Treat and Prevent Urinary Tract Infections at Home
June 24, 2008 by
The emotion most commonly associated with frequent urinary tract infections is frustration. Urinary tract infections (UTIs, also known as bladder infections) are very common, but no fun at all. The good news is they are easy to treat and prevent, so don't panic.
WHAT IS A UTI?
A urinary tract infection is just that: an infection somewhere in the urinary tract (bladder, kidneys, urethra, ureters). They start in the lower parts of the urinary system-the urethra and the bladder. If left untreated, infections can "climb" up into your
kidneys, where they can cause definite damage.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of a urinary tract infection are usually easy to decipher. When urinating you'll probably have pain which feels like burning or cramping. There will be a lighter, thinner stream. Also watch out for blood in the urine, cloudiness, and strong smell. These three things are signs that it's starting to become serious, and you should call your doctor immediately.
When you aren't urinating, you may feel discomfort down there. Immediately after urinating, you may feel like you aren't finished, or an urge to squeeze out a few more drops, despite pain. You may feel an "itch" or severe discomfort that screams "Go, go, go!" even though you know that if you go, it'll only be a few drops. But frequent urination, though painful, will help to rinse out bacteria.
Signs that your UTI has gotten very bad are back pain, high fever, and chills. If you feel these symptoms, call your doctor and get some antibiotics.
UTIs are much more common in women then men, because the woman's urethra is so close to the anus. About half of all women will develop at least one UTI in their lifetime. Women who use diaphragms and spermicides as birth control are more prone to infection. Men usually only develop UTIs from sexual intercourse or catheters.
UTIs are caused by E. Coli bacteria, which can travel from the anus to the vagina by tight clothing, sexual activity, and poor hygiene (for even a few days).
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
WHAT IS A UTI?
A urinary tract infection is just that: an infection somewhere in the urinary tract (bladder, kidneys, urethra, ureters). They start in the lower parts of the urinary system-the urethra and the bladder. If left untreated, infections can "climb" up into your
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of a urinary tract infection are usually easy to decipher. When urinating you'll probably have pain which feels like burning or cramping. There will be a lighter, thinner stream. Also watch out for blood in the urine, cloudiness, and strong smell. These three things are signs that it's starting to become serious, and you should call your doctor immediately.
When you aren't urinating, you may feel discomfort down there. Immediately after urinating, you may feel like you aren't finished, or an urge to squeeze out a few more drops, despite pain. You may feel an "itch" or severe discomfort that screams "Go, go, go!" even though you know that if you go, it'll only be a few drops. But frequent urination, though painful, will help to rinse out bacteria.
Signs that your UTI has gotten very bad are back pain, high fever, and chills. If you feel these symptoms, call your doctor and get some antibiotics.
UTIs are much more common in women then men, because the woman's urethra is so close to the anus. About half of all women will develop at least one UTI in their lifetime. Women who use diaphragms and spermicides as birth control are more prone to infection. Men usually only develop UTIs from sexual intercourse or catheters.
UTIs are caused by E. Coli bacteria, which can travel from the anus to the vagina by tight clothing, sexual activity, and poor hygiene (for even a few days).
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
If you struggle with frequent UTIs, D-mannose can make a real difference in your life. This extremely safe, all-natural powder may enable you to treat your own infections without the expense of a doctor's visit and the side effects of prescription drugs.
By Lisa Roell Turano | Published 6/1/2005 | Read more »
This article will provide a brief overview of urinary tract infections.
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By Patti Stafford | Published 6/14/2006 | Read more »
URISTAT® is an over the counter pain reliever for the agonizing symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections. In the past, women had to have a prescription from their doctors to find relief from these symptoms, now relief is as close as their medicine cabinets.
By Amanda Thiboult | Published 7/6/2006 | Read more »
Leading to potential kidney failure and renal scarring, chronic urinary tract infections should be closely monitored by a physician. In children, the rare condition of pediatric vesicoureteral reflux may be the culprit of chronic UTIs.
By Christine Cadena | Published 7/27/2006 | Read more »
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