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One of the most common problems to affect women is urinary tract infection, which occurs when bacteria infect the urinary system. It is more common to see instances of frequent urinary tract infections in women than in men. Our urinary systems consist of the bladder, kidneys, urethra and ureter. Infection-causing bacteria can enter the urethra and then move to the bladder, where they multiply. In case the infection is not checked in time, the bacteria could move to the kidneys and infect it too.

Causes

The e-coli bacteria are believed to be the main cause of urinary tract infections. However, at times, the infection could also occur because of other microorganisms, like Chlamydia or Mycoplasma.

The use of diaphragms is also known to cause urinary tract infections in women. This is because during insertion the device can cause bruising of the vaginal walls leading to infection from bacteria. This could lead to urinary infection. Moreover, certain other birth control methods could also cause you to suffer from a urinary tract infection.

Women are also more vulnerable to UTIs, probably because of their anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra, which means that the bacteria need to travel a shorter distance to reach the bladder.

Some of the other reasons that could increase your risks of contracting a UTI include:

• Being sexually active
• Going through menopause
• Abnormalities in the urinary tract
• Blockages like kidney stones in the urinary system
• Conditions like diabetes that suppress the immune system
• Use of a catheter for urinating

Signs and symptoms

In case you are suffering from a UTI some of the signs and symptoms that you may experience include:

• Increased need to urinate more often
• Burning or Pain while passing urine
• Cloudy urine
• Presence of a foul or strong smell in the urine
• Severe pain in the pelvic area
• Blood in the urine

• High fever
• Chills and shaking
• Pain in the flanks
• Backaches
• Vomiting or nausea

The signs indicate that the infection has increased and is affecting the kidneys. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.

Treatment

If you are suffering from a UTI, it is best for you to consult a doctor, who can prescribe antibiotics. Your symptoms should disappear within two to three days of taking the medicines, though you will need to complete the course. Some of the antibiotics that can cure the infection include:Ciprofloxacin

• Nitrofurantoin
• Levofloxacin
• Ampicillin
• Amoxicillin

Doctors usually prescribe a longer antibiotic course to treat frequent urinary tract infections in women. Therefore, if you suffer from these infections quite often, do inform your doctor about it. The medicines your doctor prescribes may vary, depending upon the severity of the infection as well as your age, lifestyle and sexual activities.

References:

1. Schaeffer AJ, et al. Infections of the urinary tract. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007.
2. Urinary tract infections in adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
3. Lentz GM. Urogynecology: Physiology of micturition, diagnosis of voiding dysfunction, and incontinence: Surgical and nonsurgical treatment. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007
4. Hooton TM. Recurrent urinary tract infection in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.