Why do I keep getting UTIS?

You’re not the only one feeling the sting. Urinary tract infections are incredibly common, and account for 25% of bacterial infections in women. In fact, half of us will suffer symptoms – including pain while weeing, cloudy urine (sometimes with blood) and feeling the frequent urge to go – at some point in our lives. ‘Most often, UTIS are caused by the organisms in faeces entering the urinary tract,’ says GP Dr Chintal Patel. ‘This can happen if you aren’t keeping clean after emptying your bowels, or you’re not wiping front to back.’ Rudimentary toilet habits aside, how you wash is important, too. ‘Clean with water and avoid perfumed products around that area, take showers instead of baths and wear loose cotton underwear,’ she adds. ‘Plus, never hold in your wee – empty your bladder when you need to – and always urinate after sex, as intercourse ups your risk.’ And, PSA: UTIS are treated with antibiotics, not over-the-counter solutions or cranberry juice. See a GP if your symptoms haven’t abated after two days – or straight away if you’re pregnant.