5 ways you didn’t know you could get a UTI

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects your urinary system, i.e the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys, but most UTIs involve the bladder and the urethra. They can be very painful and cause discomfort. There are many ways you can contract a UTI, some are more obvious than others. Here’s a quick look at 5 ways you can get a UTI that you might not have known about.

You’ve gotten a UTI before

If you’ve had a UTI before, you’re more likely to get one again. Multiple UTIs increase the chances of reinfection. But you can definitely prevent yourself from contracting a UTI by simply drinking pure and organic cranberry juice or go to a Clicks or Dis-Chem pharmacy and ask for cranberry and D-monnase tablets/pills. These pills can help you to prevent bacterial infections in your bladder. Just remember to consult a healthcare practitioner before you take any treatment. 

You’re wiping the wrong way

Wiping from front to back is the best way to prevent bacterial infections that may come into contact with your Urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body). It’s very important that you wipe the right way after peeing because you can carry bacteria that come from your anus, which may cause a UTI. 

You’re using scented vaginal products and douches

Misinformation causes a lot of young women and girls to obsess about keeping their vaginas fresh and clean - even though you don’t have to. Yes, hygiene is extremely important and something to consider for your entire body, but the vagina is self cleaning - so mild water and soap outside your vagina will do. Putting anything inside it is a no-no. Using products can irritate you and cause infections.

Douching (washing or spraying the inside of your vagina with water or other fluids) is also discouraged because it can throw off your vaginal pH balance. Remember, vaginas are naturally designed to clean themselves whenever it needs to.

You’re leaving your tampon and pad on, longer than you should

Periods are uncomfortable and annoying at times. It’s even more annoying to constantly go to the bathroom to check or change your sanitary pads and tampons. But it’s important that you change your tampon or pad as often as possible (as indicated on the instruction pack). Learn more about tampons and pads here. 

You hold your pee in for too long

Holding your pee for too long is not good for your bladder. Actually, you’re putting yourself at risk for building bacteria that can cause a UTI. Rather go pee when you feel that your bladder is full and you need to relieve yourself. 

UTIs can easily be triggered by anything, and as painful as they are- they can be treated easily. The best way to avoid this painful bacterial infection is to ensure that you’re not irritating your natural pH balance and avoid certain mistakes when it comes to your vagina. Should you suspect or experience any of these symptoms, visit your healthcare provider immediately.  

Remember, if you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).