UTIs are infections of the urinary tract. These lead to a lot of pain and discomfort. Symptoms of UTIs include a burning sensation during urination alongside the inability to completely empty the bladder.
Moreover, UTIs also cause urine to become cloudy, and acquire a foul odor. In some cases, there might also be a tinge of blood in the urine. Alongside pelvic pain, these infections also lead to frequent urination.
UTIs not only take a toll on the physical health, but when they are recurrent, they cause great mental ordeal as well. Adding on to the stress are the myths regarding UTIs that run amok.
It is important thus to address UTI myths surrounding urinary tract infection.
For medical advice, consult your urologist in Karachi to avoid any misinformation.
Myth or truth?
Myth 1: UTIs only affect women
Well, that’s certainly not true. Men can also get urinary tract infections. Women, however, are more likely to get UTIs due to their anatomy. Their ureter is smaller, so the bacteria have to make fewer strides to get into the urinary tract.
Furthermore, the urethra is also located closer to the anus, and hence bacteria have greater proximity to it then.
Myth 2: Your bathroom habits cause UTIs
The myth that you have bad hygiene to get a UTI is not true; you do not need to be embarrassed about UTIs. There are certain factors that can increase the risk in women, one is the back to front cleaning.
When this is done, the bacteria from the stool are ushered into the proximity of the urethra, thereby increasing the risk. This is not a hygiene faux pa per se. To avoid the risk of UTI, simply clean from front to back, and make sure your underwear is dry and clean.
Myth 3: Contraceptives can increase the chances of UTIs
This runs true for only some of the contraceptives, and not all. Condoms and diaphragms are obviously a source of bacteria. Similarly, spermicides also increase the risk of urinary tract infections as well. They kill the good bacteria that keep in check the bad bacteria. They then run amok, leading to infections.
Myth 4: Once resolved, UTIs cannot reoccur
Well, our body does acquire immunity in most cases, but you can still have a urinary tract infection again. In fact, many people face the problem of recurrent urinary tract infections, that when happen over a short period of time, are a great source of stress.
Myth 6: You may not get any UTI symptom
This is indeed true. While most people do experience the symptoms of UTIs, especially the burning and pain that accompanies urination, however, some people with urinary tract infections may not experience any symptoms at all.
In women, the risk is increased due to the proximity of the urethra to the vagina. One way women can lower their risk of UTI is by urinating immediately after sex. This way, any bacteria that has managed to make their way into the urinary tract are flushed out then.
Myth 7: Pregnancy can increase risk of UTI
That is again true. There are hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy that then increase the chance of UTIs. They then lower the flow of urine out of the body, allowing bacteria to harbor within the urinary tract then.
Myth 8: UTIs resolve on their own
There is partial truth to this as in some cases, home remedies can help in managing the disease. However, many people need to take antibiotics for which you must consult a urologist in Lahore.
