UTI or urinary tract infection is a health condition that affects a person's urinary tract consisting of the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. Although it can affect anyone, women are more susceptible to this condition, as the distance between their urethra and bladder is very small. This condition begins in the urethra and gradually moves upwards affecting the urinary bladder and lastly, the kidneys. Once in the kidneys, a urinary tract infection can become life threatening, as it damages the kidneys and impairs kidney functions. This is why a urinary tract infection should not be ignored. Immediate medical treatment can help you get over this condition within a week. Home remedies are also very effective when it comes to treating urinary tract infections; however, they have to be complemented with modern medicine.
Most cases of urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria known as Escherichia coli or E. coli. This bacterium is normally found in the anus. However, when this bacterium enters the urethra it leads to a urinary tract infection. Although, this bacterium is not usually transmitted during sexual intercourse, couples indulging in anal sex can be affected by it. Therefore, a person experiencing urinary tract infections should avoid having sex until his or her infection has been treated completely. Besides this, a urinary tract infection is a very painful condition; therefore sexual intercourse will only aggravate the pain being experienced by you. If you still feel like indulging in sexual intercourse make sure you do so safely. Use a female condom, or insist that your partner uses a condom, as both will benefit from this preventive measure. However, sexual intercourse is best avoided as long as the infection lasts.
Please visit your doctor for a check up as soon as possible, and follow the treatment that he prescribes religiously. This will usually consist of antibiotics. In addition to this you can use these home remedies to speed up your recovery process.
- Baking soda increases the acidic level of urine. This helps in eliminating the bacteria present in the urinary tract. Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in around 9 ounces of water, and drink this solution once a day for effective results.
- Aromatherapy is also useful in treating urinary tract infections. Mix the following essential oils in equal parts; bergamot, tea tree, sandalwood, juniper and frankincense. Apply the mixture topically on the bladder region daily, while your infection lasts. Do not stop this treatment until your symptoms subside completely.
- Cranberry juice is also very useful in treating urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice possesses effective anti bacterial properties that will help in getting rid of the infection effectively.
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids, as this will help in flushing the bacteria out of your system.
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