Urinary Tract Infections are the second most common type of infection around; 1 out of every 5 women will experience a UTI in her life. And, if you have been lucky enough to be one of these women, you know that it's about as fun as Montezuma's Revenge. I wouldn't wish one of these on my worst enemy (well, I would consider not wishing it on my worst enemy). And, once you incur a UTI, you are about 30 percent more likely to experience another one; and then 80 percent more likely after the second to have another. It's like the really awful gift that keeps on giving.
Causes
UTI's are caused by bacteria -- generally E. coli -- getting into the urethra and traveling up to the bladder, (cystitis) or in extreme cases, up to the kidneys (acute pyelonephritis). Sexually intercourse can lead to a UTI in women because of the proximity of the urethra to the vagina and anus which both tend to have a significant of bacteria hanging out there.
It's no surprise that UTI's are much more common in women than men because of this fun trait we all share in the nether regions. But, the fact that women have shorter urethra's making it easier for the bacteria to travel into the bladder doesn't help our case much either.
There are other factors that contribute to urinary tract infection predilection as we age as well. Menopause causes changes in the urinary tract making it susceptible to infection. Diabetes and other ailments that lower the immune system and / or alter hormone levels make it that much easier for the bacteria to invade.
Kidney stones: if you have these, you're practically asking for a UTI because they can trap urine in the bladder. And, UTI's are commonly overlooked in older women or misdiagnosed. But, it's really important to treat a UTI because if it continues it can permanently damage your kidneys.Symptoms:The clinical symptoms consist of a persistent urge to urinate combined with a burning sensation during urination. The urine often appears cloudy and comes out in small amounts quite frequently. There may also be a pink or reddish hue to the urine because of blood passing through and lower back pain is quite common if the infection has moved to the kidneys.The symptoms according to me are as follows: feeling like you have to pee or you will explode. Feeling like this 10 seconds after you just pee'd and every 10 seconds following that until the antibiotics kick in. It feels like you are actually pissing fire from a never ending well. The symptoms are often referred to as "annoying;" and they are . . . if by "annoying" what they mean is "agony" that makes it impossible to think about anything other than the boulder that's sitting on your bladder and your will to continue living.TreatmentThere are alternative methods of treatment such as cranberry juice / pills. I take cranberry pills every day as a form of prevention and I would suggest that anyone whom is prone to UTI's follow suit. However, this is one area where I will say go for the prescription drugs immediately. A week of antibiotics is generally the method of attack. There is another drug called phenazopyridine that the doctor can prescribe to help deal with the pain until the antibiotics start to work. Get this drug if at all possible. It does turn your urine bright orange so you have to be careful but it really helps with the burning.A UTI isn't the worst ailment to experience in one's life; but, while it's happening, it sure feels that way. If you feel any pressure on your bladder, a frequent to urinate or a slight tingle while urinating, go to the doctor and get tested for a UTI before it blows up into the kind of infection that Dante couldn't have dreamed up.About the author: Jennifer McPherson writes frequently about health.
