics for it.
I can say from experience that ALL of this are big fat myths. Thanks for sharing this.
My sisters are prone to them but I’ve only had a few in my life. A few was enough! They are rough! And it’s nice to know prevention tips.
I had one before and they are horrible, it hurts so bad, thank for the great post and information 😀
I’ve only had one UT I and I ended up hospitalized by it. Never again.
I get UTI during pregnancy, and never any other time, Which is really strange to me but I am g lad I don’t have them often! This is great info, and great to know about this product!
Definitely a hormone thing for you then!
Great list of debunking myths. The pregnancy and uti one is absolutely spot on
I’ve had one during pregnancy. It was painful. Glad to see those days over.
I had one when I was really young and didn’t know what it was until I went to the doctor. Thanks to this post I have learned ways to try to prevent UTI’s.
Chronic UTIs are no joke. They can really leave you feeling sick. I have used this product in the past with really great results but nothing beats a little antibiotics to knock it out.
I’ve actually never had a UTI, but I still do several of the things you mentioned to keep it that way. I know a few women that get them often, and I know what a pain it can be (pardon the pun!).
I have had a few in my lifetime and don’t wish them on anyone. glad there is pain relief.
I got them a lot when I was a little girl! I think they decided it was the bubble baths or colored toilet paper. I don’t remember having one ever past my childhood. I’m hoping it stays that way, because they were painful.
Wow it’s pretty wild how common these are. It’s definitely important to stay on top of this.
It’s great that you’re raising awareness about this. UTIs are horrible!
Good to know about these myths! UTI’s are very bad, it’s great to bring awareness to such a thing that people do suffer with.
I used to get UTI’s all the time. I have never tried this product, I will have to keep it in mind.
Good tips and advice. These are horrible to have.
Great tips. I found out the hard way that I gave a uti to hubby years ago 🙁 Not fun. It was such a learning experience. Thanks for sharing.
This cleared up a lot of things for me LOL! Thanks for sharing, I will be sure to pass the word along.
Great advice and I love that women are talking about these kind of things. It breaks down the walls with our health and how to world sees us. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this post! Many people don’t understand and automatically start judging.
I had one when I was younger, it was so horrible. Thanks for setting the facts straight about this !
I’ve had several and they are so painful! My mom just went to the doctor a few days ago and has one. Thanks for dispelling all the myths! Monistat is such a trusted name and I haven’t seen this product before.
I had one when I was pregnant and on vacation of course. SO painful. Good facts here.
You can get UTIs at any age, I remember my daughter had it when she was 5 and it was a horrible experience for her.
For some reason I got them a lot when I was pregnant with my kiddos. Haven’t had one since but thanks so much for sharing these myths. Very interesting.
I had UTI once and it was so painful. I’m so thankful I haven’t experienced it again since then and I hope I won’t in the future.. I’ve never heard of those myths, but thank you for sharing those.
I have never had a UTIS – and yet still each of your points are helpful reminders of taking care – thank you
Ugh I hate getting UTIs. They hurt and make you feel horrible. I used to get them a whole bunch . I remember getting one when I was pregnant with my older son. I wasn’t feeling well and they determined that I was having contractions due to a UTI.
Thanks for sharing this post. UTI’s can be dangerous if they aren’t treated. Last time I had one I was bed-bound for a week. 🙁
Very good info. Especially important to investigate if having recurrent UTIs. Important to rule out concerning causes of recurrent infections. Thanks for sharing!
UTIs are the absolute worse. I’ve had my fair share and it was horrible. I think this is defintely something as women we should talk about.
I used to get UTIs all the time. Then I finally got smart and realized certain fabrics, shower gels, pretty much all bubble baths and bath products, even cleaning supplies left behind on the tub were causing them.
I have never had one. Now I am aware how to avoid it
I’ve always heard the term “UTI” and didn’t even bother to do research … thanks for the very informative Post. I will definitely look into this
I have a friend that suffers from UTIs . I will definitely share this information with her, it’s very helpful.
I hear that this can be very painful. I have never had one and I hope I never do. This is very good information to have and to share.
Thanks for the tips, I’ve never had one but it’s great to know what to expect.
Luckily, I’ve never had a UTI. I’ve heard they’re extremely painful! My friend was complaining about one the other week, I will have to pass this information along!
I used to get them all of the time! That’s probably why my body is basically immune to antibiotics. Whenever I get them now, I drink plenty of water, organic + unsweetended cranberry juice, take garlic supplements, and hope for the best.
I’ve had just one in my entire life and and it was no fun at all. Thankfully I’ve never had another and would love to keep it that way.
UTI is a serious case. It must be treated ASAP to avoid any kind of complication or kidney disease.
I would get UTIs so much in college – now as an adult I dont even know I have them and they go to my kidneys ! So painful
I have suffered from UTI’s for years. It can be so painful i hate it. I did not know there were pain pills i could get over the counter for them.
I like how you debunked a lot of myths I hear from people when they find out someone has a UTI, sometimes they just occur and it’s important to take those steps to cure it and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Thank you for the post! It is helpful to get people more educated on UTI’s as I am sure there are many misconceptions!
I’m just going to be honest – I used to get UTI’s all the time when I was younger. I wish I would have known about this product before!
This is really good information about UTIs. I’ve never had one thank goodness but it’s good to know what to look out for. Thanks for sharing.
The summer is the worst for UTI’s. Thanks for the great info and tips!! Hopefully I won’t have to use them!!
I’ve been very fortunate but I have heard all of these myths and actually follow the things to do – so maybe that’s why…
I’m here to vouch that guys can get them too and they really are no fun. Once was plenty for me.
I had a couple here and there when I was young but luckily that was a long time ago!