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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and unpleasant ailment that, during their lifetimes, affects between 50 and 60 per cent of women and 12 per cent of men.

Predominantly caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, a UTI causes a range of symptoms, including a burning sensation when urinating, pelvic or rectal pain, and a frequent urge to urinate. Although UTIs can be effectively treated with antibiotics, they can cause acute or chronic kidney infections if the symptoms are ignored.

Some people are prone to UTIs because of the structure of their anatomy, the use of certain medicines, genetic factors, or pregnancy, so it is understandable that they may seek non-medicinal ways to keep infections at bay.  Cranberry juice, for example, is widely regarded as a prophylactic and a treatment. But is there any evidence that this is an effective approach to preventing or combating urinary infections, or is this simple pseudoscience that has no basis in fact?

Preventing UTIs With Cranberry Juice: The Research

The effectiveness of cranberry juice in UTI prevention and treatment has been extensively studied in recent years. The theory argues that cranberries contain a substance called proanthocyanidins, which help to prevent bacteria from sticking to the inside of the bladder and urinary tract. Unable to adhere, they are eliminated when the bladder is next emptied, thereby preventing an infection.

While the theory sounds plausible – and many women across the world would surely leap at such a simple way to prevent urinary problems – no scientific studies actually support it:

  • A review of 24 large-scale studies decided that both cranberry juice and supplements did not significantly reduce the risk of a person experiencing a UTI.
  • In several smaller research projects, many participants failed to complete the studies, suggesting that it is impractical to drink the large volumes of cranberry necessary to achieve any notable benefits.

Home UTI Test Kits: A Simple Solution To A Common Problem

Because urinary tract infections sometimes require antibiotics, it is crucial that patients can quickly identify them. The symptoms, however, can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, such as vaginitis, an overactive bladder, kidney stones, or some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The only way to categorically determine whether the symptoms are caused by a UTI or another condition is for the patient to carry out a self-test.

At CIGA Healthcare, we are a leading supplier of self-test diagnostic kits to pharmacies, including at-home UTI test strips which:

  • Provide a quick and easy way for your customers to test themselves for a urinary infection.
  • Overcome the inconvenience and wasted time of waiting for a GP appointment.
  • Can be carried out in the privacy of home, without disrupting busy daily schedules.
  • Offer results in a clear and easy-to-read format.
  • Give your customers the peace of mind if the result is negative.
  • Enable fast treatment if the test is positive.

Find Out More About Our Home UTI Self-Test Kits

For more information about our UTI test kits for your pharmacy, please browse our product range and call us on 02825 685385 to speak to a member of our team.

Buy Our Home Testing Kits Today
Suresign

Author Suresign

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