If this is your first UTI, you can take solace in the fact that you're not alone: one in five women suffers from a UTI at least once a year. For most UTIs, treatment is simply a doctor's visit away. And you could feel better in just a single day.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria or other germs find their way up the tube that leads into your bladder (called the urethra), adhere to the cell walls and start multiplying. Normally, urine helps flush away these occasional invaders, but once in a while this natural policing system can't cope and you find yourself in the throes of a UTI.
Most urinary infections are called 'lower UTIs', meaning the germs have taken hold in your urethra (a condition called urethritis) or in your bladder (a condition called cystitis). If the germs travel further, an 'upper UTI' can develop, affecting the narrow tubes (ureters) leading to the kidney or even the kidneys themselves-- a potentially serious infection known as pyelonephritis.
Between 80 and 90 percent of UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium usually confined to the colon and rectum, but that can spread from the anus to the urethra. Because a woman's urethra is relatively short, women are more prone to UTIs than men (whose much longer urethra in the penis makes it harder for the bacteria to travel to the bladder). Moreover, after menopause, some women are increasingly susceptible to infection because of a lack of certain hormones. When a main does get a UTI-typically because of infection from a urinary catheter put in while in hospital or from an obstruction such as a urinary stone--therapy is generally lengthy and aggressive because of the risk of a serious prostate gland infection (see Prostatitis)
LIKELY FIRST STEPS
Although some doctors prescribe a one-day of an antibiotic for a routine UTI, you'll probably be given a longer course of treatment. In the first instance the most commonly prescribed antibiotics are trimethoprim (Triprim), cephalexin (Keflex, Ibilex) and amoxycillin and potassium clavulanate (Augmentin). Sometimes, if the organism involved is resistant to these standard treatments you may have to move onto anti-infective drugs such as nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin).
Occasionally, if your symptoms are severe or if all other treatments have failed, your doctor may prescribe a class of potent antibiotics called fluoroquinolones ( quinolones), which include ciprofloxacin (Ciproxin) as well as norfloxacin (Noroxin). In Australia, these very expensive drugs are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for specific conditions only if an authority has been obtained from the government.
whichever medication you are prescribed and however tedious it becomes, make sure you complete the entire course. If you don't the germs can fight back and find a way to resist the drug, which will make your UTIs much harder to treat in the future. Here are a few other drug pointers.
Since men started using drugs such as Viagra to enhance sexual performance, there has been a surge in UTIs in women aged 55 to 75. So far, there is nothing to indicate the drug is to blame. The rise may be due to increased frequency of sex by postmenopausal women, who are inclined towards UTIs because of hormonal changes.
Lifestyle changes
There are a number of things you can do on your own to make your UTIs less overwhelming. At the first sign of an infection, start drinking plenty of fluids: a 250 ml glass of water once an hour during the day is a great way to flush germs from your urinary tract. And remember, never try to 'hold it' when you have to urinate. Delayed urination is a major cause of UTIs. Also keep your genital and anal areas clean. Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus from entering your urethra. And be sure to empty your bladder after sexual intercourse.
If your vaginal tissues are sensitive, avoid potential irritants. Feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches can aggravate the urethra, making it more susceptible to infection. If you're postmenopausal and have been experiencing vaginal dryness, consider using a water-based--never a petroleum based--vaginal lubricant (K-Y jelly) during sex.
Procedures
Some women have abnormally shaped urinary tracts that interrupt the flow of urine. Your doctor is likely to investigate with an instrument called a cytoscope, which provides a way to examine the bladder via the urethra. If surgical repair is the performed, you might finally find yourself liberated from UTIs.
Natural methods
For centuries women have drunk cranberry juice to prevent UTIs. Modern research supports the wisdom of doing this. Infact, lab studies have discovered that cranberry juice prevents E. coli from adhering to the bladder walls. And a 2001 Finnish study found that women prone to UTIs were half as likely to suffer a recurrence within six months if they drank a 250 ml glass of cranberry juice every day. If possible, always purchase the unsweetened juice, often available at health-food stores and some supermarkets.
What is happening
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria or other germs find their way up the tube that leads into your bladder (called the urethra), adhere to the cell walls and start multiplying. Normally, urine helps flush away these occasional invaders, but once in a while this natural policing system can't cope and you find yourself in the throes of a UTI.
