I’ve experienced my fair share of urinary tract infections. Like many women, upon noticing the unmistakable symptoms of a UTI, I would promptly visit the nearest urgent care center and discuss my symptoms with a doctor. To treat the infections, I’d typically receive a standard antibiotic prescription.
Although antibiotic use may be necessary, it’s important to understand the proper usage and the risks. As a result of overusing antibiotics, I was diagnosed with a severe case of C. Diff, an infection that lasted about a year and resulted in long-lasting side effects to both my physical and mental health.
Eager to bring awareness to the topic (and hopefully prevent other women from experiencing similar health complications), I spoke to a doctor to learn more about urinary tract infections, antibiotics, and best practices to keep our vaginal area as healthy and happy as possible. Also, find out why I highly suggest Uqora for those experiencing frequent UTIs.
What Are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?
According to Urologist Jennifer T. Anger, MD, MPH, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections of the urinary tract, which can encompass the bladder or kidneys.
“Typically when we refer to a urinary tract infection, we are talking about a bladder infection or an episode of cystitis,” Dr. Anger explains, noting women are more susceptible to UTIs due to our shorter urethras.
Dr. Anger notes that it’s not uncommon for women to experience an average of two infections a year. As for treatment, it’s typical for women to receive around two antibiotic doses annually from doctors to address UTIs.
Prescription Antibiotics—What You Need To Know…
When dealing with frequent UTIs, many of us don’t think about the potential risks associated with frequent antibiotic treatment. Instead, our primary focus is promptly curing the infection. Sadly, without being properly informed, antibiotics can do more harm than good.
Dr. Anger revealed that in the past, the standard practice to treat UTIs was to prescribe antibiotics empirically, meaning a patient would call with symptoms of a UTI and would receive antibiotics immediately to begin treatment. However, she explains that this practice led to an overuse of antibiotics and the development of resistant organisms.
Today, Dr. Anger says doctors obtain urine samples to test the bacteria against different antibiotics before prescribing a treatment.
“When we treat urinary tract infections based on a specific urine culture, we are more likely to kill that bacteria right away and avoid the development of resistant organisms or other risks of using antibiotics—including damaging the healthy flora of the vagina and rectum, which can lead to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and even the development of C-Difficile Infection in the gastrointestinal tract,” Dr. Anger explains.
My Introduction To D-Mannose
My latest doctor appointment was similar to the protocol Dr. Anger mentioned above. During my visit, my urologist took a culture test to understand the exact infection I had and how to treat it without disrupting my C. Diff Infection.
This is when I was introduced to the healing benefits of D-Mannose to treat my UTIs and help maintain a healthy urinary tract.
Per my urologist’s directions, I took Uqora’s Complete Regimen for a week. After consistently drinking 1-2 liters of water daily and utilizing the D-Mannose formulated bundle, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself symptom-free within just two days.
Although Uqora does not make claims to cure UTIs, my doctor was hopeful that the over-the-counter treatments would help. After the week dose was complete we retested the culture and the infection was entirely clear—all without antibiotics.
According to my research, D-Mannose is a type of sugar found in fruits and vegetables that binds to microorganisms and flushes them from the urinary tract. This acts as a preventive measure against specific types of bacteria that adhere to the urinary tract walls to cause UTIs.
While the D-Mannose itself is effective enough on its own, Uqora’s three-step regimen takes an all-around approach to flush, defend, and promote a healthy urinary tract.
I especially enjoyed the brand’s flush powder drink mix that flushes the urinary tract of any unwanted bacteria. Although I was initially concerned that it would irritate my stomach, to my surprise the delicious pink lemonade blend was gentle and quickly alleviated the UTI symptoms.
Maintaining Overall Health, Down There
In addition to D-Mannose, I learned from HUM’s VP of Scientific Affairs, Dr. Jennifer Martin-Biggers that other dietary supplements containing natural ingredients, such as cranberry, have been shown to inhibit or reduce the ability of pathogenic bacteria to adhere to the cells in the urinary tract.
Dr. Martin-Biggers explains, “There has been research in cell cultures and also in human clinical research that consumption of cranberry, especially cranberry that is very high in a specific type of antioxidant called proanthocyanidins (also known as PACs) can interfere with bacterial adhesion in the urinary tract, helping those who are particularly prone to recurring UTIs.”
Between D-Mannose and cranberry, achieving a consistently healthy urinary tract is possible. “HUM’s Private Party contains a cranberry extract that delivers 36mg of PACs, the amount shown in clinical studies to have a benefit,” Dr. Martin-Biggers continues.
The Causes Of A UTI
Dr. Anger highlights that sexual activity is the biggest risk factor when it comes to women contracting UTIs. “The simple act of sexual activity causes a woman’s bacteria to get pushed into the urinary tract,” she reveals.
She adds that holding your urine while traveling or even exercising can also be a culprit. Luckily, cranberry and D-Mannose can be our best friends.
If you are sexually active or frequently experience UTI symptoms, Uqora’s Flush can be taken every day. Uqora even recommends drinking the drink mix immediately after sex to ensure a happy, healthy urinary tract. The powder is sleek and individually packaged, making it seamless to store in your purse for easy access whenever, wherever.
The Conclusion
As women, we all understand the importance of giving down there that special attention it deserves. While maintaining urinary tract health isn’t the most glamorous aspect of our daily routine, it’s undeniably crucial for our overall well-being. With brands like Uqora and HUM available, looking after your urinary tract is made easy peasy.
Cheers to your new journey towards better urinary tract health!
