A UTI is a common bacterial invasion of the urinary system. It’s a total buzzkill but common, affecting up to 4 in 10 females at some point.
When you’re dealing with fiery crotch discomfort, intimate moments usually aren’t a top priority. But can you get frisky during a UTI if the mood strikes?
Nope, it’s a bad idea! Any sexual activity during a UTI can irritate, hurt, and introduce more bacteria into your urethra. It’s an invitation for the infection to stay and party longer. Instead, pause the passion and seek advice and treatment from your doc.
Continue reading to learn more about the safety and risks of sex if you have a UTI.
Tanja Ivanova/Getty Images
Can I have sex if I have a UTI?
It’s not the best idea to have sex with a UTI, and for good reason. Why? Because when you’re battling a UTI, your urinary tract is already under bacterial siege.
All sorts of sexual activity pose an additional risk during a UTI because fingers, tongues, and throbbing thrill hammers (skin or plastic) can force bacteria further into the urethra. Think of it as sending reinforcements to the enemy camp, and that’s the last thing you want. It can exacerbate the infection and hinder the healing process.
So, for your well-being and a speedier recovery, it’s wise to pause intimacy and consult with your doctor for proper guidance and treatment. Your urinary tract will thank you later.
UTI prevention tips
When UTIs are in the picture, romantic rendezvous should be off the table. But fear not, because some savvy moves can help prevent future infections. Here are a few:
Stay hydrated:Sip on that H2O like it’s your job. Staying well-hydrated helps flush bacteria out of your urinary tract.
Pee before and after sex: Make a beeline for the bathroom before and after getting down and dirty. Emptying your bladder can help expel any bacteria that might have hitched a ride. Also, remember to pee regularly and don’t hold yourself in for too long.
Wipe front to back: When you’re in the restroom, always remember the golden rule – wipe from front to back to avoid bacteria from the booty getting anywhere near your urethra.
Practice good sex hygiene: Scrub your nails, clean your hands, and wash your crotch before thinking about sex! You should also wash anything that’s touched buttholes before it goes elsewhere. If you have anal sex, change condoms before entering other orifices. You don’t want to spread backdoor bacteria.
Take probiotics: These helpful bacteria may help keep the urinary tract free from their harmful counterparts. Lactobacillus, in particular, may help treat and prevent UTIs, according to 2017 research.
Drink cranberry juice:Research confirms that cranberry juice is an effective treatment for UTIs has found it to be effective. So, if you feel symptoms developing, reach for a glass.
Use alternative contraception: Diaphragms, unlubricated condoms, and spermicide can raise the risk of bladder infections. If you have regular UTIs, chat with your doctor about suitable alternatives.
When to see a doctor
Often, you can banish a UTI with self-care measures. But when is it time to pick up that phone and dial your doctor? Here’s what to look out for:
UTI symptoms persist: If you’ve had telltale UTI symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urges to pee, or cloudy, bloody urine, and they haven’t improved after a day or two, it’s time to reach out to your healthcare professional.
Pain or fever escalates: If pain escalates, or if you develop a fever – which could be a sign that the infection is spreading to your kidneys – don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.
Recurrent UTIs: Talk to your doctor if you get UTIs on the reg. They can help identify any underlying issues that might make you more susceptible.
Special cases: For pregnant or immunocompromised folks with suspected UTIs, it’s essential to see a doctor promptly, as these cases may require specialized care.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to UTIs. So, if you’re unsure or your symptoms are taking an unwelcome turn, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor for expert guidance and treatment.
Takeaway
UTIs are common, especially if you’re female. If you develop symptoms, it’s best to drink lots of water and ask your doctor for advice.
And while you’re on the path to recovery, it’s a good idea to put a temporary hold on any romantic escapades. Prioritizing your health and well-being should, instead, be what comes first!
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/can-i-have-sex-if-i-have-a-uti
Free bleeding can feel like menstrual trailblazing — a bold rebellion against stigma and the period product industry.
While it can be liberating, there are challenges to consider. Maintaining hygiene can be tricky, and the occasional leak or stain can be inconvenient. But with frequent bathroom visits and period-friendly underwear, you can keep the crimson wave in check.
Here’s what to know about free bleeding and its potential risks and benefits.
Megan Madden
What is free bleeding?
At its core, free bleeding is about allowing your menstrual flow to do its thing without using tampons, pads, or menstrual cups. But there’s a bigger picture.
Free bleeding aims to change the conversation surrounding “that” time of the month. It’s a multifaceted move that:
Empowers you. Take back the narrative! It’s your body, your flow, and you can reclaim control in a society that often shames or hides menstruation.
Breaks taboos. Free bleeding can challenge taboos and the stigma surrounding menstruation that has been hanging around for way too long.
