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UTI or urinary tract infection is a common bacterial infection that affects the urinary tract in men and women. Prevention is the best way to prevent recurrence of the infection. The infection is often as chronic as it is painful and there are many home remedies and old wives' tales about UTI.

We look at some myths and facts about UTI.

UTI Myths

• Getting UTI implies you have bad hygiene.
• This is a common myth. The infection can happen to anyone and does not necessarily imply that you have had bad hygiene. You have to keep in mind that once you have tested positive for UTI, you should be extra clean and particular about hygiene. You should not wipe from the rectum to the vagina, as it will encourage bad bacteria from the anal area to enter the urinary tract.
• UTI does not get cured without treatment.
• This is another myth about UTI. It is advisable to check and treat a UTI as there is always the potential chance that the infection could spread to other organs, especially the kidneys. However, for women in particular, the symptoms tend to go away on their own, though the woman tends to remain uncomfortable for a few days.
• Recurrent UTI signifies a larger health issue.
• This is not necessarily true. Women tend to be more susceptible and once diagnosed; you tend to get the infections quite often if adequate care is not taken. In men, since UTI is rare, a complete check up is always a good idea if you test positive for UTI.

UTI Facts

• Women get UTI more often as compared to men.
• This is true primarily because women have shorter urethras. Once the bacteria enter through the urethra, they reach the bladder quite fast.
• Pregnancy raises the risk of UTI.
• Increased hormones during pregnancy relax the bladder muscles, making the tract more susceptible to bacterial infections.
• Birth control measures can give you UTI.
• This is only true for women who use diaphragms. Diaphragms tend to press on the vagina and urethra and can affect regular movement for urine. Using diaphragms also affects bladder muscles which in turn makes you more susceptible to infections.
• Cranberry juice can prevent and control UTI.

Cranberry juice is acidic and helps balance out the bacteria in the urinary tract. Consuming cranberry juice after being tested positive for UTI is a good idea.

Urinary tract infection or UTI information is readily available at clinics, hospitals and even at reliable online sources. Check with your healthcare professional before you try outlandish home remedies.

Reference:

1. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/uti_ez/

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.