If you’ve ever had a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), then you know it’s a special kind of suffering. From having that burning pain when you pee, to running to the bathroom every 15 minutes only for two or three tiny drops of urine to come out, to that annoying discomfort in your lower abdomen. It can be quite uncomfortable to deal with.
Yet, despite how common UTIs are, especially in women, there are still a lot of mistakes people make when treating them, thanks to a lot of wrong information on the internet. So, let’s fix that. This article will expose the common mistakes people (or even you) make when treating UTIs and what to do instead.
Mistake 1: Treating Every Burning Sensation as a UTI
Ladies, not every burning feeling when you pee is a UTI. Yes, UTI can cause this symptom, as well as frequent urge to urinate, but so can other conditions like vaginal infections (like bacteria vaginosis or yeast infection), STIs, and vaginal irritation from sex or scented soaps.
So, rushing to take antibiotics “just in case it is a UTI”, when it might just not be, doesn’t help. It causes more harm than good because not only do you kill off the good bacteria that protect your body, but you can also make the bad bacteria develop a resistance to the antibiotics, such that when you actually need to use the same antibiotics, they don’t work.
What to do instead: If you experience any symptoms, don’t just assume. Go to the hospital and get tested. A simple urine test can be done to confirm whether it’s truly a UTI or not.
Mistake 2: Self-Medicating
This is another very common mistake. Some people think that because they used the antibiotics before and they worked, that means they would work again. The problem with this is that not all UTIs are caused by the same bacteria, and not all antibiotics work for the same infection. Using the wrong antibiotic may not clear the infection and can even cause antibiotic resistance.
What to do instead: Stop using that leftover drug in your drawer or that one your friend swore worked for her. Always use antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, ideally after a urine test, to ensure you’re treating the right infection with the right antibiotics.
Mistake 3: Stopping Treatment Once You Feel Better
If we had a dollar for every one of us who has done this, then we’d be on the Forbes’ richest list. The burning stopped, you’re no longer running to the bathroom, and you think, “I’m fine now. Let me stop taking these antibiotics.” That’s a bad idea.
When you stop taking antibiotics too early, the infection hasn’t actually cleared. Some of the bacteria are still there, and eventually, they regroup and come back stronger and more difficult to treat.
What to do instead: Finish the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel amazing halfway through.
Mistake 4: Using only “Home” Remedies
There are a lot of DIY and natural remedies circulating out there, and while some of them (e.g., cranberry juice) may help support bladder health, they can not cure an active bacterial UTI on their own. Then, there are some of them (side eye to baking soda water, apple cider vinegar, strange herbal mixtures) that irritate your bladder and make things worse.
Delaying proper treatment while hoping a drink will “flush it all out” can allow the infection spread to your kidneys, which can complicate it.
What to do instead: You can use some of these home remedies alongside proper medical treatment. It is not meant to be a replacement for your prescribed antibiotics.
Mistake 5: Delaying Treatment
UTIs don’t usually heal themselves or magically disappear, and the longer you wait, the worse they can get. What starts as a simple bladder infection can travel upward and become a kidney infection, which is far more serious.
What to do instead: The moment you feel any abnormal symptom, go to the hospital and get tested. Early treatment is faster and easier than late treatment.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Lifestyle Habits
If you’ve treated UTIs multiple times and they keep coming back, chances are some of your lifestyle habits might be causing this. Some of these bad habits include:
- Holding urine for too long: This gives bacteria enough time to multiply and cause infection.
- Not drinking a lot of water.
- Wiping from back to front after using the toilet: This transfers bacteria from your anus to your urethra.
- Wearing tight, non-breathable underwear: Traps moisture and creates an environment for the bacteria to grow and multiply.
- Not urinating after sex: Lets bacteria stay near the urethra and increases the risk of infection.
What to do instead:
- Urinate when you feel the urge and don’t hold it in.
- Drink enough water.
- Always wipe front to back after using the toilet.
- Choose breathable cotton underwear and avoid very tight or wet underwear for long periods.
- Urinate after sex to help flush bacteria from the urethra.
Final Thoughts
UTIs are common, but they are very treatable when handled the right way. Avoid these mistakes, have healthy lifestyle habits, and give your bladder the care it deserves.