Challenges the status quo. No need for pricey menstrual products that are still subjected to luxury-level sales tax. By free bleeding, you’re taking a stance against the hefty profits raked in by corporate giants.
Champions period poverty. In a world where 1 in 3 people miss work or school due to period poverty, free bleeding is a call for equality. Managing periods is a right, not a privilege.
So, when you embrace free bleeding, you’re not just celebrating your beautiful body — you’re also joining a red rag rebellion!
Benefits of free bleeding
Free bleeding has many advantages. Here are a few:
Embrace your flow: Free bleeding encourages you to sync up with your body’s unique rhythms, empowering you to understand your menstrual needs better.
Save money: Say goodbye to costly tampons and pads, leaving you with extra cash for things you love.
Support the environment: If you’re into eco-friendly choices, free bleeding is a great option. It’s a sustainable option that reduces the environmental impact of disposable period products.
Normalize menstruation: By challenging societal taboos, free bleeding opens the door to candid conversations about menstruation, helping to break down barriers and promote understanding.
No TSS risk: Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a potentially life-threatening condition that’s been linked to tampons. Although the risk is small, with free bleeding, the risk drops to almost zero.
Pro tip: A little prep can make all the difference. Try free bleeding out on your lightest days and when you can be home. See how you feel. You don’t have to go all out at first, but if you choose to, carrying some spare clothing can help boost your confidence.
Is free bleeding safe?
Free bleeding is safe for most people. However, there are a few hygiene considerations to keep in mind.
The main concern is the possibility of menstrual blood coming into contact with clothing, bedding, and other surfaces. Blood, including menstrual blood, could carry viruses like hepatitis C and B, which can hang around in the environment for several days to weeks.
So, when it comes to free bleeding in public, you might want to take some precautions to protect your surroundings and personal comfort levels.
Can you free-bleed in period underwear?
Yep, you can free-bleed in period undies. That said, for many, free bleeding is a rebellion against menstrual products and their high prices.
Period undies are just like regular, natural-feeling underwear but with some extra monthly magic sewn in. They’re an ingenious invention that offers an extra layer of protection and keeps you dry and comfy.
Takeaway
Free bleeding puts the power back where it belongs — in your capable hands. It’s your show, your stage, and your flow.
If you’d like to give it a try, pick lighter days when Aunt Flo isn’t in full concert mode and test the (red) waters in the comfort of your own home. Period panties could also be a valuable investment.
But hey, even if you’re not hopping on the free-bleeding bandwagon, just having these conversations about breaking period taboos is a step in the right direction.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/free-bleeding
Ahh, nothing quite like waking up to a fresh forehead breakout. But before you cut yourself some bangs to hide it (step away from the scissors!), you may want to get to the root of the prob.
Here’s what to know.
What causes forehead acne?
Learning about the causes of forehead acne can help you stay away from some of the common triggers.
Hormones
It’s no secret that raging hormones can contribute to acne, whether it’s during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy. Hormone surges cause oil production to spike, which may be to blame for your forehead woes.
Stress
Acne and stress are also strongly linked, thanks to an uptick in cortisol and adrenalin.
Genes
Some peeps are more prone to oily skin and breakouts than others. Your genes may also impact how solid your immune system is when it comes to combating acne.
Hair oils and products
Watch out for hair products like hairspray, gel, and mousse. They might make your hair look great, but they could be clogging your pores, especially if they contain oil. Even shampoo and conditioner can lead to tiny acne-like bumps around the hairline.
Makeup or skincare
Makeup or skin care products can also cause breakouts on your face. But since your T-zone tends to be the oiliest, you may notice more probs around your forehead, nose, and upper cheeks.
Clothing, pillowcases, etc.
A beanie, scarf, or hat can also potentially cause irritation and breakouts, especially if your skin is sensitive or the item is unwashed. The same goes for not-so-clean pillowcases.
Touching your face
Okay, you’ve heard this one before. But it’s true! So, no face-palming, even if you really want to. 🤦♀️
How to treat forehead acne
Treating P. acne vulgaris on your forehead is p. much like treating it anywhere else on your face and may include:
Cleansing. Use a cleanser at least twice daily to minimize inflammation and keep excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria at bay.
Visit a derm. If your breakouts don’t go away after about 6 months of at-home treatment, it may be time for a professional opinion.
How to prevent forehead acne
To avoid pimple probs down the road, here’s what to try:
Check ingredients. Stick to oil-free or non-comedogenic skincare products.
Skip certain styling products altogether. To prevent forehead acne caused by hair products, skip hairspray or gel in the forehead area. If you can’t avoid using them, cleanse your forehead with a washcloth after application to minimize product buildup.
