Men can now experience the pain women feel after contracting a UTI

A new sauce has been created which replicates the excruciating symptoms of UTIs – a condition that disproportionately impacts women but is often misunderstood or downplayed by men. 'Feel The Burn' is the work of self-testing brand Newfoundland Diagnostics to educate people who are less susceptible to UTIs.

More than two thirds of men believe UTIs are not painful, as men account for around 20% of all cases. Women are 30 times more likely than men to experience a UTI - with 1.8m hospital admissions involving UTIs in England in the past five years.

UTIs are often misunderstood, with sufferers struggling to communicate the burning irritation and discomfort. Many women report having their UTI symptoms dismissed or downplayed by doctors.

Newfoundland Diagnostics aims to educate those who have never experienced a UTI about the excruciating and irritating burning sensation an infection can cause to encourage conversation and change perception.

The 'Feel the Burn' sauce contains a blend of fiery chilli peppers, including the world’s hottest chilli Carolina Reaper to replicate the burning sensations sufferers describe. Naga and Scotch Bonnet have also been added to induce moderate burning sensations, as well as star anise to create a lingering, prolonged burn reminiscent of UTI symptoms. The sauce is topped off with cranberry juice; a much-debated home remedy for UTIs.

From June 24, a free bottle of 'Feel The Burn' Hot Sauce will be included with every UTI test purchased from Newfoundland Diagnostics’ online store. Tests and hot sauces will also be available to purchase from Brixton Village food market Guzzl, while supplies last.

Michael Hodnett, Co-Founder of Newfoundland Diagnostics, said: "Too often, women suffering from UTIs have their symptoms and experience dismissed, leading to frustration and, in some cases, misdiagnosis. Our 'Feel the Burn' campaign has been developed to be a fun yet impactful way to raise awareness around this serious issue, encourage empathy and get the nation to test and not ignore symptoms.”

Steve Rushton, Founder of Lazy Scientist, which worked to create the sauce, said: "The chilli peppers and other botanical ingredients in this sauce work together in precise ratios to accurately recreate that unmistakable UTI burn. We want to provide an experience that helps people who have never suffered a UTI understand what their friends and loved ones are going through."

Renowned medical broadcaster and Newfoundland Diagnostics ambassador, Dr. Hilary Jones, said: “UTIs should not be taken lightly. While often regarded as a common infection that disproportionately impacts women, if left untreated, a UTI can lead to serious kidney infections and even life-threatening blood infections.

“We must all do better to take even the most common of infections seriously, as well as be empathetic to the experiences of others, especially within a medical context.”

For information on ‘Feel the Burn' Hot Sauce and UTI self-testing, visit https://www.newfoundland.io/