Living with a urinary tract infection

Alleviating the effects of recurrent cystitis 

Some patients, especially women, with recurrent cystitis have suprapubic pain. These people may need to use anti-inflammatories as a short-term measure, under medical supervision at all times.

A change in the intestinal or vaginal flora after frequent and prolonged use of antibiotics is a highly observed side effect. In these cases, limiting the use of antibiotics (duration and spectrum) and the use of probiotics locally could be a strategy to reduce the effect on the patient's commensal flora.

Urinary tract infections can also be involved in the formation of some types of kidney stones, especially those of magnesium ammonium phosphate. 

Toxic habits  

Different scientific studies have shown that alcohol consumption reduces the effectiveness of the immune system. Other studies describe increased urinary symptoms when drinking alcoholic beverages. 

Anyone with a urinary tract infection under antibiotic treatment should avoid drinking alcohol, as it interferes very negatively with the metabolism of the drug. 

Smoking also weakens immune function and increases the risk of infection. In addition, smoking negatively affects the evolution of infectious diseases.  

Consumption of both alcohol and tobacco can significantly increase the risk of changes in the immune system. Each factor multiplies the effect of the other. 

Diet  

Food plays a fundamental role in preventing the ailment or relieving its symptoms once established.

The most abundant drink consumed each day must be water, at 6-8 glasses a day. Drinking this amount of water keeps the body optimally hydrated. It also helps eliminate germs from the urinary tract that cause infection. It can also improve potential secondary effects of the infection, such as blood in urine or itching when urinating. Infusions, low-sugar juices, milk and broths can also help. 

There are quite a few dietary scientific studies that suggest a strong association between nutritional deficiencies and infectious processes. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, both of which are recognised as protective, preventive factors against urinary tract infection. 

Some of the foods considered favourable for preventing urine infection are:  

• Fruit and vegetables rich in Vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties. It also acidifies the urine and helps improve intestinal flora, which has an indirect impact on urinary tract infection.  

• Dietary supplements: Products with blueberry extract.  

• Probiotics 

• Olive oil: This has beneficial properties as a modulator of various immune functions, a factor associated with protection against infections.  

Obesity is also associated with excessive nutritional intake of substances causing lithiasis (kidney stones) and an increased incidence of urinary tract infections.  

Exercise 

Physical activity for patients with recurrent urinary tract infections is no different from that recommended for the general public; however, the intensity and duration of exercise should be adapted to the current state or level of health.  

Regular physical exercise provides health benefits and can reduce many of the treatment side effects. It can also be a good relaxation technique to reduce anxiety and lessen urinary symptoms. 

If you have urinary catheters fitted, you should avoid swimming to keep the catheters in good condition and reduce the risk of infection.  

If you have had a urostomy, consult the doctor or stoma therapy nurse about when and how you can resume swimming. Existing health devices allow bathing, are easy to conceal and are resistant to the action of water. 

Rest 

Sometimes, a urine infection can make it difficult to sleep. Sleep can be interrupted by symptoms such as increased urinary frequency at night.  

The following is recommended to promote sleep if you have a urinary tract infection:  

• Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day.  

• Reducing fluid intake 2 hours before bedtime.  

• Having a light dinner, but not going to bed feeling hungry.  

• Urinating before going to bed.  

• Avoiding stimulants such as coffee, tea, chocolate or caffeinated soft drinks.  

• Wearing absorbent pads to protect against possible urine leaks.  

• Performing some relaxing activity before going to sleep.  

• Avoiding sleeping during the day.  

• Avoiding using electronic devices in bed.  

• Practising physical activity on a regular basis.  

If there are still difficulties in controlling sleep, discuss the problem with a care team member.  

Wearing a vesical probe, any other urinary catheter or urostomy bag should not interfere with sleep. They must be properly connected to a nocturnal diuresis bag with care taken not to bend them, as well as avoiding sudden movements. To avoid pulling on them, the night collection bag can be placed in bed; diuresis bags are anti-reflux and resistant. 

Sexual activity 

Sexual activity should be avoided during a urinary tract infection and during medical treatment. Practising sex can worsen infection symptoms and be painful.  

Sexual activity can be resumed when the doctor confirms the remission of the infection. Most urinary tract infections are resolved within a week.  

A urinary tract infection is not contagious, but microorganisms invade the urinary system by ascending the urethra. The friction and compression of the urethra during sexual intercourse promotes the entry of germs.  

In the case of women, the urethra is short and is very close to the vagina and anus, which makes them more vulnerable than men to urine infections after sexual intercourse. Men seem to be more protected by prostatic fluids and the drier environment around the urethra.  

Thus, the following are recommended to prevent urinary tract infections after sexual activity:  

• Urination immediately afterwards. This helps eliminate any germs that may have entered the urethra. It is also advisable to drink a couple of glasses of water after intercourse.  

• Cleaning the genitals before and after having intercourse, always from the anterior vulvar area backwards. 

• For vaginal dryness, use lubricants, especially after the menopause. They reduce friction and abrasion of the urethra.  

It is not recommended to have sexual intercourse when wearing a bladder catheter.  

If you have a urostomy, for sexual practice you can replace your usual urine collection bag with a smaller, discreet and safe one. Your partner should be fully aware of your ostomy.  

Travelling 

There are times and situations during travelling that require certain precautions.  

For frequent urinary infections, medicines and health products for daily use should be taken for a trip. Medical reports should also be included.  

If an infection occurs during the trip that causes fever, chills, severe suprapubic pain or blood in the urine, you should go to a hospital as soon as possible.  

Emotional support 

Poor control of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection produces feelings of helplessness and sometimes depression. Pain, itching, the urge to urinate, possible urine leaks, fear of a bad smell, for example, lead to anxiety and discomfort.  

Symptoms of urgency to urinate make it necessary to go frequently to a nearby toilet, so patients are often confined at home. 

Therefore, this situation should not be underestimated. You should surround yourself with people who know the situation and understand it. You should speak about your feelings to someone you trust. Have a positive attitude and consult health personnel if in any doubt.