Keep your hair clean (and maybe off your face). It’s totally understandable if you don’t wanna kiss your fringe goodbye. At the very least, washing your hair regularly with an oil-free shampoo should help avoid greasy hair that can cause acne.
Wash whatever touches your face. Wash your pillowcases every 1–2 weeks and clean your hats, glasses, and headbands on the reg to prevent bacteria buildup and other problems.
Stop touching your forehead. If you have acne, then you’ve heard this one before. But listen to the pros: Try to avoid touching your face, especially if you haven’t washed your hands. The oil and dirt from your hands can clog pores in no time.
Breathe in, breathe out. Since stress is known to contribute to acne, practicing relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or yoga may help you chill out and avoid breakouts. Regular exercise can also help you let off some steam.
Takeaway
Hair products, greasy hair, makeup, hats, oh my! There are a lot of things that can potentially cause forehead acne to flare up.
To prevent forehead zits, cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and use acne treatment with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Keep your hair and skin product-free from oil, and wash your pillowcases regularly to prevent future pimples.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/why-is-my-forehead-breaking-out
While we cannot promise you a cure for queefing (because there is none!), we can point you in the direction of an exercise as old as time that may help prevent queefing for certain vagina owners — Kegels!
Kegels are the go-to exercise for boosting pelvic floor power, AKA they help strengthen the muscles around your bladder, bowels, and uterus.
You can perform Kegels by simply engaging (squeezing) your pelvic muscles for a few seconds, getting in a few reps throughout the day. You can also find machines at your gym that guide you to engage your pelvic muscles or use one at home (it’s usually called a “thigh master,” and it requires pelvic squeezing, which should do the trick).
So, if you’re one of the folks with a less-than-mighty pelvic floor, you may find you queef less often after Kegeling on the reg.
But again, it’s not a fool-proof plan to remove queefs from the picture. Remember, queefing is nothing to blush at — it’s natural and part of vagina-livin’.
How can I prevent queefing during sex?
Unfortch, you can’t exactly sneak your way out of queefing during sex. And queefing during sex is not a sign that you’re doing it wrong.
But in theory, you could try having sex that requires the least amount of vaginal opening, which means less air flowing into your vagina and a lessened chance of air releasing in a queef.
But is avoiding queefs worth potentially boring sex? Most of us would vote not.
Do queefs smell?
Nope.
Everyone’s sh*t stinks (well, maybe not Beyoncé’s). So farts, which involve our digestive system working its way out our booties, usually have that famously unpopular odor.
Queefs, on the other hand, are not farts (again, it’s just trapped air), so they don’t leave a scent trace behind — just a sound wave we can learn to love.
Takeaway
Queefing is part of life and is pretty much unavoidable. Yes, you can kegel to your heart’s desire to boost your pelvic floor power, but it’s not a proven method for eliminating queefs from your life.
Queefs are trapped air grooving its way out of your vagina and back out into the world. Pay it no mind or have a laugh at it, and don’t let it kill a good time.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/what-is-a-queef
We are getting sicker every day from cheap, addictive junk food. The food industry approaches food as “engineering projects,” with the end goal of creating “heavy users”—a disturbing internal term used by food manufacturers that helps them make as much money as possible at the expense of public health. It’s time we take a look at the intentional manipulation of our taste buds and the politics that support these practices.
In today’s episode, I talk with Michael Moss, Dhru Purohit, Calley Means, and Nina Teicholz about the formula to get you addicted to junk food and the money spent to influence you to buy more.
Michael Moss is a New York Times investigative reporter turned food-focused journalist, Pulitzer Prize winner for Explanatory Reporting, and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us as well as the book Hooked: Food and Free Will, focused around food and addiction.
Dhru Purohit is a podcast host, serial entrepreneur, and investor in the health and wellness industry. His podcast, The Dhru Purohit Podcast, is a top 50 global health podcast with over 30 million unique downloads. His interviews focus on the inner workings of the brain and the body and feature the brightest minds in wellness, medicine, and mindset.
Calley Means is the co-founder of TrueMed, a company that enables Americans to buy exercise equipment and healthy food with FSA/HSA dollars. He is also the co-author (with his sister, Dr. Casey Means) of an upcoming book on food-as-medicine. Earlier in his career, he was a consultant for food and pharma companies and is now exposing practices they use to weaponize our institutions of trust. He is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Business School.
Nina Teicholz is a science journalist and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Big Fat Surprise, which upended the conventional wisdom on dietary fat–especially saturated fat—and spurred a new conversation about whether these fats in fact cause heart disease.
This episode is brought to you by Rupa University, AG1, ButcherBox, and Seed.
Rupa University is hosting FREE classes and bootcamps for healthcare providers who want to learn more about Functional Medicine testing. Sign up at RupaUniversity.com.
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