Helpful Ideas to Avoid Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection is one of the most serious health problems which affect millions of people all over the world. They are known to account for more visits to the doctor than anything else.

Women are more susceptible to these types of infections than men. Although either sex can suffer from serious infections if not treated. Even babies may be affected.

Only respiratory infections occur more often than urinary infections.

Urinary tract Infections (UTI) like cystitis can cause major problems in humans at any age. Many forms of cystitis are caused by bacteria living in the bowel, which is not a problem by itself. When the bacteria reaches the urethra and enters the bladder is when it can cause an infection.

The kidneys, bladder and urethra form the urinary system. The kidneys remove excess liquids and wastes from our blood in the form of urine. And it helps to keep a balance of salts and substances in our blood to produce hormones which form our red blood cells.

Infections often start when bacteria from our digestive tract normally clings to the opening of the urethra and starts to multiply. The most common type of bacteria is (E.coli) which lives in the colon.

An obstruction to the flow of urine, like a kidney stone or an enlarged prostrate gland could start an infection. Use of Catheters can add to the risk of obtaining infections.

Types of Infections

• Cystitis is an infection of our bladder
• Pyelonephritis is an infection of our kidneys
• Urethritis is an infection of our urethrea

Women who suffer from urinary tract Infections, like cystitis are likely to experience the following symptoms:

• Pain and burning sensations associated with cystitis
• Increased frequency of urination.
• The bladder feels full even after urination.
• Blood in the urine.

Avoiding Urinary Tract Infections

Contact your doctor at the first sign of a urinary infection. Obtain a specimen container from the doctor, then catch a sample mid stream (start a pee- catch some- then finish pee) Always do another pee to empty the bladder, which will reduce the infection. At least that is what the doctors have advised me to do.

I was always told to actually do a double pee. In other words once finished wait then pee again to completely empty urine out.

Make sure you take sample of urine when visiting doctor if you think you have an infection.

Sometimes one treatment is not enough, you may have to return and get another dose.

Remember - Prevention is so much better than the cure, although it is not always that simple.