Many women are voicing their concerns about how healthcare professionals address urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you possess a bladder and a urethra, you’re at risk for a UTI. For those of us with a vagina, bladder, and urethra — well, that’s a trifecta of discomfort. It’s safe to say that nearly every woman has experienced the pain of a UTI at some point in her life.
Given their prevalence among women, many feel that doctors often downplay their suffering. This sentiment, as echoed by numerous women on social media, is both frustrating and unjust.
A Twitter user, @sarahwrites, recently illustrated this issue with a poignant yet humorous tweet that struck a chord with many: “We need a Disney princess with chronic UTIs who goes to the doctor, and the doctor merely advises her to pee after sex. The princess replies she’s already doing that, and the doctor says, ‘Well, that’s all I have for you.’” It’s a funny, yet heartbreaking reflection of the limited advice many women receive regarding UTI prevention.
YES. THIS. I had my first UTI long before I became sexually active. Even while on birth control in my late teens and twenties, UTIs were a regular nuisance. At one point, I was rushed to the ER due to a kidney infection that left me in excruciating pain. I could literally urinate nonstop for 36 hours post-intercourse and still end up with one — so what gives?
I practically drowned myself in cranberry juice, mistaking it for a remedy. All it accomplished was giving me mouth ulcers and potentially eroding my tooth enamel. That’s right; it was essentially useless for my UTIs.
Let’s be clear: we know when we have a UTI! None of us are seeking a trip to urgent care just for the sake of it. My young daughter is already aware that improper wiping can lead to discomfort because I’ve made it my mission to teach her. It’s a lesson ingrained in me after three decades of experience.
To dismiss a woman’s health concerns is simply unacceptable. Painful bladder issues could indicate other serious conditions, such as interstitial cystitis, which warrant thorough investigation. If you feel unheard or your concerns are brushed aside, it may be time to find a new doctor. Don’t hesitate to channel your inner Disney princess and advocate for your health; neither your physician nor a fictional prince will do it for you.
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In summary, women are increasingly vocal about their experiences with UTIs and the inadequate responses from healthcare providers. It’s crucial that women’s health concerns are taken seriously, and patients should feel empowered to seek the care they deserve.