AKA: bladder infection, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
What is it?
Bacteria live in our guts. They’re meant to be there, but sometimes they get into our bladder and start multiplying. This causes trouble.
How do I know I've got it?
The symptoms (in order of likelihood) are:
• Burning/pain as you wee
• Weeing more often
• Cloudy or blood-stained wee
• Having to rush to the loo
• Pain in the lower tummy
• Fever and shivers
• Back ache
Why me?
UTIs are very common. Half of us get one at some point, usually for no good reason. You haven’t caught it from anyone else (nor can you pass it on). It has nothing to do with public loos, swimming pools or being unclean.
That said, UTIs are more common if you have sex, especially if you use the cap (diaphragm) for contraception.
What else could it be?
Not all burning when we wee means a UTI. Thrush, irritation from soaps or bubble baths and some STIs can also do it.
So what should I do?
Go straight to your GP for a check up if you have any of these:
• Blood in the wee
• Fever and chills
• Back pain
• Vomiting
If not, give yourself 48 hours to get sorted and follow these tips to help:
• Drink 2 litres of water every day.
• Drink a glass of cranberry juice morning and night. The bugs that cause UTIs have hooks which attach to our bladders. Cranberry juice stops the hooks working. And yes, fans of purple drinks, it has to be cranberry.
• Take Potassium Citrate (from the chemist).
• Cut out cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine. Also avoid strong soaps and bubble baths.
If no joy in 2 days, head for the docs.
What will the doctor do?
They’re likely to pack you off to the loo with a clean specimen jar. Try to catch the middle of your wee, not the first bit that comes out. They'll test the sample on the spot and if you do have a UTI, they may recommend antibiotics.
How can I prevent myself getting one?
• Drink loads of water. Aim for a glass every 2-3 hours.
• Have a wee straight after sex.
• Wipe your bum front to back - it keeps the bum bugs away from your bladder.
• Keep your resistance high: eat well, sleep well and exercise. The best combination to prevent all infections. And look fabulous into the bargain.
Further help and advice
• nhs.uk
• netdoctor.co.uk
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