Urinary Tract Infections: Myths & Misconceptions

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary system, which includes the urethra, the bladder and, in serious cases, the kidneys. UTIs occur when bacteria gets into the bladder and urinary tract through the urethra. When not properly treated, urinary tract infections can cause irreversible damage to the function of the kidneys or lead to a blood infection.

Here are some common misunderstandings regarding UTIs and what you should know about them.

Myth: UTIs aren’t a serious problem.

Reality: Minor urinary tract infections can go away on their own in a few days, but serious UTIs can spread to your kidneys and lead to a kidney infection or more serious problems, such as a bacterial infection throughout your body. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection—painful and frequent urination, abnormal-smelling urine, cloudy or red urine, pelvic pain, cramping, fatigue or fever—it’s recommended that you see a healthcare professional.

If the doctor determines that you have a UTI, you may be prescribed a course of antibiotics, which should begin to decrease your symptoms in two to three days. Finish the course of antibiotics to completely treat the infection and lower your chances of recurrence. If you have a recurring urinary tract infection, you may have to try a different antibiotic.

Myth: Only women get UTIs.

Reality: Women are more prone to urinary tract infections, but men get them, too.

Because women have a shorter urethra, it doesn’t take as long for bacteria to travel through the urethra and into the bladder, which is why it’s useful for women to urinate after having sex. The sooner women urinate, the faster the bacteria is flushed from the urinary tract and the lower their chances are of developing a UTI after sex.

Men have a longer urethra, meaning they’re less likely to get a urinary tract infection, but less likely doesn’t mean they can’t. Men older than 50 who have an enlarged prostate, men who are uncircumcised and men who participate in anal intercourse are more susceptible.

It’s important to remember that your sexual partner doesn’t have to worry about getting a UTI from you if you have one. UTIs can’t be transmitted during intercourse, but they are often caused by not urinating after sex.

Myth: Drinking cranberry juice prevents UTIs.

Reality: Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), which can prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract and decrease your likelihood of developing a UTI. Unfortunately, cranberry juice doesn’t contain enough PACs for you to really reap this benefit.

If you want to be proactive in preventing UTIs, look into taking cranberry pills, which are available over the counter. Cranberry pills have more PACs than cranberry juice and contain less sugar, so they are better for your overall health. They may also improve cardiovascular health and boost immunity.

You can make other minor lifestyle changes to help prevent UTIs. For instance, drink more water to flush the bacteria from your bladder and urinary tract and decrease your chances of developing a UTI; this is an especially good strategy for women. Adding cranberries, blueberries, vitamin C and probiotics to your diet can also prevent bacteria from growing.

Myth: Poor hygiene causes UTIs.

Reality: No matter how good your hygiene is, you can still develop a UTI. Everyone has bacteria on their hands and in their inguinal region, and despite how clean you are, sometimes these bacteria can make their way into the urinary tract. This doesn’t mean you have poor hygiene.

Even though poor hygiene doesn’t cause a UTI, having good hygiene goes a long way toward preventing one. Showering after a workout, changing out of wet or sweaty clothes quickly, showering regularly, and wiping from front to back in the bathroom are all habits that lower your risk of developing a UTI.

You may never be able to completely eradicate the possibility of developing a UTI, but you can certainly lower it. Now that you know the truth about UTIs, you should be better able to manage your risk of developing an infection.