Telling your parents about a urinary tract infection (UTI) can be awkward, but it's important. UTIs are common and easily treated with antibiotics, so there's no reason to suffer in silence. Here are some tips for having that conversation with your folks.
Understanding UTIs
Before talking to your parents about your symptoms, it might help to understand what a UTI is (urinary tract infection) and how it happens. A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and travel up into the bladder or kidneys (ouch!). This causes irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract, which leads to unpleasant symptoms like pain during urination, frequent urges to pee, and lower back pain.
Recognizing Symptoms
The first step in telling your parents about your symptoms is recognizing them yourself. If you're experiencing any of the following signs of a UTI (and especially if they've lasted more than a day or two) , it's time to talk:
- Painful urination
- Urgent need to urinate but only producing small amounts
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Lower back pain or abdominal pressure
Remember that not every person will experience all these symptoms – everyone’s body handles things differently! What unites us all in this situation however is our mutual aim - conquering our sucky infections!
Choosing The Right Time To Speak Up
Perhaps easier said than done on this one...but bear with me here! Choosing the right time for this kind of conversation is important too; timing matters as much as getting rid off an unwanted guest who has overstayed their welcome after Game night at yours last week....awkard situations aside.
Maybe bring up over brunch? Explain casually whilst buttering toast? Discretely comment on how fetching new underwear looks whilst laying out the laundry? Just don't try this mid-meal!
Speaking The Actual Words
Closely related to choosing the right time is perhaps choosing your words. Do you start with something casual like "Hey, mum?" or go straight for what could be a difficult topic and shout out "Dear Mother, I beseech you for a moment of your attention.."?
Brave soldiers who dare take on the daunting task of broaching UTI talks must prepare themselves, mentally listing all their possible responses.
You begin by explaining that whilst it may seem embarrassing and uncomfortable to talk about at first...this discomfort will soon be a mere blip in memory once some antibiotics do their magic...
Get across how common it can be (1 in 2 women actually!) , explain why identifying symptoms quickly makes such a difference, come armed with facts so as not to botch up an opportunity presented by necessity.
Reassure them: yes there's pain down there but nothings really 'down' exactly just irritated - let them know that everything else is most likely fine.
Finally, thank them. For taking the time to listen (hopefully sans judgement), offering support and if they fancy weeping over movies (or go-to shows) together whilst waiting for medicinal miracles- best friends forever sorted?
(Consider whether eye contact should continue throughout this stage.)
Talking Them Through What Happens Next
To cover any concerns & anxiety someone may have regarding being able help a loved one through a UTI episode better; we have collated some possibly useful points below:
- First step! Yay! Contact GP/doctor/clinic within twenty-four hours after symptoms appear. -In order to avoid chugging tonnes of tea aimlessly – during this recovery period drinking water lotsa lotsa water helps quite alot too! -Painkillers are an option... -Don't despair though they'll give further instructions on how best to nix this out of your life as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The aim is making sure any suspicions are confirmed...& conversely they're not worrying over nothing- erring more to the former though, that UTIs suck?!
Taking Precautionary Measures
UTIs can be incredibly irritating so don't ever pass on a good opportunity for prevention if you can. Here's our tips:
- Always wipe from front to back (always) after using the bathroom
- Avoid fragranced products around that region - yep we're talking about keeping Bath & Body Works at bay
- Drink plenty of water (yup mentioning it again!) -Vitamin C tablets and cranberry juice too-honestly take whatever steps necessary!
Final Reminder: Good Health First!
Everyone goes through health scares – its just easier when you've got someone else by your side undergoing the same thing...whether laughter or tears bond us together. Remember there's no shame in admitting uh oh I think i f'd up with my hygiene down-there area today; once corrected awe disappear! So breathe deep & remember next time maintain toiletries better....its all uphill from here!?