Sitting and inactivity may increase risk of urinary tract symptoms.
SITTING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME
New evidence from the American Journal of Kidney Diseases linked prolonged sitting to kidney problems, including UTIs. According to the study, those who sit less and exercise more has the lowest risk of developing urinary complications.
People are especially at risk if they sit all day and do not exercise at all. Research has shown that a sedentary lifestyle can worsen incontinence. A study of elderly women found that those who exercised regularly “had better pelvic floor muscle function.
UTIs are caused by bacteria (usually from the bowel) making their way up the urethra into the urinary tract and multiplying in the bladder. Exercising does not exacerbate this process, in fact, in the early stages, exercise might actually help to distract you from the discomfort for a short while.
Do pelvic floor muscle exercises. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, help hold urine in the bladder. Daily exercises can strengthen these muscles, which can help keep urine from leaking when you sneeze, cough, lift, laugh, or have a sudden urge to urinate.
“Patients can experience more UTIs during the summer due to inadequate fluid intake, especially in the historic heat waves we've been experiencing,” said Dr. Carmel, a urology specialist at UTSW, ranked No. 11 in the nation for urology care by U.S. News & World Report. “Dehydration is a leading risk factor for UTIs.”
If you think you have a UTI, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your OBGYN or primary care physician. Many women will try to self-treat it, or worse, just hope it goes away on its own.
Sometimes, the body can resolve minor, uncomplicated UTIs on its own, without antibiotics. By some estimates, 25–42% of uncomplicated UTI infections clear on their own.
Sitting 5+ Hours a Day May Trigger Urinary Urgency and Other Symptoms.
Evidence suggests that many recurrences of UTI may actually be caused by an underlying bladder infection that came about due to ineffective initial treatment. Frequent UTIs caused by persistent bladder infection are also referred to as chronic cystitis or chronic urinary tract infection.
Cranberries, blueberries, raspberries and other berries promote urinary tract health and provide protection against infection with an important compound that helps fight bacteria and keeps it from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract.
Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs, although fungi rarely can also infect the urinary tract. E. coli bacteria, which live in the bowel, cause most UTIs. The female anatomy contributes to women's increased likelihood of contracting a UTI.
Treatment for UTIs
Your symptoms will normally pass within 3 to 5 days of starting treatment. Make sure you complete the whole course of antibiotics that you've been prescribed, even if you're feeling better. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol can help with any pain.
The fastest way to feel better is by taking an antibiotic to kill the bacteria causing your infection. If going to see a provider in-person is not an option, there are telehealth services available that allow you to set up a virtual appointment.
What is this? The short answer is yes; in most cases, you can exercise with a UTI. Exercise isn't thought to exacerbate the process of bacterial growth in the urinary tract. In fact, some personal trainers and fitness experts say that exercise can help distract you from the discomfort you may be experiencing.
During the infection — and after — make sure to drink a lot of water, at least 12 8-ounce cups per day. This will flush out your system and help prevent future infections. If you feel like you've got to go, GO! Don't hold it, as this simply delays getting rid of more bacteria.
Water is by far the best beverage choice for someone with a UTI. Drinking at least 12 8-ounce cups of water each day while you have an infection will help flush the bacteria from your system and can speed up the healing process.
Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS)
PBS is not caused by an infection, but it can feel like a urinary tract infection or UTI. Painful bladder syndrome is also referred to as bladder pain syndrome and interstitial cystitis.
Antibiotics for UTIs can quickly get rid of bacteria and make your symptoms go away. Most people with a UTI feel better just 1 to 2 days after starting antibiotics. Without antibiotics, UTIs can last for about 1 week.
If left untreated, a UTI can turn into a kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis can cause serious complications, like kidney scarring, high blood pressure, and renal failure, which is why treatment is essential.