Elucidating Facts and Myths About UTIs
Urinary tract infections are responsible for nearly 150 million healthcare visits each year. A urinary tract infection, when diagnosed and treated at the right time (in most cases), does not lead to complications. But the period from the onset of symptoms to the treatment of the infection is tedious and filled with discomfort.
Over the last few years, incidences of urinary tract infections have been on the rise, and so have the myths around them. With this blog, we hope to debunk these misconceptions and leave you with a better understanding of UTIs.
Over the last few years, incidences of urinary tract infections have been on the rise, and so have the myths around them. With this blog, we hope to debunk these misconceptions and leave you with a better understanding of UTIs.
Urinary Tract Infections : The Why, What & How
A urinary tract infection occurs when bad bacterias enter your excretory system through your urinary tract. A common set of uti symptoms includes; burning sensation when urinating, passing small amounts of urine very frequently, foul smelling urine, fever & chills, etc.Read more about UTIs
A few common causes of urinary tract infections are : lack of water intake, improper hygiene, holding your pee, diabetes, kidney stones, use of birth control methods, pregnancy, etc.
A few common causes of urinary tract infections are : lack of water intake, improper hygiene, holding your pee, diabetes, kidney stones, use of birth control methods, pregnancy, etc.
UTIs : Myths v/s Facts
Myth 01
Urinary Tract Infections only Occur in Women
Fact Check: While urinary tract infections are more common in women due to a shorter urethra, they also occur in men. (especially men over the age of 60)
Fact Check: While urinary tract infections are more common in women due to a shorter urethra, they also occur in men. (especially men over the age of 60)
Myth 02
UTI is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
Fact Check: Urinary tract infections cannot be transmitted through sexual activity. Although studies have shown that UTIs are more common in sexually active individuals due to poor personal hygiene post-coitus.
Fact Check: Urinary tract infections cannot be transmitted through sexual activity. Although studies have shown that UTIs are more common in sexually active individuals due to poor personal hygiene post-coitus.
Myth 03
UTI is not a Serious Ailment
Fact Check: Even though a urinary tract infection is not life-threatening, complications from it can lead to serious kidney ailments. The right diagnosis at the right time is essential.
Fact Check: Even though a urinary tract infection is not life-threatening, complications from it can lead to serious kidney ailments. The right diagnosis at the right time is essential.
Myth 04
Consuming Cranberry Juice Can Prevent a UTI
Fact Check: Most scientific studies do not support drinking cranberry juice for UTI prevention because it does not contain a high enough concentration of proanthocyanidins (PAC) (the substance found in cranberry juice linked to urinary tract health). And it is packed with sugar. You can consume cranberry tablets instead, which have higher amounts of PAC.
Fact Check: Most scientific studies do not support drinking cranberry juice for UTI prevention because it does not contain a high enough concentration of proanthocyanidins (PAC) (the substance found in cranberry juice linked to urinary tract health). And it is packed with sugar. You can consume cranberry tablets instead, which have higher amounts of PAC.
Myth 05
Pregnancy and Urinary Tract Infections are Unrelated
Fact Check: Women are at a higher risk of contracting a urinary tract infection as is. And being pregnant increases the levels of sugar, protein and hormones in urine, putting one at an even higher risk of contracting a UTI.
Fact Check: Women are at a higher risk of contracting a urinary tract infection as is. And being pregnant increases the levels of sugar, protein and hormones in urine, putting one at an even higher risk of contracting a UTI.
In Conclusion
It’s important that you understand UTI’s, whether you are suffering from it, or taking preventative measures against one. If you think you may have a UTI, call your doctor and take a diagnostic test.Neodocs Wellness Cards help you diagnose UTIs with a smart-phone based home test that yields accurate results in 60 seconds.