Recurring Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are the inflammation of the urinary system. They are common infections that occur more often in women than in men. Some people are prone to recurring urinary tract infections, which is any urinary tract infection that comes back even after it has been properly treated.
  1. Urinary System

    • The urinary system is made up of the kidneys and the ureters as well as the bladder and the urethra. This system is responsible for removing waste from the blood. The kidneys use your blood pressure to remove urea, excess water and other waste products from your bloodstream. It mixes them together and creates urine. The ureters, thin tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder, continuously contracts and release, drawing the urine into the bladder. The bladder acts as a storage area for the urine. It receives tiny increments of urine every 10 to 15 seconds until it is full. It then releases the urine out of the body through the urethra.

    Causes

    • Recurrent infections of the urinary system occur when bacteria that is normally found on the skin or in the intestinal tract is spread into the urethra. If your immune system does not kill the bacteria, it begins to grow and multiply, attaching to your urinary lining as it does. You can contract recurrent urinary tract infections through poor hygiene, normal sexual contact or a malfunctioning immune system.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of recurring urinary tract infections can vary. In some cases, there are no symptoms at all. However, most recurring urinary tract infections involve the sudden increase in the urge to urinate. Sometimes you may feel even the strong urge to urinate, but be unable to. When you do urinate, it may come out dark, cloudy or even have blood in it. A burning sensation while you urinate is also a common symptom.

    Treatment

    • When you suffer from recurring urinary tract infections, you will begin to see recognize your symptoms as soon as they occur. This is useful because the earlier you treat your urinary tract infection, the less likely it will develop into something more serious. Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics for your infection, but if you suffer from recurring urinary tract infections that can get costly and can even lead to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. You may also try home remedies like over-the-counter urinary tract medicines or using cranberry juice treatment.

    Prevention

    • Prevention is important if you are prone to urinary tract infections. Start with good hygiene by washing your genitals at least once a day and after you have sexual intercourse. Urinating after sex can also push our any bacteria that may have found its way into your urethra. You should also maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine because this can keep your immune system in great shape. You may also consider taking cranberry or vitamin C supplements to promote a healthy urinary tract.

Urinary Disorders - Related Articles