I have gone through childbirth twice without any pain relief, and while I would never downplay the excruciating agony of bringing my children into the world, I can confidently say that there are two other types of pain that rival it. One of them may catch you off guard.
The first contender is the intense abdominal discomfort brought on by IBS. That experience has left me in a sweat, cursing, and curled up on the bathroom floor in torment. No exaggeration.
The other pain? You guessed it—UTIs. The discomfort associated with urinary tract infections is something I don’t think many truly grasp.
Most people think of UTIs as a mere annoyance—a constant urge to urinate paired with a burning sensation. However, I can assure you that the burning can escalate to a level of agony that feels like your lower regions are under siege from hellfire.
I’ve experienced two UTIs in my life, and let’s just say they left a lasting impression. Now, whenever I feel even the slightest burning sensation or urgent need to pee, I go into panic mode, guzzling water like it’s my job and praying to the urethra goddess to spare me from that nightmare again.
My first UTI hit me during college. It began with a relentless urge to urinate, but when I tried, there was barely any relief—just a deep, searing burn. After enduring this for too long, I finally visited the campus health clinic, where they tested me for both a yeast infection and a UTI. Once they confirmed it was a UTI, they advised me to drink plenty of water, remember to wipe front to back (a habit I still adhere to), and consume cranberry juice as if it were a full-time job.
While I started feeling better, the nagging sensation persisted even after the fiery pain subsided. When I returned home for Christmas break, things took a turn for the worse. The pain resurfaced, and there was blood every time I wiped. I also felt chills and nausea that made me feel like I was on the brink of death.
My mom took me to the doctor, who scolded me for waiting too long to seek treatment. My simple bladder infection was on the verge of escalating into a severe kidney infection, which could be life-threatening. I received antibiotics, and thankfully, they worked wonders compared to cranberry juice.
Determined to avoid that experience again, I delved into everything I could find about UTIs. So let’s break it down: UTIs are caused by bacteria—often from the anal area or other sources—entering the urethra and multiplying. According to The Mayo Clinic, women are more susceptible since they have shorter urethras, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
And here’s a fun fact: sexual activity is among the primary culprits for acquiring UTIs. After digging deeper (funny how the doctors I saw never mentioned this), I realized that my UTIs were likely triggered by the diaphragm my partner and I had started using. Those things can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and it wasn’t until I ditched it that my symptoms finally subsided.
The Mayo Clinic also lists other risk factors for UTIs, including the use of spermicidal lubricants (which we were using), a weakened immune system, menopause, catheter use, and of course, intercourse in general. Women really do have it rough.
But don’t despair—there are effective preventative measures to keep UTIs at bay. I follow these rules religiously and haven’t had another UTI since: drink plenty of fluids (cranberry juice if you prefer, though its efficacy is debated), maintain cleanliness in your intimate areas, urinate right after sex, and always wipe from front to back to keep bacteria away from your urethra.
In some cases, these steps can resolve mild infections. However, it’s crucial to see your doctor at the first sign of serious symptoms, as antibiotics may be necessary. You definitely want to address the issue before it escalates to the point of blood in your urine and pelvic agony that feels like it’s knocking on death’s door.
Trust me, you don’t want to go there.
For more information on this topic, Modern Family Blog provides great insights. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, check out our guide on at-home insemination kits. Additionally, for comprehensive details on pregnancy and related topics, Healthline offers excellent resources.
Summary
UTIs can be incredibly painful and are often misunderstood as just an annoying inconvenience. They are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, with women being more prone due to anatomical factors. Sexual activity can increase the risk, but there are several preventative measures that can help, including proper hygiene and hydration.