Viciously painful, debilitating, and a notoriously stubborn issue, as stated in the National Library of Medicine up to 40% of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI). Crucially, up to 50% of these women will find that antibiotics have little effect, with recurrent episodes returning over the following months. Some individuals are never able to fully resolve a UTI, resulting in a lifetime of therapeutic antibiotics. However, studies are beginning to reveal holistic solutions. Here’s the latest update.
Why Do So Many Women Have UTIs?
It is important to remember that one in ten men will experience a UTI. However, UTIs are general considered a female experience. The location and length of the urethra has always been implicated in this, and fluctuations in vaginal pH have long been known to be a factor. Specifically, variations in oestrogen can enable bacteria to multiply, amplifying the risk of infections. However, more recent research has also shown that gut microbiota diversity and its associated inflammation is also a factor. For instance, the Royal Association of Chemistry (RSC) found statistically significant associations between high alcohol intake and recurrent UTIs, as this can affect gut flora. As such, factors such as diet, stress, weight, and exercise may all be influential.
What Are The Best Over-The-Counter Remedies For UTIs?
Most women who have experienced a UTI will reach for a bottle of fresh cranberry juice the moment that they feel the first hint of a symptom. Cranberries contain a chemical called proanthocyanidins that reduces the acidity of urine, therefore making the interior of the bladder less welcoming for bacteria. This approach is often used as a ‘flush’ to nip an infection in the bud before it becomes established. Most pharmacies offer a version of the cranberry solution that is enhanced with antimicrobials such as trimethorprim-sultamethoxazole, nitroturantoin, fluoroquinolones, and cephalosporins. This can help in situations where the UTI is causing noticeable discomfort.
What Is The Best Strategy For Chronic UTIs?
A UTI is often present for several days before the painful and debilitating symptoms appear. As such, when chronic UTIs are a known problem, lives can be made a lot more comfortable by regular testing. Many service users will do this via repeated GP appointments. However, pharmacists can help to ease the burden on the NHS while offering the opportunity of patient dignity by offering solutions such as Suresign home testing. Fast, accurate, and dignified, this enables people to self-diagnose and start to treat the problem before any painful symptoms appear. This approach may also help to reduce the need for aggressive antibiotic intervention, aiding the World Health Organisation (WHO) in its global mission to tackle increasing antimicrobial resistance.
Find Out More
To learn more about how our Suresign testing kits can help you to support your service users at your pharmacy, please give us a call on 02825 638569 or get in touch with us by clicking here.
