- We are often asked this question- Do men also get UTIs? Although UTIs occur more frequently among women, men tackle Urinary Tract Infections too.
- Conditions related to the urinary tract can be extremely discomforting. UTIs plague men globally, and many a time may be challenging to get rid of.
- In several cases, antibiotics are the prescribed medicines for UTIs in males to get temporary relief from this condition. However, it is best to correct the root cause of the issue to make sure men don't face RUTIs- also known as recurrent UTIs.
- Your immune system, in such cases, must be robust. Yoga does not only help ward off UTIs, but Yoga for immunity is incredibly beneficial. Your body's ability to fight infections and unwanted bacteria becomes more robust if you have a healthy immune system.
- This blog explains how Yoga, an ancient Indian discipline and tradition, can alleviate the overall pain men experience due to urine issues daily. Men have another burning question- "Can I work out with UTI?" We are here to answer that too. Read on to find out more about the topic.
Also read: Top effective Yoga poses for knee pain and arthritis
An Overview of Yoga for Urinary Tract Infection or UTI
What is a UTI? It is an infection of any part of the urinary tract, such as the kidneys, the urethra, or the bladder. An infection of the bladder can be hurtful. If the infection spreads over to the kidneys, it could be quite dangerous. Yoga poses for UTI can help tone your abdominal muscles, effectively preventing future infections.
Also read: 5 Simple Yoga Exercises to Stop Snoring
Signs & Symptoms of UTI
Some common symptoms of UTIs or signs of UTI are:
- A burning sensation when you pass urine
- A constant urge to urinate
- Cloudy or musty urine
- Passing small and frequent amounts of urine
- Urine that has a strong, foul odor
- Pelvic pain among men
Apart from taking the help of antibiotic medicines, practicing Yoga can help with UTI symptoms among males. Read on to discover Yoga mudras for Urinary Tract Infections:
Yoga Poses for Urine Infection
Managing UTI through Yoga is committed to restoring depleted energy in the body's urinary system. When the root cause of an underlying UTI is eradicated, infections can no longer get a foothold in your urinary passage.
Mentioned below are some Yoga Asanas for UTI that provide relief. Please make sure to perform these daily for maximum results.
Surya Namaskara
It is the most critical "Pranic Regenerator." When is the best time to perform this asana? During sunrise for maximum benefit. It is not called the sun salutation without reason. Try to complete all 12 rounds of these cyclical yoga asanas and build more repetitions with time. These asanas focus on varied muscle groups and nerves of the male body.
Benefits
It tones all parts of your body, like your thighs, legs, stomach, and abdomen.
Side Tips - Stretch out your entire body, from the heels to the tips of your fingers.
Precaution: Do not perform too many repetitions if you are a beginner.
Pranayama
This asana is also called the Yogic breath of fire. Another name for it is Bhastrika Pranayama. It restores the overall energy of the body. The fast inhalation and exhalation of air required to perform this asana give your body a much-needed boost, rejuvenating you to your core.
Benefits
Perform the Pranayama in combination with other meditation poses to regulate the blood circulation throughout your body.
Side Tip - Concentrate on your breathing pattern. Do not restrict or force your breath.
Shatkriyas
Nauli Kriya is an asana performed for the lower abdomen. Targeting the pelvic zone, it purges all internal impurities, all while toning the abdominal muscles.
Benefits
These Yoga for UTI asanas help get rid of harmful toxins from the body and clear out your digestive systems. It is easy to spot the signs of an unhealthy gut. Make sure to be perceptive and nip them in the bud before they get worse.
Side Tip - Perform early in the morning for best results.
Chair Pose or Utkatasana
This yoga pose strengthens the pelvic floor muscles along with the male digestive system. Sometimes, one tends to overlook the linkages between Indian food and gut health. However, through this asana, the gut is cleared, and bladder muscles are activated. This helps with UTI treatment considerably. It is important to note that this asana does not put any pressure on the tailbone. Hence, it is safe to be practiced by men with lower back problems.
Benefits
It rejuvenates your digestive system, urinary system and aids heart health. Moreover, it is also therapeutic for flat feet.
Side Tip - Maintain a slight arch of your body to perform this asana to the best of your ability.
Triangle Pose or Trikonasana
This yoga asana for UTI gives strength to your legs, knees, arms, chest, and ankles.
Benefits
It helps in stretching the areas like the pelvis, groin, hips, and lower abdomen. It strengthens the urinary system of the body.
Side Tip - Do not perform if you have severe neck, back, or shoulder pain.
Squat Pose or Malasana
Malasana helps with calming your body and senses while reinforcing the lower body and digestion.
Benefits
It can provide immense relief with UTI conditions as it helps in stretching the lower back and groin and toning the abdominal muscles.
Side Tip - Ensure you use your buttock to go down and not your knees.
Also read: Yoga mudras and asanas to increase sperm count naturally
Conclusion
All the asanas mentioned here provide relief for UTIs among men and help stretch and strengthen your body. Your pelvic floor muscles and digestive systems are also benefited by these Yoga poses for UTI. The importance of gut health is also paramount in your treatment. The best part? You are not required to perform these poses for extensive long hours. Just a few minutes, daily, and your infection is sure to reduce, giving you positive results. For more information on Yoga for UTI and its effects on your body, make sure to consult an expert on the topic.
References
- Suhas Vinchurkar, Dhananjay Arankalle, December 2014; Integrating Yoga Therapy in the Management of Urinary Incontinence: A Case Report - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270002773_Integrating_Yoga_Therapy_in_the_Management_of_Urinary_Incontinence_A_Case_Report
- Urology Experts; 3 Best Yoga Poses for Urinary Incontinence - https://urologyexperts.com/3-best-yoga-poses-urinary-incontinence/
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Bladder Control Problems (Urinary Incontinence) - https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems?dkrd=/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-control-problems-men