If youve ever had a UTI, a.k.a.
UTIs usually happen when bacteria type your urinary tract through the urethra, eventually spreading to the bladder.
Next, try these tips to take the edge off and feel a whole lot better in the meantime.
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Take an OTC pain reliever.
Ann Gormley, MD, a urologist at Dartmouth Health who focuses on female urology, tells SELF.
Bottom line: you gotta see a health care provider if you have UTI symptoms.
Drink lots of water.
This can help minimize some of the burning when you pee.
Dehydration may make your stream more concentrated and intensify the sensation.
How much should you drink?
Just be wary of drinkingtoo muchin the hopes itll solve your woes.
Also, you shouldnt hold it in, Dr. Gaither says.
Refraining from peeing can help bacteria multiply.
Try an OTC UTI medication.
Importantly, though, these meds wont cure an infection.
Dont be alarmed, but they may also turn your pee bright orange, Dr. Gormley says.
Use a heating pad.
(Here are11 heating pads for cramps and muscle aches.)
verify your bath is warm and not scalding to avoid burning your skin.
And dont soak too longyour tub can be filled with bacteria (even if you cant see it!
), making it easy for it to reach your urethra.
And definitely avoid bubble baths, since soapy water can irritate your urethra.
Practice mindfulness or breathing exercises.
Its hard not to feel stressed when youre sitting on the toilet desperate to find a comfortable position.
But taking steps to calm your mind and body can make things feel a bit more bearable.
(Here arefive deep breathing exercisesto calm you down.)
A small study suggested that mindfulness-based stress reduction, or meditation, could help patients with bladder pain.
(Here areseven simple mindfulness exercises to try.)
People really underestimate the value of mindfulness and breathing in those situations, Dr. Ackerman says.
You might try binge-watching your favorite show, calling a friend, or reading a book too.
(Here are a fewthings to watch on Netflix when youre stressed.)
A lot of people think, Im feeling better.
Maybe I can just stop the antibiotics.
Sometimes, UTIs will come back.
You might also feel nauseous or have cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine.
you might generallyprevent UTIsby drinking lots of water, wiping front to back, andpeeing before and after sex.
Also, avoid feminine hygiene products, like douches and sprays, as those can contain irritating ingredients.
So, just seek us out.
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