Living with recurrent UTIs

Most women experience the excruciating pain of a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) at least once in a lifetime. A bunch of pretty unlucky women, however, have to deal with it on a regular basis.

I remember when it happened to me for the very first time: I was just a teenager, had no idea what was going on and why I was in such agony. I had never experienced anything as remotely painful as that ever before.

Unfortunately, that was only the beginning of a fight that went on for years on end and has not stopped completely yet - about 15 years later.

Different factors contribute to the development of an E.Coli infection - and I won't bother you with the details because 1) I am not a healthcare professional and 2) if you have ever had to deal with a UTI will know exactly what I am talking about.

Yes, the billion different "home remedies" and of course, the infamous cranberry juice. Seriously, how many times have you had friends (or even doctors) recommend you cranberry supplements? I have lost count. Sadly, for a few of us, when the old familiar sting strikes again there is just one awful remedy: yet another course of antibiotics - especially if the culprit is old matey-boy Mr. E.Coli.

That is not sustainable. My case is quite complex as it also involves IBS, a retroflexed uterus and a duplicated collecting system (seen just 0.7% of healthy adult population investigated for recurrent UTI symptoms), so no, telling me to "drink plenty of fluids" to flush it away and go for a wee after sex just won't cut it.

I know that many women out there feel the same and are in a similar situation. And my heart goes to all those affected by endometriosis, which definitely makes life much more difficult when flare ups occur and nothing seems to help with the pain.

So, here are my tips:

1) YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS #1 PRIORITY

How many times did you have to cancel your plans because of a UTI? Maybe you had a big boozy dinner planned with your friends or you were supposed to go to see your favourite band - and now all you want and can do is hide under the duvet with a hot water bottle. It sucks having to give up on the things we enjoy - especially because of something that makes us feel so weak and useless. But it is not your fault if a UTI keeps on coming back. Sure, there will always be habits that we can change/improve but all in all, it's not worth beating yourself up about it. It'll pass. Cry if it makes you feel better, but please don't ever blame it on yourself.

2) GET PLENTY OF REST

You start feeling cold and then you shiver. Then you urgently need to go for a pee. You sit there praying it's not IT again - but yes, it is. You can feel about a million daggers in your tummy. Okay. Take some painkillers and call it a day (if you can). Overexerting yourself will only make it worse. Would you go run a marathon if you had the flu? No. So try to look after yourself and get through the most acute phase of the illness until you can get hold of antibiotics (if you need to take any/as prescribed by your doctor).

3) KNOW YOUR "KRYPTONITE FOODS"

This is quite personal and it might not work for everybody but I personally see a huge difference in my overall well-being when I cut out booze, caffeine and spicy foods for extended periods of time. The fact that alcohol is bad for our health is not a mistery, but I also know how hard and awkward it can be to be the odd one out drinking a glass of water when everybody else is enjoying an ice cold beer with a spicy curry. However only you know what triggers your own symptoms and I think that following our gut feeling in this circumstance is the only way to go.

4) PREVENT, PREVENT, PREVENT

So you were out late last night and it was quite cold. You had a few cocktails, quite a rich dinner and even some junk food on the way home. You wake up thirsty and with an upset tummy. Be kind to yourself and nurse your hangover with plenty of water and very bland foods (boiled rice, toast, banana). Definitely avoid coffee. No, resorting to the ol' "hair of the dog" is not a good idea - put that glass of wine down. Don't get frisky either, you might regret it.

Jokes aside, know your risk factors and your own personal triggers: if you know that 4 specific things affect your likelihood to develop a UTI (for example sex, cold, alcohol, spices) only indulge in one or two, if you feel like it. Trying to avoid a UTI is always better than having to deal with a full blown one.

In the hope that the world will be eventually UTI free, let's stand together in the face of this silent enemy. Like most other uncomfortable topics in life, starting a conversation is always the best thing to do.