Urinary tract infection
by: James H. Henderson
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are extremely uncomfortable bacterial infections of the urethra. They are far more common in women than men, but everyone of any age can get them. If you find yourself with a urinary tract infection, you’ll realize that it is in fact microbes that rule the world, and not us. UTIs are nature’s favorite way of reminding us whose boss.
The symptoms of urinary tract infections include a fiery, burning sensation during, after, or prior to urinating, and possible fever, chills, and sweats. They’re one of the more uncomfortable infections people commonly get, and can take several days or longer to recovery from.
So why do women get urinary tract infections so much more often than men? Well, for women the urethra is a fairly short tube that opens just above the vaginal canal. Because the vaginal canal is filled with microorganisms, that puts the urethra in an especially dangerous area; it’s a short trip for the natural bacteria of a woman’s vagina to find their way into her urinary tract. Women are especially prone to getting a urinary tract infection soon after sexual activity.
One of the best ways to prevent a urinary tract infection is frequent urination, especially after having sex. This is important especially for women, but also for men. Urinating within twenty minutes after sex drastically lowers your chances of developing a urinary tract infection. Urine naturally flushes the invading bacteria out of the urethra before they can get a firm grip. Many men and women simply never get urinary tract infections. Other people are especially prone to them, and will want to take extra measures to help avoid them if possible. Drinking plenty of fluid prior to sexual activity may help.
My first girlfriend had a predisposition for urinary tract infections. In the three years we dated she must have had at least five, mostly in the first year. When she began to take more serious measures to avoid them, they became a lot less frequent, so preventative measures can really help.
Once you’ve developed a urinary tract infection, the bacteria have formed a plaque or ‘biofilm’ along your urethra and will be much harder to remove. Still, frequent urination is recommended, but you will likely also need an antibiotic. Because an untreated urinary tract infection can become a serious kidney infection, its always a good idea to jump on it sooner rather than later. So step one should always be to see a doctor!
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| About The Author
James H. Henderson is a publisher of EasyHealthReview. A site dedicated to provide health related information on a variety of health related issues. Visit EasyHealthReview for more details. |
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