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Women are more likely to Experience an Urinary Tract Infection than Men
Urinary Tract infections
At some point or another most women will experience the pain and discomfort
associated with a urinary tract infection or UTI. Urinary Tract Infections are
in fact one of the most common infections that occur in young women. Women's health surveys indicate more than
50 percent of women will report having a UTI at some point in their life.
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A UTI can range in severity from infection of the bladder (cystitis) to
infection of the kidney (pyelonephritis), a much more severe form of UTI that
may cause severe complications. Most patients that have a UTI will have cystitis
that can be treated effectively with a short regimen of antibiotics.
The Biology of an Urinary Tract Infection
The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, bladder and urethra. Bacteria
sometimes enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing an infection or UTI.
Most of these infections are confined to the bladder, however in certain cases
the bacteria can travel up to the kidneys causing a more severe infection.
Women are much more likely to contract a UTI than men. This may be due to the
fact that the urethral opening to the anus is closer in women, and the length or
the urethra prior to opening into the bladder is shorter in women, allowing the
opportunity for bacteria to pass more easily. A common cause of UTIs is
contamination by bacteria found in fecal matter, which can move up into the
bladder.
Risk Factors for Developing a Urinary Tract Infection
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Sexual intercourse.
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Use of spermicides, particularly when in combination with diaphragm.
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New sexual partners.
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Recent surgery or procedures involving the urinary tract.
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Pregnancy.
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Compromised immune system.
The Most Common Symptoms of a UTI
Symptoms of a UTI vary from person to person. In some mild cases no symptoms
may be present. The overwhelming majority of women with a UTI will present
however with some or all of the following:
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Frequent urge to urinate, with little output.
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Pain or burning during urination.
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Blood in the urine.
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Pain in the lower abdomen.
The symptoms of a UTI are sometimes different in pregnant women, who may
experience nausea in addition to burning. It is important if you suspect a UTI
that you seek out medical attention. The symptoms of a UTI often mimic other
conditions including vaginitis, which may cause burning with urination or pain
with intercourse.
Infection of the kidneys is a more serious complication of a UTI, and may result
in side pain, nausea and vomiting, as well as fever.
Treatment of an Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Treatment of a UTI typically consists of administration of antibiotics.
Increasing fluid intake may also help flush bacteria from the bladder.
Though cranberry is a popular folk remedy for relieving urinary tract infections
in women, there are no definitive studies available at this time that support
the use of cranberry juice for treating a UTI.
UTI's in pregnant women need to be treated aggressively, as a simple bladder
infection is much more likely to result in a kidney infection and preterm labor.
Two percent of pregnant women have bladder infections that are asymptomatic.
The Prevention of an Urinary Tract Infection
There are several things you can do to decrease your likelihood of contracting a
UTI.
The more common preventive methods include:
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Urination after intercourse, which may help eliminate bacteria in the
vagina.
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Changes in contraception, particularly among women who use spermicides
or a diaphragm.
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Consumption of cranberry juice. While cranberry may not help alleviate
an existing UTI, there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that the juice may
decrease the ability of E. coli to stick to the urinary tract lining cells.
- Increasing fluid intake post intercourse, which can help flush bacteria.
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