Managing a UTI when you are on the go: 5 Essential Tips

Don’t panic: it’s more common than you think!

Between work, family, kids, and a social life, it can sometimes feel like we are constantly on the go! For some women and those who suffer recurrent UTI’s, the stinging pain and need to pee can cause a feeling of dread when you know you’ve got a packed schedule ahead.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) or Cystitis are a common infection caused by bacteria in the urinary tract and cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Around half of women suffer from UTIs at least once in their life, so it is not something to be embarrassed about, but they can be painful and inconvenient.

You may be suffering from a UTI if you experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• A spontaneous urge to urinate and/or a frequent urge to urinate
• Pain when urinating
• Urine that smells unusual or is discoloured
• Blood in urine
• Pain in the lower stomach

If you are experiencing fever, pain in your back, nausea or vomiting, you should contact your GP immediately. Alternatively, you can call 111, go to your nearest urgent care centre or A&E if you cannot get an appointment with your GP.

Link to image: https://unsplash.com/photos/bLjPKYjulQ4

Be prepared to ease the pain 

If you are experiencing pain from a UTI, having some paracetamol to hand will be essential. If you experience recurrent UTI’s having a pack of paracetamol in your handbag, glove compartment, or office can go a long way to helping calm a painful UTI.

In addition, having a small hot water bottle that you can apply to your abdomen could help to reduce discomfort and bladder pressure. If you’re traveling on a long journey, you could always empty the water bottle at a restroom and have it refilled with some warm water at the closest café or restaurant. Although not a ‘cure-all’ the warm pressure of a hot water bottle can help to take the edge off unpleasant symptoms. 

Always have a water bottle to hand 

We all know how good water is for you! Well, it turns out that one of the numerous benefits of drinking water is to help keep your urinary tract free from infection. The NHS recommends we drink 6 – 8 glasses of fluid a day, or about 1.2 litres. Drinking water throughout the day will dilute your urine to a pale colour and help you pee more, flushing out potentially harmful bacteria out of your urinary tract.

It is important that you drink water often and not withhold your pee when you have the urge to go to the bathroom. This can be tricky, especially if you are traveling on a long journey. Make sure to plot regular rest breaks, or avoid traveling altogether until you have contacted a health care professional for advice.

Antibiotics: the proven treatment

Some cases of UTI and Cystitis will clear up on their own, but for recurrent or serious infections the most effective treatment is a course of antibiotics. If you suffer from recurring UTI and have been treated by your GP with antibiotics, making use of resources such as e-Surgery online prescription service and pharmacy to purchase treatments like Trimethoprim tablets for UTI ahead of time, can help you anticipate your needs and feel more at ease when on the move. You’ll be able to carry out your normal daily activities uninterrupted, and of course, save yourself a trip to your GP or local pharmacist! 

Please note that if you have been prescribed antibiotics, it’s important to finish the whole course, even if you start to feel better.

Can ‘natural’ options help reduce symptoms?

There is some evidence that suggests women under 65 may find it helpful to take cranberry products (such as cranberry juice) and a D-mannose supplement to prevent UTIs from recurring.

However, studies have not been conclusive and it is not advised to self-medicate UTIs by taking cranberry products or D-mannose supplements alone, although every individual is different and these options shouldn’t necessarily be completely discounted. Cranberry juice can help to keep you hydrated and therefore increase the speed of recovery, but the evidence suggests that good old-fashioned water will work just as well!

It is important to note that taking D-mannose supplements is not recommended for pregnant women. These products may also contain a lot of sugar, so proceed with caution if you choose to use them and pay attention to the recommended daily intake!

Prevention is the best solution

Finally, implementing some of these good practices is crucial to lowering the chances of recurring UTI’s and having to suffer when you’re on the go!

• Pee as soon as possible after sex (remember that this can help you against UTIs, but does not prevent STIs!).
• Wash your private parts with water after sex, and keep the area dry and clean throughout the day.
• Avoid using spermicides as a form of birth control, if you are prone to UTIs.
• Wipe from front to back when you go to the toilet.
• Try to empty your bladder completely and do not hold your urine in.
• Do not consume excessive amounts of sugar, alcoholic drinks and caffeine, which can irritate the bladder. Excessive sugar may even encourage bacterial growth.

Sources: 

E-surgery website:

https://e-surgery.com/5-simple-home-remedies-that-prevent-utis/

NHS website: 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/water-drinks-nutrition/