Conception and UTI

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infections that affect women. In many cases, women suffer minor symptoms of a UTI without even realizing they have the infection. The most common symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
• Burning sensation on passing urine
• Unpleasant/strong smelling urine

Urinary infections are a result of an overgrowth of bacteria in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. Fortunately, once identified, the problem is easily treated with a short course of antibiotics. The most common way to test for an UTI is by providing a urine sample, which is tested for the presence of protein, nitrates, leucocytes, and blood.

Conception and UTI: Doesn’t Have to Cause Problems

There are known links between sexually transmitted infections and the inability to conceive, however, this is caused by damage to the reproductive organs from infection, not the presence of the infection itself.

In the case of conception and UTI, there are no obvious harmful effects of the bacterial infection. Most women who are experience a UTI while trying to conceive are unlikely to experience problems directly related to the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract. The most important factor is to ensure that the infection is quickly identified and treated. Any untreated infection can lead to even more unpleasant and unnecessary symptoms.

There have been links between UTIs during pregnancy and subsequent premature birth and birth defects, but there is very little information showing a link betweem UTIs and conception problems. The use of antibiotics while trying to conceive also appears to have no direct negative impact. Many women are treated for UTIs and similar infections while trying to conceive and many are known to conceive at the time treatment is being received.

Ways to Avoid UTIs

The best way to avoid problems associated with conception and UTIs is to take preventative steps to avoid UTIs in the first place. Some easy to follow tips include:

• Increase water intake – drink plenty of water to ensure the urinary system is flushed out and free from any lingering bacteria.
• Don’t douche – douching can cause irritation to the genitals and urinary tract and subsequently trap bacteria. The use of perfumed or scented products can also cause problems.
• Pee when you need to – never wait too long before emptying the bladder. Leaving urine stagnant in the bladder can increase the risk of bacteria accumulation.
• Wipe from front to back – this is always advisable to prevent bacteria from the back passage being transmitted to the urethral opening.
• Keep clothing loose – wearing tight clothing on your bottom half (particularly man-made fibers) can allow moisture to collect and encourage unwanted bacteria.

Recurrent UTIs

Some women are more prone to UTI than others, however, repeated episodes are certainly worth getting checked out since this can be an indication of a more serious problem such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is a common cause of infertility and some women experience problems trying to conceive when they have had or are suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease. Although UTIs can be easily treated with a short course of antibiotics, women with PID or similar problems need to make sure that the symptoms and cause are fully investigated.

Maximizing Conception Potential

Couples trying to conceive need to be as healthy as possible. Managing potential problems such as UTIs and other infections is also important to address all areas of physical health. Maximizing conception potential can be easily done if each person makes an effort to get fit and healthy by eating a balanced diet, keeping to a ‘healthy weight,’ and cutting down or, preferably, stopping habits such as smoking and the intake of alcohol.

In some cases, women suffer UTIs despite efforts to reduce the incidence. When an infection is unavoidable, the health measures mentioned above can be taken, which can be entirely controlled by the individual trying to conceive.