Urinary Tract Infection - Mainly A Womens Problem
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is probably the most common infectious disease suffered by women..
Urinary tract infections present a challenge to medicine because they are so very common and re-infections are frequent.
(Note: In some countries urinary tract infection is known as ‘cystitis'.)
The slightest indication of a urinary tract infection needs to be delt with promptly as many health problems can result from chronic or repeated urinary tract infections and there are also real concerns about the developing resistance to the antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections.
For women a urinary tract infection can be painful, uncomfortable, embarrassing and worrying. Unfortunately women usually get more urinary tract infections than men although UTI is not uncommon among men.
.It's A Matter Of Anatomy
The reason women experience a far higher incidence of urinary tract infections than men basically results of the differences in the anatomical arrangement of men and women. Also men have a little known advantage that helps them ward off urinary tract infections.
- Firstly the anatomical reasons why women suffer from urinary tract infections more often than men. The tube (urethra) that takes urine from the bladder out of the body is shorter in woman than it is in men. This allows bacteria easier access into the bladder simply because it is a shorter distance for bacteria to migrate.
- The second main reason is that a woman's urethra ends relatively close to the rectum whereas in men the urethra ends at the tip of the penis, well away from the rectum. Despite good hygiene practices it is relatively easy for bacteria to migrate to the entrance of the urethra and thus find their way into it. A third reason is that during intercourse bacteria sometimes get pushed into the entrance of a women's urethra.
- There are non-infectious urinary tract problems also that may be due to allergies, injury or other conditions such as swelling within the urinary tract. Sometimes the problem may be caused by a ‘low grade' infection of glands within the urethral tract that does not always show up in tests although antibiotics are usually effective in treating this problem. A reoccurring infection may be due to a low grade, often undetectable, infection which may not be contagious but may be associated with intercourse.
- There may be a hormonal imbalance.
It's A Men's Problem Too
Men can get a urinary tract infection from poor hygiene so hand washing is important. Having sex with a woman who, knowingly or unknowingly, carries the relevant bacteria might also infect her partner. The male ejaculation should flush the urethra clean but infection can still be transferred. Conversely, UTI bacteria can be spread by men too so personal hygiene is important and the use of a condom recommended with new partners.
The Men's Advantage
Men, particularly those under the age of about 50, have an advantage over woman when it comes to avoiding urinary tract infections.
Men's' urine contains a small amount of fluid that is secreted from their prostate gland. This fluid has a natural anti-bacterial property that makes it difficult, but not impossible, for bacteria to survive the journey from urethra entrance to bladder.
The rate of UTI among elderly men and women is about equal.
Your Genetics Play A Part Too
Some people seem to be genetically predisposed to getting urinary tract infections and despite fastidious hygiene urinary tract infections can occur 3 or 4 times a year. Treatment is usually pretty straight forward and fast acting but the regular re-infection is distressing and not good for the unfortunate sufferer as it can lead to damage within the urinary tract and kidneys. Why UTI may have a genetic origin is not clear but it is nothing to do with hygiene and may be more to do with the stickiness of the urethral lining that allows bacteria to cling on.
Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
The symptoms of UTI vary with age and the severity of the infection.
- Troublesome pain or a burning feeling when passing urine
- The need to urinate frequently, sometimes with the urge coming on suddenly
- A feeling of pressure in your lower abdomen
- Your urine might look cloudy or amber colored and it may have a strong smell. The colour may be due to blood in your urine.
- As the infection develops you will feel unwell and this is often an early warning that an infection is present somewhere in the body
- In some case you may not be unable urinate despite the urge to
- There is not necessarily a vaginal discharge and there may not be pain
If the infection has spread to the bladder as opposed to being contained within the urethra then there can be additional symptoms such as:
- Pain in the side of your abdomen between your hip and lower rib or even in the lower back region.
- You may have a fever (elevated temperature)
- For children the symptoms can include loss of appetite, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, incontinence and abdominal pain.
What Is The Urinary System
The urinary system consists principally of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The ureter
is the tube that takes waste from the kidney to the bladder and the urethra is the tube that takes urine from the bladder and exits it from the body during the act of micturition, also known as urination, passing water etc. If left untreated urinary tract infection can travel from the urethra into the bladder and then find its way right up to the kidneys. It is important that any suspected UTI be treated promptly!
Think You Have A Urinary Tract Infection ?
If you think you have a UTI, it is important to see your doctor. The Doctor will test a sample of your urine and antibiotics will usually clean the infection up quickly. One or two days is a typical time for the drugs to work although you should complete the course of antibiotics prescribed. A low dose antibiotic may be prescribed to be taken after having sex if your UTI seems to be associated with intercourse.
Preventing Urinary Tract Infections
- Drink plenty of water so your kidneys can produce urine enough to keep your urinary tract well flushed out.
- Don't hold on. Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the need.
- Wipe from front to back after bowel movements.
- Urinate after having sex to help wash away bacteria.
- Use enough lubrication during sex.
- If you get urinary tract infections often, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm as a birth control method.
- Go to the Doctor as soon as you have any symptoms and complete any antibiotic course prescribed
Urinary Tract Infections are no fun and you don't need put up with them. If you think you might have a urinary tract problem visit your Doctor promptly and drink plenty of water.
For more information and a suggested natural treatment visit my health blog.
Ian Miller
Health Writer
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