Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is the second most common infection in the body and causes up to 8.3 million visits to the doctor every year according to US statistics. The Chances of women suffering from UTI is 50% more than men. It is more common in post menopausal women. Though UTI is not considered as a serious condition it can cause pain and discomfort.
How is Urinary Tract Infection caused?
Generally human urine is devoid of any germs; the physiology of the Urinary system is such that the uterus and the bladder prevent the flow of urine to back towards the kidney and the flow from the bladder washes the bacteria out. In men, the prostrate secretions prevent growth of bacteria. Even with these mechanisms, UTI still occurs.
The most common cause of UTIs is bacteria from the bowel that live on the skin near the rectum or in the vagina, which can spread and enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Sexual intercourse is a common cause of urinary tract infections and the other cause is taking more time to urinate. Other factors which can increase the risk of UTI are, pregnancy, having urinary tract infections or bladder infections as a child, menopause, or diabetes.
Why women?
The prevalence of UTI is more common in females because the sources of bacterial infection like the vagina and anus are positioned close to the urinary opening. For post menopausal women, low levels of estrogen and prolapsed uterus causes incomplete emptying of urine causes infection.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, then you must consult a doctor.
- Pain or a burning during urination.
- Need to urinate frequently
- Change in the color of urine from the normal color.
- Pain or pressure in the area of pubic muscle.
- Unable to urinate properly.
To detect if you have infection, you doctor will advise you to do a urine test. After your analyzing your urine test report, your doctor will tell you if you have urinary bladder infection or no.
Ways to treat Urinary Tract Infection
Generally antibiotics are prescribed for a period of 5-6 days for the first instance of UTI. For recurrent infection, medication is recommended for 7-8 days. It is important to note that even though the pain is reduced after few days of medication, you must continue the medication until the dose ends otherwise there is a chance of reoccurrence and more discomfort.
Some other methods for relief are:
- Drinking a lot of water up to 2-3 liters helps to flush out the system.
- Drinking Coconut water helps to relieve the pain and is a traditional remedy for UTI.
- Avoid spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and acidic foodstuffs like citrus fruits and tomatoes.
- Another remedy is taking one teaspoon of baking soda with half cup of water once or twice in a day.
But by following simple tips you can prevent yourself from getting urinary infection:
- Maintaining personal hygiene will help you prevent the chances of contracting UTI. Always keep bottom clean after bowel movement and after urinating. Keep your vagina clean, wash it wild mild soap every day. Also, wash it every time after having intercourse with your partner to avoid the risk of infection.
- Drinking plenty of water, water helps to push down all the toxins from the body through urine.
- Don’t hold urine for longer time. It is advised to empty the bladder as soon you feel the urge to urinate.
- Urinating before and after sex can flush out any bacteria that may enter the urethra during sexual intercourse.
- Eat lots of fruits which give you Vitamin C, as it helps in making urine acidic and also helps to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract.
- Wear cotton panties as they don’t trap the moisture can dry easily.
