Frequent Urination & Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, begin in the urinary system. The majority of UTIs affect either the urethra or the bladder. Because of the close proximity of the anus to the urethra, women are more susceptible to UTIs than men.

• Drink cranberry juice to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections.

Causes

• Bacteria are the main cause of UTIs. Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea, herpes and chlamydia can also cause a UTI.

Symptoms

• UTIs generally cause a strong, continual urge to urinate and a burning sensation while urinating. There is often a frequent urge to urinate, but it is common to only pass small amounts of urine. Blood and bacteria in the urine are also symptoms of a UTI.

Treatment

• Treatment of a UTI varies, according to the type of bacteria that is present in the urine. Oral antibiotics are the most popular method of treatment for mild to moderate infections. Intravenous antibiotics help treat severe infections.

Prevention

• Drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice can keep UTIs at bay. Also, emptying the bladder after intercourse and avoiding feminine products such as deodorant sprays and douches helps ward off an infection. Women should always wipe from front to back when using the bathroom to avoid introducing bacteria to the urethra.

Warning

• If left untreated, a UTI can develop into a kidney infection, which can cause irreversible kidney damage. See your doctor immediately if you experience upper back and side pain, high fever, nausea, vomiting, shaking and chills.