Summer Fun Does Not Include a UTI

Ahhhh summer. More sun, more fun, more urinary tract infections (UTIs)?!

According to researchers at University of Iowa,¹ UTIs are more common in the summer, especially among younger women. Thankfully there are ways to beat the heat this summer and help prevent that burning frequency and other UTI symptoms.

1. Poolside or beach bum? Either way: Change out of that wet bathing suit! This simple step can help prevent yeast infections as well as UTIs. Bacteria (like the ones that cause UTIs) love warm moist environments. You love the look of your bikini, so bring an extra dry one or, better yet, après swim, choose light, breathable fabrics like cotton in easy, breezy styles to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable from pool to party.^2,4
2. Drink up. All that vaca-hotness can dehydrate you. Most people should try to drink 6-8 glasses of water each day* (more if your exercising or working in hot environments) to keep urine dilute and to flush out bacteria before they can cause an infection.² Want bonus points? Avoid bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and citrus drinks.³
3. Answer nature’s call promptly. She doesn’t want to leave a message. We know it’s tempting to “hold it” until the fun ends, or until you get home, or until you find a cleaner bathroom when traveling, but urination helps to wash microbes out of your body² and holding your urine can make the lining of the bladder more vulnerable to bacteria.³ Yup, when you gotta go, you gotta go.
4. You’re fresh as you are, even in the summer. Basic daily shower habits are enough. For better urinary health avoid baths and scented bath products as well as feminine “hygiene” sprays, powders, and douches, in your genital area – they can irritate your urethra⁴.
5. No matter the season, always wipe front to back to help keep germs from your lower digestive tract (psst – from poop) away from your urinary tract.⁵ Nuff said.
6. Help maintain your urinary health by adding Cystex Liquid Cranberry Complex to your daily routine. One tablespoon is loaded with ingredients that can benefit your urinary system including a prebiotic to help promote healthy bacteria, an anti-inflammatory to help prevent tissue damage, an anti-adherent to help keep bad bacteria from sticking around, and an anti-oxidant to generally help protect your body.

Sometimes, no matter what you do, you might get a UTI anyway. But that doesn’t have to ruin your summer sizzle.

First, recognize UTI symptoms:

• Persistent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Strong smelling urine
• Pelvic pain

Next, realize that the only way to treat a urinary tract infection is with a doctor-prescribed antibiotic, which means you’ll need to talk to a healthcare professional. So…

Step 1: Make that call. Doctor’s orders.

Step 2: Get some relief with an over-the-counter product such as Cystex® Plus Urinary Pain Relief Tablets. Cystex can help ease the pain associated with a UTI and keep the infection in check while you wait for your appointment or prescription.

Don’t worry, UTIs are common and with help from your doctor, your season of sand, sun, and fun will get back on tract.
*Talk with your healthcare provider if you can’t drink this recommended amount of water or other fluids due to health problems, such as urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, or kidney failure.

References:

1. Simmering J, Tang Fan, Cavanaugh et al. Trends and Seasonal Effects in Hospitalizations for Urinary Tract Infection Differ by Age and Sex. Open Forum Infectious Diseases 2015; 2: Suppl 1. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofv133.1128
   (LINK: http://ofid.oxfordjournals.org/content/2/suppl_1/1576.full)
2. Urinary Tract Infections in Adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/urologic-disease/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults/Pages/facts.aspx. Accessed August 8, 2016.
3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI); Lifestyle and Home Remedies. Mayo Clinic website http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20037892. Accessed August 8, 2016.
4. Your Guide to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs); How to Prevent Re-Infection. WebMD website http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/your-guide-urinary-tract-infections?page=3. Accessed August 8, 2016.