[the ubiquitous bacterium] E. coli,” says Mercy Medical Center urogynecologist R. Mark Ellerkmann, M.D.
Despite finding bacteria in your bladder during normal blood work, a doctor may only prescribe medication if you have UTI symptoms. If you don’t have symptoms, therapy is usually unnecessary. Bacterial colonization is prevalent. This bacterium dwells in or near the genitourinary tract and doesn’t cause illnesses.
Ellerkmann also warns that overusing antibiotics might make you immune to them. In other words, the antibiotics may not work next time.
Avoiding UTIs In MS
Studies show that UTIs might aggravate MS and increase MS patients’ hospitalization rates. For your comfort and health, preventing this form of illness is vital.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Hydration may help. Most individuals should drink six to eight glasses of water or liquids daily, according to the MS Trust. About 64 ounces. Talk to your doctor about how much water you should drink daily, particularly if you have UTIs.
Supplement, With Your Doctor’s Guidance
Several nutrients may prevent UTIs. These supplements:
- D-Mannose
- Cranberry extract (not juice, which contains too much sugar)
“Both of these supplements appear to assist because they adhere to particular bacteria, such as E. coli, and make them less able to cling to the bladder wall. “So you’re more likely to flush those bacteria,” Ellerkmann explains. According to him, their effectiveness is disputed. Consult your doctor before using any of these supplements.
Ask About A Prescription
For chronic UTI sufferers, methenamine hippurate (Hiprex or Urex) may help avoid UTIs. Ellerkmann adds that it reduces bacterial growth.
Some study shows that vaginal estrogen may minimize recurrent UTIs in menopausal women. However, further study is required. Talk to your doctor about this possibility.
RELATED: 10 Home Remedies for a UTI
What To Do If You Have Increased Symptoms
See your neurologist if you’re experiencing more bladder or other MS symptoms. Symptoms may be caused by a UTI or MS flare-up. “You may have MS symptoms flare as a consequence of a UTI, and you might have bladder symptoms flare as a result of MS acting up,” Geisser says. Steroids are typically the best therapy for MS flares that include bladder or other symptoms.
Your neurologist will check UTIs. “Anyone who has an increase in MS symptoms, even if they’re not experiencing any specific bladder symptoms, should check for a UTI,” adds Giesser. Your neurologist may recommend you to a urologist if you have recurrent UTIs to evaluate whether you’re having difficulties voiding, which may cause you to not release all your pee. If you require further therapy, a urologist can assist.
UTIs are uncomfortable and common, but with timely treatment, you and your doctor can usually manage them. “Bladder and bowel dysfunction is frequent with MS, and it’s all fairly treatable,” Giesser explains.