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Urinary Tract Infections & Cystitis
UTIs are very common in Ireland.
What are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and cystitis?
UTIs cause swelling and pain in the urethra (the tube that carries pee) and bladder. As we all know, not all UTIs are passed on by sex. They can be sexually transmitted or caused by bacteria that spreads from the bum to the vagina or penis and then into the urethra and bladder.
UTIs include bladder infections such as cystitis. If UTIs aren’t treated they can spread to the kidneys and cause more serious damage. They are more frequent in women than in men and it is thought that 1 in 5 Irish women will get a UTI at some point in their life.
What are the symptoms?
- You might have a burning feeling when peeing or the feeling of needing to pee urgently even after just going to the toilet.
- Urine or pee can be cloudy, strong smelling or contain small amounts of blood.
- You can suffer from back pain or lower abdominal pain (stomach pain).
- Fever or feeling generally unwell.
What treatment can you get?
- Talk to your doctor for a diagnosis of the infection.
- Drink lots of water to flush out the infection.
- Your doctor might prescribe medication or antibiotics if the infection lasts several days.
How can you prevent UTIs?
- Use condoms during sex (vaginal, anal and oral).
- Pee immediately before and after having sex.
- Always drink eight or more glasses of water a day.
- Try to avoid sugary food and drinks.
- Drink unsweetened cranberry juice.
- Wipe from front to back after going to the toilet to prevent the spread of bacteria.
