Why Do I Keep Getting UTIs?!
Having a recurrent UTI can feel like living in a nightmare. The constant urge to go, the burning sensation when you do, and the tiny trickle that comes out when it feels like it should be a grand waterfall. You may also experience pelvic pressure and pain so intense that no matter how you position yourself, you’re still uncomfortable.
What causes UTIs in the first place?
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. There are two types, infection of the bladder (cystitis) and infection of the urethra (urethritis). Cystitis is usually caused by E. coli, a type of bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract, and urethritis occurs when gastrointestinal bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra.
Women specifically have a higher risk than men. Here’s why.
- Anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men so there is less distance for bacteria to travel to reach the bladder.
- Sexual activity. Engaging in sexual activity tends to lead to more UTIs and having a new sexual partner also increases the risk.
- Certain types of birth control. Diaphragms and spermicidal agents increase UTI risk.
- Menopause. After you reach menopause, estrogen production decreases which can cause changes in the urinary tract and increase the risk of UTIs.
And why do they keep coming back?!
The bladder is the only part of the body that prioritizes tissue repair instead of balancing that response with bacterial clearance when it becomes infected. This process removes the thick plaque of cells that protect the bladder walls from salts and toxins in urine. So that constant pelvic pain you feel when you have a UTI? This is a contributing factor. Unfortunately, this process also hampers the complete clearing of bacteria from the bladder, which means pathogens can be left behind and start another infection.
As we age, our chances of recurrent UTIs increase as well. Once we enter perimenopause and post-menopause, estrogen production drastically decreases. This creates an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in the vagina, which can lead to infection.
Weakened bladder and pelvic floor muscles can cause urine retention or incontinence. Whenever urine stays in the urinary tract, there is potential for bacteria to multiply and cause an infection to spread. Weakened immune systems and catheter use can also increase risk.
It feels like we never can win the fight against UTIs, doesn’t it?
Wrong! We’ve got solutions for you. If you’re looking for a supplement for bladder health, look no further than ours. Urinary Tract Cleanse & Protect can be taken daily for overall bladder health or as needed (after sex, after a sweaty workout, or if you are experiencing any UTI-like symptoms). We pack it full of cranberry polyphenols to help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder lining. We also add in hibiscus, which acts as a gentle diuretic to flush out bacteria and toxins.
Not all UTI tests are equal, and getting to take one from the comfort of your own home makes us huge fans of MyUTI, an amazing testing company that offers convenient, at-home urine collection kits—no doctor visit required! —designed to identify the root cause of frequent and chronic urinary tract infections. You simply need to place your order through the MyUTI website.
The test is mailed straight to your door, then shipped overnight to an accredited CLIA lab for analysis. Results are provided to you in less than two days, usually in 24 hours, and can identify which organisms are plaguing your bladder, the target treatment to help you find relief, even looking at which medications may not work due to antibiotic resistance. If you don’t have a healthcare provider to share your results for immediate treatment, MyUTI will quickly connect you with a specialist or a provider in their network for care.
Don’t let UTIs get you down. Grab a urine kit from MyUTI and some Urinary Tract Cleanse & Protect to ensure you always have a happy, healthy bladder that is protected against infection.