How Staying Hydrated Can Help To Avoid UTIs This Summer

2 min read

Oct 14, 2024 12:00:00 AM

As the temperature rises with the arrival of summer, so does the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The warm weather creates a conducive environment in which bacteria can thrive, making it crucial for everyone to take simple yet proactive measures to safeguard their urinary health.

UTIs are not only uncomfortable but, if left untreated, can lead to serious side effects, such as pyelonephritis (a severe kidney infection), urethral stricture, pregnancy complications, and sepsis. Therefore, recognising the symptoms early on and taking preventive measures can make a significant difference in avoiding UTIs this summer.

What Are The Symptoms Of A UTI?

Urinary infections produce some recognisable symptoms, some of which are extremely unpleasant and uncomfortable, including:

A burning sensation during urination
An increased need to empty your bladder
Blood in your urine
A change in the colour or odour of your urine
Pelvic pain

These signs should prompt you to take immediate action by using a self-testing kit to confirm the presence of an infection and ensure you receive prompt medical treatment.

How Can A UTI Be Prevented?

Drink Plentifully

Does drinking water help with UTI prevention? Absolutely! Staying hydrated is an effective measure against urinary tract infections, especially for women during the hot weather. Drinking plenty of water results in increased urine production, which helps to flush out bacteria from the bladder. Also, bacteria thrive in highly concentrated urine, so staying hydrated can dilute the urine, making it less likely that bacteria will adhere to the bladder wall or urethra. Maintaining a sufficient intake of fluids throughout the day is a simple yet effective way to promote your urinary health.

Practise Good Hygiene

Practising good hygiene is also essential to prevent urinary infections:

Regularly wash your hands, particularly before and after using the toilet, to minimise the spread of bacteria.
Choose showers instead of baths to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract.
Empty your bladder after sex to help to flush out lingering bacteria.

How A UTI Test Kit Can Help

If you experience symptoms of a UTI, it is vital that you do not ignore the signs but find out whether you have an infection. A UTI self-test kit offers a convenient and reliable alternative to the inconvenience of trying to obtain a GP appointment. With easy-to-use instructions and rapid results, UTI test kits provide valuable information to help you to manage your health effectively and take quick action to treat the infection should one be confirmed.