Avoid UTIs with tips from MoGo Urgent Care

Understanding the symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies for UTIs can make a world of difference in staying healthy and comfortable. Check out these tips from Lucy Tarbox, Nurse Practitioner, MoGo Urgent Care. 

UTI symptoms 

Signs that you may have a UTI include: 

• Burning with urination 

• Urinary urgency and frequency 

• Blood in urine

In more serious cases, the infection can travel up the urinary tract and affect the kidneys, causing fever, chills, back pain, and flank (side) pain. Untreated, the infection can lead to life-threatening illness, especially for the elderly. 

Avoiding UTIs 

To reduce your risk for a UTI: 

• Do not let your bladder stay full for a long time. This causes the bladder to lose elasticity which weakens the urine stream and reduces its ability to flush bacteria 

• Avoid irritants like fragrant soaps, bubble baths, or wet swimsuits. Irritated and inflamed tissues are more favorable to bacteria 

• Urinate after intercourse 

• Wipe front to back 

• Stay hydrated and avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks