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Recurrent Urinary Infections

A urinary infection (also sometimes called a urinary tract infection or a bladder infection) is an inflammation of the urinary system, which includes the urethra and the bladder, as well as the ureters and the kidneys. A recurrent urinary infection is one that has been treated properly but continues to show up repeatedly.

  1. Urinary System

    • The main goal of the urinary system is to filter the circulating blood of waste products and excess water to make urine. This happens in the kidneys. Once the urine has been produced, it is sent through the ureters to the bladder for storage. When the bladder is full, the urine is then sent through the urethra to exit the body. When this system becomes inflamed, irritated or distressed, a urinary infection often occurs.

    Causes

    • In most cases, the cause of a urinary infection is caused when bacteria that are normally present on the skin or in the stool make their way into the urinary system, usually through the urethra. This can happen several ways, including regular sexual contact or not wiping front to back after a bowel movement. Recurrent urinary infections are often caused by immune system deficiencies. Those who use a catheter on a regular basis may also be prone to recurrent urinary infections.

    Symptoms

    • The first symptom of a urinary infection is often a burning sensation while urinating. This is caused by an inflamed urethra coming in contact with urine, which contains salts. Another sign is an increased urge to urinate, as your urinary system tries to flush the bacteria out. On the other hand, you may have the urge to urinate, but little or no urine actually comes out. This can be caused by a blockage in the urinary tract. Smelly, cloudy or bloody urine are also all signs of a urinary tract infection.

    Treatment

    • Most urinary tract infections can be taken care of through your own immune system. Simply drinking lots of fluids and taking an over-the-counter pain medicine can soothe your symptoms while your immune system takes care of the job. However, recurrent urinary infections often occur in people who are already sick or have compromised immune systems. Your health care provider will prescribe a course of antibiotics, such as Bactrim or Macrodantin. You may begin to feel better within a few days of taking these antibiotics, but be sure to finish the entire prescription. If you do not, you may put yourself at risk for another urinary infection almost immediately.

    Prevention

    • The defense against recurrent urinary infections is prevention. After a few infections, you should be able to recognize the symptoms early on. As soon as you think you are getting a urinary infection, begin drinking lots of fluids, especially water. This will flush your urinary system of bacteria. You can also either take cranberry supplements or drink unsweetened cranberry juice. Cranberries are a good source of Vitamin C and also contain antioxidants that prevent the bacteria from attaching to the urinary lining or thriving in your urinary system.

      Good hygiene is another way to avoid a urinary system. Wash your genitals at least once a day and after sex with warm water and mild soap. Always wipe front to back after a bowel movement to avoid spreading bacteria from your stool to your urethra. Change your underwear often and avoid tight clothing.

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