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Urinary Tract Infections and What You Can Do

This formidable Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) affects millions of women and men, although the majority occurs in women as urinary tract infections afflict one in two women in the US.

Well, here is some good news for all of you that suffer from this painful and if not treated- potentially life threatening affliction - there are many steps you can take to minimize your risk and prevent future recurrence.

If you have ever experienced a UTI, you'll recognize these symptoms:

• A frequent urge to urinate although the amount of urine passed may be very small.
• Frequent urination during the night.
• A burning, painful feeling in the area of the bladder and urethra during urination.
• Pressure and/or pain in the lower abdomen.
• Fatigue
• Fever - this can indicate the infection has move to the kidney.
• Cloudy or milky urine or even reddish which indicates the presence of blood.
• Painful, burning feeling in the area of the bladder or urethra during urination.
• The urine may have an offensive smell.
• Nausea. If the UTI travels to the kidneys then vomiting is also very common.
• Pain in the lower half of the back.

Causes

A UTI usually results from bacteria entering the urinary tract, which disrupts the normally healthy, balanced, sterile environment. The bacterium is typically E. coli that is produced in the gastrointestinal tract and travels to the colon where it exits from the anus. E. coli enters the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body, causing an infection called urethritis. If untreated, urethritis moves up the urinary tract to the bladder (cystitis) and can continue to the kidneys (pyelonephritis). One of the reasons women tend to suffer from UTIs more than men is that the female urethra is very short and the opening is closer to the anus which lends itself to easy transmission of bacteria.

Some other causes and risk factors of UTIs:

• Men who have urinary tract disorders such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate are more prone to infection.
• A catheter placed in the bladder makes a person more susceptible to infection.
• Individuals with diseases that suppress the immune system such as diabetes are more prone to urinary tract infections.
• It has been found that women whose partner uses a condom with spermicidal foam have more E. coli in the vagina. This can cause a higher risk for both partners to develop a UTI.
• Frequent sexual intercourse can irritate the urethra, allowing bacteria to more easily travel to the bladder.
• Post menopause - UTIs are more common due to the vaginal tissues, urethra and the base of the bladder thinning and becoming more fragile from a loss of estrogen.

Treatment

The good news is UTIs are very easy to treat and can be quickly healed if you seek medical care at the first sign of infection. The first step to take is to make an appointment with your doctor who will perform a simple urinalysis. If infection is found, you will be given a round of antibiotics specific to the bacterial combination in your urine. The commonly used antibiotics are: trimethoprim, cephalosporins, nitrofurantoin, or a fluoroquinolone (e.g. ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin).

In conjunction with antibiotics there are natural remedies and methods you can utilize to not only assist in overcoming the UTI but also to prevent future infections. If possible, confer with a holistic medical doctor, naturopath or holistic health professional before beginning a herbal treatment plan. As with all medicines, too much is not always better and can be dangerous and even life threatening.

Effective Herbal Therapeutics:

Cranberry

This wonderful and effective remedy has been used for over a century to treat the urinary tract system. Recent evidence suggests that proanthocyanins in the cranberry fruit prevents bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. This is thought to assist the process of the urine washing away any harmful bacteria. A study published in 2002 showed significant effect of cranberry juice and tablets on the reduction of the urinary tract infections in 150 women. Currently, the NIH and NCCAH have begun further research of the health benefits of Cranberry.

If you are concerned about the amount of sugar in cranberry juice you can purchase unsweetened cranberry juice in health food stores or purchase capsules or tablets. However, it is recommended that you don't drink cranberry juice if you're taking the blood-thinning medication Warfarin. Possible interactions between cranberry juice and Warfarin can lead to bleeding.

Uva Ursi Uva

Uva Ursi is a herb that contains the active component, arbutin, which appears to have antiseptic properties once it is broken down and excreted in the kidneys. This gentle herb also has soothing and strengthening properties. Individuals with liver disease or pregnant or nursing women should not take Uva Ursi. Uva Ursi is typically taken in capsule form. It is also available as a tea.

Goldenseal and Juniper Berry

Goldenseal is a root that possesses natural antimicrobial properties and assists in eliminating harmful bacteria in your system. Goldenseal contains berberine, an alkaloid which is believed to prevent urinary tract infections by stopping harmful bacteria sticking to the wall of the urinary bladder. Goldenseal can be taken in a capsule form or drink it as a tea. Juniper Berry has antiseptic properties and is most effective if taken as a whole berry instead of a tea. You can find juniper berry at your local health food store.

Other Healing Herbs That can be Used in Combination as a Tea

Obviously it's better to prevent infections all together. Here are some preventative tips to minimize the risk of future UTIs below.

Prevention and Ways to Reduce Risk

• Recent research has shown that E. coli is shared by people and pets. It is recommended that you keep your pet off your bed, steam clean carpets and frequently wash your hands.
• Sexual intercourse in missionary position has been shown to increase friction on the urethra and causing soreness which increases risk of UTI. Try other positions such as woman-on-top to decrease urethral irritation.
• Cleanse your and your partner's genitalia before and after sex.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water every day to flush your body of bacteria.
• It's important to urinate before and after sex to flush the urethra of both partners.
• When using the bathroom, wipe from front to back to keep E. coli from your bowel movements away from your urinary tract.
• Take showers instead of baths to limit sitting in water that may contain bacteria.
• Wear cotton underwear. This allows more air circulation to occur keeping your urethra drier. Moisture can be a very good breeding ground for bacteria.
• Do not suppress the need to urinate, as it can lead to a urinary tract infection.
• Avoid douches, spermicides, and scented sprays, which can all cause irritation and infection.
• Reduce caffeine intake. Caffeine can cause irritation to the urinary tract system.
• Practice safe sex with your partner(s).