Bladder Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder urinary tract infections, also known as UTI's, are infections of the urinary system that affects the bladder and urethra. When the infection becomes severe it may infect the kidneys. More women than men are affected by this type of infection.

Causes

• Infection normally develops because of the E. coli bacteria which lives in the colon. The anus and the urethra, the opening in the vagina that leads to the bladder, are located close to one another and bacteria can pass from one opening into the other. This movement of bacteria may be from sexual intercourse or wiping back to front after bathroom visits.

Symptoms

• Bladder urinary tract infections can develop suddenly and include a frequent need to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, bloody urine or cloudy urine with a strong odor. You may also feel lower abdominal discomfort, pelvic pressure and have a low grade fever.

Diagnosis

• When your doctor suspects a UTI, he will ask for an urine sample. You will be provided with a cup and an antiseptic pad to cleanse the genital area before urinating in the cup. Using the antiseptic pad avoids contaminating the sample. The urine sample will be tested for blood and sent to a lab to be cultured for the type of bacteria.

Treatment

• When blood is detected in the urine sample, your doctor will start antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics such as Amoxil, Cipro and Levaquin are prescribed and normally taken at least three days to two weeks depending on the antibiotic. You should take all your medication to ensure all bacteria is killed. Your doctor may also recommend a pain reliever such as AZO or Uristat to relieve burning.

Complications

• When urinary tract infections are left untreated, a serious kidney infection may develop. Bacteria can travel from the bladder up the ureters to the kidneys causing severe pain and possible damage to the kidneys. It is important to seek medical attention at the first signs of a UTI to avoid this serious possibility.

Prevention/Solution

• Drink plenty of water each day to keep unwanted bacteria flushed out of your system. Cranberry juice may keep bacteria from clinging to bladder walls. There is no scientific proof of cranberry juice aiding the prevention of UTI's, but some people believe it helps. Empty your bladder after intercourse to flush out bacteria. Wipe front to back after urinating and bowel movements to prevent bacteria from entering your urethra.