If you’re experiencing incontinence, one of the common causes your doctor will likely want to rule out is urinary tract infection, or UTI. A UTI is an infection involving the urethra, bladder, and sometimes kidneys. Lower tract infection is referred to as cystitis and is usually caused by bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra, where it invades the tissue, resulting in infection. Upper tract infection involves the kidneys and ureters (the thin tubes that connect the bladder and the kidneys) as well as the bladder and urethra; this is caused by bacteria traveling from the bladder up to the kidneys.
UTI is more prevalent in women than in men; that’s because women have shorter urethras that make it relatively easy for bacteria to travel into the bladder. If a woman uses contraceptives such as diaphragms and spermicides, these can make infection more likely by changing the normal bacterial environment near the urethra. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to UTI because of temporary physiological and anatomical changes in the body.
Symptoms of UTIs
You may experience one or more of these symptoms if you have a UTI:
- Frequent urination
- Constant or near-constant urge to urinate
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- Pain or pressure near the bladder
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Fever
- Nausea
- Night waking due to an urge to urinate
- Bedwetting in a person who typically stays dry at night
How to Prevent UTIs
You may not always be able to prevent every UTI, but there are several things you can do to minimise their occurrence. Drinking plenty of water is an excellent way to flush out the urinary tract, discouraging bacterial growth; urinating right after sexual intercourse has the same benefit. Women should also take care to wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.
Treatment for UTIs
UTIs are treated with antibiotics. More than one course of antibiotics may be necessary in some cases, but antibiotics are usually effective and the UTI often goes away within a few days. If you have UTI symptoms, you should call your doctor, as the necessary medicine is available only through prescription.
Find Adult Incontinence Supplies at Holistic Incontinence
During treatment for a UTI, or if you have incontinence due to another cause, disposable products are often the most convenient way to handle incontinence. Products such as pads and pull up pants allow you to get on with your life without worrying about accidents.
At Holistic Incontinence, we carry adult incontinence products that are soft, easy to use, and recommended for moderate to heavy urinary or bowel incontinence. We have disposable incontinence products that are suitable for both daytime and night-time use and made from high-quality super-absorbent core materials, so your skin stays dry and healthy. Our urinary incontinence products are highly affordable, with something to fit your specific needs, including Allusive Flexi Pads, Pull Up Pants, and Slip Briefs. If you aren’t sure what you need, check out our trial packs so you can test different supplies and find the one that’s right for you.
Holistic Incontinence is a family-owned Australian business. We care about our customers and their needs, and this shows in our excellent customer service. Let us be the supplier of your urinary incontinence supplies – you won’t regret it.