A bacterial infection of the
bladder or
urethra, also called
urinary tract infection or
Cystitis-Urethritis.
Bladder infections are mainly a female problem (due to anatomy) but men can also get them.
Symptoms:
frequent need to urinate despite small urine volume
urgency to urinate
burning upon urination
cloudy and/or scanty urine
blood in the urine
Causes:
sexual intercourse or other mechanical friction, where friction drives bacteria into the urethra
imporper hygiene: wiping back to front after a bowel movement, infrequent bathing/showering
anatomical variations
prior infections
Note: Some infections appear to have none of these causes. These symptoms may also be symptoms of some STDs, so be sure to see a doctor, avoid self-diagnosis.
Diagnosis
urine test for presence of protein/blood, which are not present in healthy urine
doctor may listen to abdomen and feel for irregularity
urine usually sent for culture to ensure prescribed medication kills bacterial strain
no pelvic exam should be necessary, question any doctor who says differently
Treatment:
prescription anti-biotics are given in most cases, although some cases may clear up without
this medication MUST be finished as directed, if not the bacteria may come back
drinking at least 2 litres of water per day
abstaining from caffeine and alcohol consumption, as they increase urine production while on medicaion
avoiding sex while on medication
Note: If on birth control pills, a back-up method should ALWAYS be used when taking anti-biotics
Why get treatment if it might go away on its own?:
without treatment the infection can move into the kidneys, where major damage can be done
the infection may become chronic and resistant to treatment
the sooner you go on medication, the sooner the uncomfortable symptoms will go away
Prevention:
urinate before and after sexual intercourse
urinate when the urge arises, do not wait as bacteria thrive in 'stagnant' pools
drink plenty of water to ensure 4+ urinations per day
eat or drink cranberry products, or those conainint vitamin C, as this lowers pH and inhibits bacterial growth
Reference: http://www.uhs.berkeley.edu/HealthInfo/EdHandouts/BladderInfection.htm