Thinking about taking a week-long vacation in wine country? Or spending a month in Paris to eat amazing food? Or walking your way through temples and izakaya in Tokyo? Anyone who suffers from chronic UTIs knows that there are many additional considerations when it comes to travel.

For people who experience chronic painful bladder symptoms, travel isn’t always a positive, care-free experience. Here’s an overview on travelling when chronic UTIs are a problem:

Why traveling can be hard for chronic UTI sufferers
When you suffer from chronic UTIs, there are so many additional things to consider. Long flights or car rides, limited access to restrooms, and general disruptions to your usual habits can significantly increase the risk of developing another UTI.

Additionally, stress, varying climates and changes in diet can impact your body’s natural defenses, making it easier for bacteria to thrive and for infections to occur. Recognizing these risk factors is crucial for taking proactive steps to maintain your urinary health while away from home.

Tips for prevention UTIs while traveling
Prevention is the best cure. If you can be proactive about taking the necessary steps to avoid risk factors while traveling, that’s obviously the ideal. Most of these are simple things, like:

• Staying hydrated. Drinking water is essential for flushing out bacteria from your urinary tract. Make sure to hydrate well before and during flights or drives.
• Using the bathroom when available. Sometimes when traveling, it’s not easy to find a bathroom when we need one. So, just like we say to kids, try to use the bathroom when there is one available so you can avoid holding it in for too long.
• Bringing hygiene with you. When facing down less-than-ideal restroom facilities, it’s a good idea to carry sanitary wipes or hand sanitizer to maintain cleanliness after using.
• Dressing for success. Additionally, wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothing can keep your urinary area dry, preventing the warm, moist environment that bacteria thrive in.
• Having food alternatives handy. Yes, it’s vacation. You want to be able to indulge in food and drink. But if you notice that certain foods are problematic for you, have a plan B available. Bring along some “safe” snacks so you always have an option to avoid irritants.

What to do If you suspect a UTI while traveling
As always, recognizing the signs of a UTI early is crucial. But this is especially true while traveling. Common symptoms include a persistent urge to pee, a burning sensation while peeing, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms, take immediate action to prevent things from getting worse. Here’s how you can manage the situation while abroad:

• Research Clinics. Before you travel, spend some time researching medical facilities in your destination. It pays to know where the nearest clinic or hospital will be relative to where you’re going to be staying.
• Travel Insurance. Make sure that you have travel insurance that covers medical care abroad, including visits to a doctor or emergency room. This can alleviate the stress of potential medical costs.
• Immediate Care. If symptoms are severe, such as back pain (which could indicate a kidney infection), fever, or if you notice blood in your urine, seek immediate medical attention.
  

Over-the-counter: solutions for temporary relief
While seeking professional medical advice is crucial, there are over-the-counter remedies and strategies that can help to provide temporary relief from UTI symptoms as you arrange for a healthcare consultation.

Over-the-counter urinary pain relievers such as phenazopyridine can alleviate the burning sensation and urgency, but keep in mind that they do not treat the infection.

And while not an over-the-counter solution, increasing your water consumption can help flush out bacteria from the urinary system.

Ultimately, if you're unsure about what medications to take, consult a pharmacist. There are some countries where some antibiotics can be obtained without a prescription.

Remember, while these measures can provide temporary relief, they are not substitutes for professional medical treatment. It’s crucial to address the underlying infection to prevent further complications.

UTIs and travel: Staying healthy
Traveling should be about discovery, not discomfort. By staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and choosing the right dietary and clothing options, you can significantly reduce your risk of UTIs while on the move – and preparation is key.

It’s not fair that you have to approach traveling like this, and please never fall into thinking this is acceptable. A life that is free from chronic UTIs is within reach. Please check out The Akehurst Protocol if you’d like to learn more about the pathway there.