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Health

UTI and cotton pants

(43 Posts)
Elbelle Tue 20-May-25 16:22:47

I am 73 and had a UTI last year after a long journey during the very hot spell in June. I am suffering one now after driving at the weekend for about 3 hours. I thought I was wearing baggy enough trousers to not 'overheat' - it will be a dress next time I travel!
I have always worn cotton pants though some are 95%cotton and 5%elastene but the cotton gussets are really too smallblush Does anyone know of 100% cotton knickers with a reasonably sized gusset? I'm a 14. so pretty average size.

Cossy Tue 20-May-25 16:23:51

Sloggis?

keepingquiet Tue 20-May-25 17:23:36

I'm sure someone asked a similar question quite recently...

loopyloo Tue 20-May-25 17:32:07

I think it's how much you drink as well. Easy not to be sufficiently hydrated.

Samsara1 Tue 20-May-25 19:54:22

How about a nice big comfy pad for journeys rather than knikers that disappear upwards...more water than you think you need.

Lathyrus3 Tue 20-May-25 20:15:19

If it’s a UTI then it’s what it says -an infection of bacteria.
You can’t get it from “overheating”.

Cotton might feel more comfortable. It won’t prevent infection.

Are you sure it’s infection and not irritation?

NotSpaghetti Tue 20-May-25 21:44:36

Here is the NHS info on UTIs.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/#:~:text=Urinary%20tract%20infections%20(UTIs)%20are,kidneys%20and%20cause%20an%20infection.

I also don't think it's your underwear to be honest.
Pretty miserable though!
flowers

Elbelle Tue 20-May-25 21:45:48

' Overheating' my term for sweatinghmm Lathyrus 3 which can foster infection. Cotton absorbs moisture better than other fabrics so helps reduce the risk of infection, so I have been advised.

Lathyrus3 Tue 20-May-25 21:52:17

Oh yes, ideal for cultivating an infection but the bacteria have to be there in the first place.

What I mean is have you had a sample tested for bacteria or are we just talking about feeling irritated “down there”?

Cotton knickers might help with irritation but cure an infection.

Elbelle Wed 21-May-25 06:13:34

Lathyrus 3 thanks for getting back. I have been tested.
I must have read all there is to read about UTI'S and discussed it with my doctor. I am looking at ways to help prevent a future infection which is more common as we age. I am aware of the do's and don’ts regarding prevention as discussed on the NHS website.
Some cotton pants seem expensive so I was also looking for recommendations before purchasing. I will try sloggis though.
Thanks everyone for your replies.

Sparklefizz Wed 21-May-25 08:38:46

I'm a fan of Sloggi's. Yes, they're expensive but are very comfortable, they keep their shape and they last for ages.

Scribbles Wed 21-May-25 08:50:26

Wirapa cotton knickers have a gusset that won't cut you in half. Several different styles and available through Amazon.

granfromafar Wed 21-May-25 09:04:11

Have just looked at the Sloggi website, and some of their products are made from modal, a semi-synthetic textile made from beech tree pulp. It's supposed to be eco-friendly. Just a word if warning, in case you thought that their products are all cotton.

ecci53 Wed 21-May-25 13:48:47

I had a lot of UTIs a few years ago. I did a lot of research into treatments and discovered D-Mannose. This is a supplement, easily available online.
It is a type of sugar which cannot be used by the body and is excreted through the kidneys.
Most UTIs are caused by a bacterium called E. Coli.
Once the D-Mannose passes into the bladder, these bacteria stick to it instead of sticking to the bladder wall. They are then passed out when you do a wee.
I have been taking it for over 5 years and have had no UTIs in that time. Previously, I was getting 4 or 5 a year, utterly miserable.

Jessica1112 Wed 21-May-25 14:25:01

I used to work in urology ward. Cranberry tablets were advised by Urologist to be of help. They are much better than cranberry juice as they are stronger. Hydration is important, cotton pants also help. Going knickerless when possible but not on a windy day blush

Browncow Wed 21-May-25 14:29:23

Post menopausal women are also prone to UTIs due to being oestrogen deficient. I have suffered from frequent UTIs myself. Have you discussed being prescribed some topical oestrogen by your GP?

arum Wed 21-May-25 14:36:34

I second the D-Mannose. Works for me. And when my dog had an infection, she did well on D-Mannose and parsley tea. In fact, she drank the parsley tea as if she knew it was good for her.

cc Wed 21-May-25 15:38:21

I got some really nice "big pants" from Asda, white cotton with a little bit of lycra. I always buy a big size so that I can give them a hot wash and tumble dry them.

Suzejp Wed 21-May-25 16:23:15

Have a look at m and s period knickers
I used them if I'm going out

granfromafar Wed 21-May-25 16:52:43

ecci53

I had a lot of UTIs a few years ago. I did a lot of research into treatments and discovered D-Mannose. This is a supplement, easily available online.
It is a type of sugar which cannot be used by the body and is excreted through the kidneys.
Most UTIs are caused by a bacterium called E. Coli.
Once the D-Mannose passes into the bladder, these bacteria stick to it instead of sticking to the bladder wall. They are then passed out when you do a wee.
I have been taking it for over 5 years and have had no UTIs in that time. Previously, I was getting 4 or 5 a year, utterly miserable.

ecci53, where to you buy your D-mannose from? I could only find it in a local health food store, and it was quite expensive.
I have also been prescribed Estriol cream, so hopefully that will help too.

InTheCove Wed 21-May-25 17:19:19

Wearing a panty liner and changing it every 1-2 hours may help to keep the bacteria at bay.

mabon1 Wed 21-May-25 19:27:44

Cotton knicker will never cure a UTI, have you had your urine tested?

Frogs Wed 21-May-25 19:29:46

I like the 100% cotton knickers from eBay.
D-Mannose is mentioned on the NHS website about UTIs. I bought some from Amazon as posters on Gransnet said these are the original and stronger. I tried some when I had symptoms and the symptoms did clear up although I wasn’t tested so not sure if I had a UTI or not in that occasion.

JacquiOh Wed 21-May-25 19:44:34

Do you have a bidet or douche spray? Use water only and give yourself a goodly spray after going to the loo. Dab dry. Also, before sexual activity, make your partner wash hands, and go to the loo for a wee after sex.
Good luck.

Boolya Wed 21-May-25 20:17:57

If you find that you leak a lot, then consider Always pants. They are comfy, but despite their ad saying to the contrary, the surface is not dry after being soaked with water or wee. Tena pants were not so good.
My husband uses a single use catheter. D-Mannose was suggested to him and he now takes 3 tablets a day. Not had a UTI for ages. It does something to the sugars in the urine I believe. Get it from Amazon on a 2 monthly delivery.