How to properly treat a UTI

If you've tested positive for a Urinary Tract Infection then you will need antibiotics to treat it. As of now, antibiotics are the only known UTI treatment option available. However, rising concerns over antibiotic resistance and Uqora's dedication to furthering urinary health research should lead to innovations in UTI treatment in the near future.

What to do if you think you have a UTI

  • 1. See a doctor

    First, you should make an appointment with a healthcare practitioner to confirm whether an infection has formed. At the appointment, your doctor will take a urine sample and run a urine culture to test for infection and identify what type of bacteria is present. The type of antibiotic needed for UTI treatment depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection so it's important to wait for results from your urine culture back before starting any antibiotics.  

  • 2. Get relief

    We know it can take a few days to get into a doctor or receive your urine culture results. In the meantime, we recommend purchasing over-the-counter UTI Pain Relief to help ease the pain and burning. It's important to remember that over-the-counter products will NOT treat a UTI, but they will help with the symptoms until you can start treatment.

  • 3. Avoid bladder irritants

    Lastly, it's important to take extra care of your urinary system during this time. Avoid foods and beverages that are known to irritate the bladder such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or acidic foods. Additionally, increase your water intake to promote urination as this will help your body flush out irritants in the urinary tract.

Select a topic to learn more about common UTI triggers and help prevent future UTIs

Sexual Activity

Sexual activity is the most commonly reported cause of UTIs. During sexual activity, bacteria, most commonly e. coli, are transferred from the vagina, anus, or sexual partner to the urinary tract. Sexual activity physically moves or transplants bacteria to the urethra, where they can travel up to the urinary tract and establish an infection. The longer the time the bacteria have to travel up the urinary tract, the more likely an infection is. This is why peeing after sex is always a good idea. However, this is not always enough to keep bacteria from traveling through the urinary tract.

Exercise

Sweat and moisture allow bacteria to move around when exercising, which can transfer them to the urethra. If the clothes worn while exercising are not breathable, this typically increases moisture and makes bacterial travel more likely. Exercising and then not showering for an extended period of time will allow bacteria more time to travel before washing.

Holding It

Our first line of defense against bacteria entering the urinary tract is physically flushing them out via urination. The more time that we allow bacteria to travel up the urinary tract (aka the longer we hold it) , the higher the risk of a UTI. This is also why people with certain professions, like teachers, nurses, and more, who may not be able to use the bathroom as frequently as they’d like, may experience higher rates of UTIs.

Menstruation

Many women report getting UTIs cyclically immediately following their period due to the important role the vaginal ecosystem plays in your overall urinary heatlh. As blood and tissue from the uterus travel through the vagina, the vagina becomes much less acidic creating a better environment for bacteria growth. Changes in hormones during your period also alter the PH levels of the vaginal microbiome making it more vulnerable. Research also shows that more frequent changing of feminine hygiene products during menstruation can help decrease the risk of UTIs.

Menopause

As women enter menopause, UTI risk goes up. During menopause, estrogen production declines. This leads to big changes in the vaginal microbiome and a decline in lactobacilli (good bacteria). With a decrease of good bacteria, e.coli that is introduced has a higher presence and can increase frequency of UTIs.

Travel

Long airplane rides with limited restroom breaks can increase UTI risk. Additionally, a long travel day might mean you are wearing the same pair of underwear for an extended period of time. We recommend bringing a pair of underwear to change into during your travel day if you are traveling for an extended period of time.

A note from our founder: I had 8 UTIs in one year

I've been there—stuck in the awful cycle of UTIs. In 2014, I had 8 UTIs. I was miserable and repeatedly told there was little I could do to get ahead of the issue.

This experience inspired my husband and I to start Uqora. Built in collaboration with doctors and scientists, Uqora is dedicated to making UTI relief products that work. We also make best-selling urinary tract health supplements so you can finally get proactive.

Today, we’re helping thousands of people take control of their urinary health. We're so glad you’ve found us.

 

— Jenna Ryan, Co-founder Uqora

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UTIs happen —that's why we created our UTI Emergency Kit

  • Our UTI Emergency Kit has everything you need until you can see a doctor. With this all-in-one bundle you can test if you have a UTI, quickly relieve pain and burning, and control the infection.

Meet the doctors and scientists helping Uqora make a difference

  • Dr. Alyssa Dweck

    Board-certified Gynecologist

    "Sexual health and general health go hand in hand; urinary tract health has always been vital for my gynecologic patients."

  • Dr. Payal Bhandari

    Integrative Functional Medicine Physician

    "Urinary health is all about being proactive so you can easily take the steps which help you stay healthy."

  • Dr. Katherine Klos

    Board-certified Urologist

    "I believe in urinary health management that moves away from reaction and works toward proactive care."

  • Dr. Susan Mitmesser

    Chief Science Officer

    “My goal is to ensure the scientific integrity of the ingredients and product function and to keep pushing innovation through research in the urinary health space.”

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