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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSB chapter.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be uncomfortable to talk about, even if they’re super common. 1 in every 2 women will probably have an UTI at some point in her life!

What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection affecting the organs involved in passing urine — the kidneys, uterus, and bladder. It’s characterized by a burning feeling during urination, an intense urge to pee (even if you just went!), and cloudy or bloody looking urine. It’s definitely not the most pleasant thing to have!

What do I do if I have one?

If you do have an UTI, you’ll want to head over to the doctor for antibiotics; that’s the fastest and most effective way to get rid of it, and trust me, you do not want to be stuck with an UTI for long. A common home remedy is unsweetened cranberry juice, but there have been mixed results about its effectiveness. If you really want to try it, your best bet is to take cranberry vitamins. It delivers more A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), which can help prevent UTIs. These can also be taken daily for general urinary tract health. If you only have a mild UTI, meaning your symptoms aren’t too pressing, it may clear up in a few days. AZO is a medicine that can be taken to relieve the symptoms of a UTI, but it does not cure it. To be safe, it’s best to check with your doctor! Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney damage or other long-term infections, so don’t ignore the symptoms if you have them!

Image via healthylifestyleshopper.com

How do I prevent getting a UTI?

Bacteria most commonly gets into the urinary tract from improper wiping and intercourse. So, two rules to keep in mind: wipe front to back and always pee immediately after having sex. Making sure you keep yourself properly hydrated and taking Vitamin C also helps. You can also try Uqora, a UTI prevention drink mix that delivers nutrients to protect the body against infectious bacteria. All you have to do is take a packet of Uqora with a glass of water after a particularly risky situation (right after sex, a long bike ride…etc), and the bacteria will be flushed out! Not only is it safe and effective, but it prevents the overuse of antibiotics. 

Image via uqora.com

UTIs can be scary, but they’re easy to prevent and keep under control!

Katie is an incoming fourth year Communication major at UCSB. Having spent the majority of her life in LA, she's been spoiled by the diversity of food choices at home. But she loves the sunny beaches and college bubble found in Santa Barbara, and can't wait to live on Del Playa next year. When she's not hanging out with her friends, you can find her trying out new recipes or watching vlogs on YouTube. Keep up with Katie on her Instagram @kaythuang!
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Hi, Collegiettes! I'm Carmen, a Communication major at University of California, Santa Barbara and one of two Campus Correspondents for UCSB. I would love to one day work in either fashion, food, tech, financial services or philanthropy. My dream is to find a job that somehow combines several of those elements. Until I get there, I'll be munching on copious amounts of Trader Joe's dried mango, jamming out to my man, Frank Sinatra, and focusing on creating intriguing content! If you like my writing, talk to me. ;)