How to Recognise and Treat Silent UTIs?
Do you know what’s worse than having a UTI? Not knowing you have one. Silent UTIs are common but have unconventional symptoms, which can make self-diagnosis difficult. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we'll discuss what silent UTIs are, what to look out for, and how to treat and prevent them.
What is a Silent UTI?
A silent UTI is a urinary tract infection that doesn't show any typical symptoms. This type of infection can be dangerous because it can go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to serious complications like kidney damage or sepsis. Silent UTIs can happen to anyone, but they are more common in women. So, what are some of these hard-to-spot symptoms?
Unconventional UTI Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a UTI include a burning sensation during urination, an urge to urinate frequently, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. However, silent UTIs can have unconventional symptoms, such as:
- Back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or weakness
- Fever or chills
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult your GP, even if they might seem unrelated to a UTI.
UTI Diagnosis
Diagnosing a silent UTI can be challenging. Still, doctors can use various tests, including urine tests and imaging tests like ultrasounds, to identify and confirm the infection. If you suspect you have a UTI, it's always best to seek medical attention to avoid worsening your condition and/or symptoms. Don’t suffer in silence!
UTI Treatment
Treatment for a silent UTI is the same as for any other UTI. You will usually be prescribed antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. You should always take all the antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start feeling better, to ensure that the infection is fully treated. Just because the symptoms seem to be easing off, it doesn’t mean the infection has completely cleared.
There are also some home remedies you can use to prevent and treat UTIs from the comfort of your own home. Cranberry juice is known to help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder and urinary tract walls, reducing the risk of infection. Another home remedy is D-Mannose, this is a type of sugar that can be taken as a supplement to help avoid and treat UTI symptoms. That said, although these home remedies may help prevent UTIs, they’re not a substitute for medical treatment and will not clear-up an infection.
UTI Prevention
The most common cause of a UTI is bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra. Women are more prone to UTIs because they have a shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. In general, prevention is the best way to avoid UTIs, including silent UTIs. If you think you might be prone to UTIs, we recommend you:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract and can reduce the risk of developing a UTI.
- Urinate regularly: Don't hold your urine for extended periods. Urinating regularly helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract and keeps the bladder healthy.
- Change tampons and menstrual pads regularly: Leaving tampons or pads on for too long can create a moist environment, which can encourage the growth of bacteria and increase the risk of a UTI.
- Wear breathable and comfortable underwear: Synthetic materials and tight-fitting underwear can trap moisture and heat, creating an environment that is favorable for the growth of harmful bacteria. Organic and breathable underwear, on the other hand, is free from harmful chemicals that can irritate the skin and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vaginal area.
- Urinate after sex: Peeing after sex can help flush bacteria out of the urethra which can help to prevent UTIs.
Protect Your Health with DAME
Silent UTIs are common but can have serious health consequences if left untreated. Knowing the symptoms and risk factors is essential to catch and treat them early… but prevention is always better than cure.
At DAME, we offer a range of organic period products that can help maintain vaginal health. We encourage you to try our products to ensure comfort, protection, and peace of mind during your menstrual cycle and beyond!
