I’ve experienced childbirth without any pain relief, and while I would never downplay the intense agony of bringing my two children into the world, I assure you that there have been two other instances of pain that rival those labor pains. One of them may come as a shock.
The first is the abdominal agony I’ve endured due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Let me tell you, that discomfort has left me sweating and gasping, contorting on the bathroom floor in excruciating pain. No exaggeration.
The second type of pain is also linked to my lower region (poor thing can’t catch a break!)—and it’s a doozy. Yes, I’m referring to the discomfort that accompanies urinary tract infections (UTIs). I don’t think many people truly grasp just how intense this pain can be.
Most individuals view UTIs as a bothersome annoyance characterized by an incessant urge to urinate. Others are familiar with the burning sensation that accompanies this relentless feeling. But did you know that the burning can sometimes feel like a hellish fire has taken up residence in your urethra and the entire fiery expanse of your pelvic area? Oh, my goodness.
I’ve only had a couple of UTIs, but let’s just say they left a lasting impression on me. Now, whenever I experience any hint of burning or that nagging sensation of needing to pee, I start to panic, guzzle water like it’s going out of style, and pray to the urethra goddess that I’ll never have to endure that again.
My UTI experiences began in college. It all started with an annoying sensation of having to pee ALL. THE. TIME. But when I tried to relieve myself, only a trickle would come out, accompanied by a deep, burning pain. Soon that burning escalated into an unbearable agony that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.
Eventually, I sought help at the university health center, where they tested me for both a vaginal yeast infection and a UTI. Once they confirmed it was a UTI, they advised me to drink lots of water, wipe from front to back (a habit I still uphold!), and consume cranberry juice like it was my full-time job.
I followed their suggestions, and while I felt some relief, the nagging urge to pee lingered, even after the fiery pain subsided.
When I returned home for Christmas break, things took a turn for the worse. The pain returned, and blood appeared with every wipe. To top it off, I began experiencing chills and nausea. It was a nightmare.
My mother took me to the doctor, who, after testing my urine, chastised me for waiting too long to seek help. My simple bladder infection was on the verge of developing into a serious kidney infection, which could be life-threatening. I was prescribed antibiotics, and thankfully, they worked wonders, clearing things up in a way that cranberry juice couldn’t.
Determined to avoid that ordeal again, I dove into learning everything I could about UTIs.
So, here’s the deal: UTIs are caused by bacteria (often from the rectal area or anything that comes into contact with that region) infiltrating the urethra and bladder. As noted by The Mayo Clinic, women are more susceptible to UTIs due to having shorter urethras than men, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Joy, right?
And guess what? Sexual activity is one of the leading causes of UTIs. After some research (funny how neither doctor mentioned this), I discovered that the diaphragm my boyfriend and I were using likely contributed to my UTIs. Those devices can harbor bacteria, and despite my best attempts to maintain hygiene, I only found relief when I stopped using it.
The Mayo Clinic highlights additional risk factors for UTIs, including the use of spermicidal lubricants (which we also used), a weakened immune system, menopause (a delightful prospect!), catheter use, uterine abnormalities, and, of course, sexual intercourse. Women are truly #blessed.
But don’t fret! There are proactive measures to help prevent UTIs. I practice them religiously now and haven’t had another UTI since. Always stay hydrated (cranberry juice, if you prefer, though its effectiveness is still debated); maintain cleanliness in your intimate area; ensure you urinate after sex; and always wipe from front to back to keep harmful bacteria at bay.
In some cases, these preventive actions can resolve mild infections. However, it’s crucial to consult your doctor at the first sign of anything unusual because antibiotics may be necessary. You definitely want to catch things before they escalate to the point of blood in your urine and a burning pelvis that feels like it’s on the brink of disaster. Believe me: you do not want to go there.
For additional guidance on home insemination, check out this post about the Cryobaby At-Home Insemination Kit and explore this comprehensive resource on IUI for further insights.
Summary
Urinary tract infections can cause excruciating discomfort that rivals childbirth. They are often mistaken for simple annoyances, but the pain can be intense and debilitating. Women are particularly susceptible due to anatomical factors and certain activities. Preventive measures, such as maintaining hygiene and staying hydrated, can help mitigate the risks, but medical attention is essential at the first signs of a serious issue.
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