Constant Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections account for more than 7 million visits to the doctor each year in the United States and are the second most common infection among men, women and children. These infections are much more common in girls and women than in boys and men. The reason for this is unknown, but anatomic differences between the genders, including a shorter urethra in women, may be partially responsible. About 40% of women and 12% of men have a urinary tract infection at some time in their life.

Causes

• The two most common causes of constant urinary tract infections are poor hygiene and sexual intercourse. In at least 90% of uncomplicated infections the cause is E. coli bacteria. This bacteria normally lives in the colon and around the anus. When the bacteria moves from these areas and into the opening of the urethra it begins to grow and an infection begins.

Who's at Risk

• Women who are sexually active are likely to have constant urinary tract infections because sexual intercourse can introduce more bacteria into the bladder. Constant infection is more likely to occur in women who have frequent intercourse. Women who us a diaphragm for birth contral are also more likely to suffer from urinary tract infections. Also, people with suppressed immune systems or conditions that cause incomplete bladder emptying and also men with enlarged prostates.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of constant urinary tract infections are undeniable. They include pain or burning during urination and having to urinate more frequently. There is also a feeling of urgency and feeling as if you can not hold it in when you need to urinate. Other symptoms include feeling the need to urinate but only producing a few drops, cloudy or bloody urine and urine that smells bad. If you have constant urinary tract infections you may also experience lower abdominal pain and a mild fever.

Treatment

• Most women will only require antibiotics for about three days. Some doctors may chose to prescribe antibiotics for seven days. Occasionally, a single dose of an antibiotic can be used. Your doctor will determine which of these options is the best choice for you and your condition. He may also prescribe Pyridium or a similar drug to alleviate any burning pain during urination.

Precautions

• There are many things that you can do to reduce your risk of having constant urinary tracy infections. Women should always wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement or after urination. This will avoid spreading bacteria from the anal area to the vagina. Do not wait whenever you feel the desire to urinate because failure to empty your bladder may be one of the causes of recurring urinary tract infections. You can also take B vitamins and wear lose, comfortable clothing.