How to Prevent a UTI from Getting Worse: Tips and Tricks

Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs, are something that anyone would rather avoid.

This is because they not only cause discomfort and pain, but they also make it hard to concentrate on your work and focus on everyday tasks.

Unfortunately, these unwelcome guests can become even more frustrating when they persist despite proper treatment, making work that much harder to get done as you have to fight off symptoms of pain and try to stay focused at the same time. 

The key to overcoming your recurring bladder pain is by developing a holistic treatment plan that addresses the root of your issue along with trying out some at-home strategies for pain relief until you see your doctor. (1)

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With that being said, this article will particularly focus on the causes and symptoms of UTIs, followed by how to spot the infection and how to prevent a UTI from getting worse.

1. Symptoms Of UTI (In Men And Women)

The urinary tract is a series of hollow organs, including the kidneys and bladder, which start at the kidneys, the ureters, muscular tubes that empty urine from the kidneys to the bladder and transport urine for excretion outside the body.

An infection in any part of this system is referred to as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). While UTIs are easily treatable with antibiotics, not treating them can lead to more serious complications down the road. (2)

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These are some of the common symptoms of UTI: (3)

• Feeling discomfort or pain during urination
• Frequent need to urinate
• A bit cloudy urine
• Cold or red-colored urine
• Strong bad odor in Urine
• Pressure or pelvic pain 

If by any chance, the UTI has gone worse and reached the kidneys, these are some of the symptoms that should show up:

• Pain in sides and upper back
• Chills
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Nausea

2. The Causes And How To Spot The UTI Getting Worse Symptoms?

Many of the population have survived UTIs living in their bladder without ever knowing about it, but for sufferers or those at risk, it can be a devastating experience.

Many cases of UTI can be caused by sexual intercourse, so for those who are sexually active or have partners that are, it’s wise to get checked out after intimate contact.

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Those who feel they are prone to the root cause should also get checked if they ever notice symptoms such as burning when urinating or blood in their urine.

Some other causes include wearing tight clothing which tends to rub against sensitive areas leading to harmful bacteria being introduced into the infected area.

Another cause is having a catheter introduced as this may lead to infections more easily than conventional means such as body fluids touching our urinary systems. (5)

3. Can UTI Symptoms Get Worse?

Most women experience worsened symptoms at night or in the early morning because urination is their lowest at these times.

This makes it more likely for urine to build up and cause discomfort and pain in the bladder and worsen the existing symptoms, comprehensively. (2)

4. How to Prevent A UTI From Getting Worse?

5. How To Head-Off A UTI (Home Remedies)?

UTI treatment is similar to treating other illnesses. UTI can be a serious situation, as it can lead to other complications such as rare but serious kidney infections (pyelonephritis) - so it's wise to make sure you're always taking the best courses of action.

Oftentimes, there's no single cause for UTI, and the underlying root is found in one's flora.

Follow your doctor's orders for antibiotic treatments and try several home remedies along the way like: (7)

• Consume cranberries or drink cranberry juice
• Drink an ample amount of water
• Urinate when you need to
• Take some probiotics
• Consume more vitamin C
• Avoid wearing tight clothes
• Take Oregano oil
• Take yoghurt
• Drink Corn silk herbal tea

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6. How To Prevent UTIs?

These are some natural ways to prevent UTI in elderly:

• Drink water/fluids
• Do not hold your pee
• Wipe front to back to avoid bacteria getting into the bowels
• Wash the private area before having sex
• Pee before and after sex

7. Precautions And Medical Prompts

When treating a UTI, follow your doctor's orders and read the medicine label. If you are uncertain about how to take the medicine, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Know that it is okay to stop taking antibiotics when you feel better, even if there is still some medicine left in the bottle. You should be certain of what drug(s) worked for you, as well as for your doctor's knowledge.

Apart from all this, considering the following precautions might also help:

• Pee after having sex
• Keep yourself hydrated
• Avoid baths and take showers
• Avoid using sprays and powders in the private area

8. To Conclude

With all being said, most urinary tract infections resolve within a few days, between 1-2 weeks after the start of treatment.

There is no strict deadline: some women feel completely better within a day and can stop treatment as soon as they feel well enough (this is sometimes known as 'completion of therapy'). (8)

Others may feel generally unwell for a while longer, or they may not fully recover until several weeks after their symptoms began.

If you do decide to stop your medicine before two weeks have passed (and preventative antibiotics were originally prescribed), it's important to discuss this with your doctor and understand the basics of the natural ways to prevent UTI in elderly primarily.