Most urinary infections are called 'lower UTIs', meaning the germs have taken hold in your urethra (a condition called urethritis) or in your bladder (a condition called cystitis). If the germs travel further, an 'upper UTI' can develop, affecting the narrow tubes (ureters) leading to the kidney or even the kidneys themselves-- a potentially serious infection known as pyelonephritis.
Between 80 and 90 percent of UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium usually confined to the colon and rectum, but that can spread from the anus to the urethra. Because a woman's urethra is relatively short, women are more prone to UTIs than men (whose much longer urethra in the penis makes it harder for the bacteria to travel to the bladder). Moreover, after menopause, some women are increasingly susceptible to infection because of a lack of certain hormones. When a main does get a UTI-typically because of infection from a urinary catheter put in while in hospital or from an obstruction such as a urinary stone--therapy is generally lengthy and aggressive because of the risk of a serious prostate gland infection (see Prostatitis)
- Antibiotics prescribed to combat bacteria.
- Analgesics to relieve the urinary pain and burning.
- Lots of fluids to wash the infection out of your system.
- For more complicated cases, a doctor's visit and urine culture to determine appropriate care.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
- If I have a vaginal infection, can it trigger a UTI?
- Is there a way I can tell if my kidneys are infected?
- Could my recurrent UTIs possibly be due to an anatomical problem?
Treatments
The good news for uncomplicated bacterial UTIs, including cystitis,is that doctors will prescribe antibiotics usually on suspicion, without waiting, for the results of a urine culture test. The bad news is that so many strains of bacteria have become antibiotic-resistant that your initial drug may not work. A recent study of 75,000 UTI patients ages 15 to 44, for example found that roughly 14 percent needed a second course of treatment within 28 days--regardless of which antibiotic they look initially.
So-called 'complicated UTIs', which strike men and women equally, are a different story. These infections are more likely to occur if you have kidney involvement, are pregnant, have had a catheter put in or have an abnormally structured urinary tract. Your doctor will want to carefully monitor you and aggressively treat any
The good news for uncomplicated bacterial UTIs, including cystitis,is that doctors will prescribe antibiotics usually on suspicion, without waiting, for the results of a urine culture test. The bad news is that so many strains of bacteria have become antibiotic-resistant that your initial drug may not work. A recent study of 75,000 UTI patients ages 15 to 44, for example found that roughly 14 percent needed a second course of treatment within 28 days--regardless of which antibiotic they look initially.
So-called 'complicated UTIs', which strike men and women equally, are a different story. These infections are more likely to occur if you have kidney involvement, are pregnant, have had a catheter put in or have an abnormally structured urinary tract. Your doctor will want to carefully monitor you and aggressively treat any
Treatment Options
MEDICATIONS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antibiotics First-line treatment; cure 85% of UTIs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anti-infectives Next step if antibiotics fail.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analgesics Ease burning cramps and pain.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alkalinisers Neutralise infected urine's acidity.
LIFESTYLECHANGES
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase fluid intake Flushes out germs; just avoid acidic juices.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Practise good hygiene Helps prevent recurrences.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avoid irritants No hygiene sprays, scented douches or petroleum-based lubricants.
PROCEDURES
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Surgical repair Corrects anatomical problems; rarely needed.
NATURAL METHODS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canberry juice Discourage bacteria from adhering to tissues.
problem so that permanent damage or a system-wide infection doesn't develop. While uncommon, surgery for UTIs is extremely effective if urine flow is being obstructed by anatomical problems, such as a drooping uterus or bladder.
TAKING CONTROL
PROMISING DEVELOPMENTSMEDICATIONS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Antibiotics First-line treatment; cure 85% of UTIs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anti-infectives Next step if antibiotics fail.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analgesics Ease burning cramps and pain.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alkalinisers Neutralise infected urine's acidity.
LIFESTYLECHANGES
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase fluid intake Flushes out germs; just avoid acidic juices.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Practise good hygiene Helps prevent recurrences.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Avoid irritants No hygiene sprays, scented douches or petroleum-based lubricants.
PROCEDURES
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Surgical repair Corrects anatomical problems; rarely needed.
NATURAL METHODS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Canberry juice Discourage bacteria from adhering to tissues.
problem so that permanent damage or a system-wide infection doesn't develop. While uncommon, surgery for UTIs is extremely effective if urine flow is being obstructed by anatomical problems, such as a drooping uterus or bladder.
TAKING CONTROL
- Always check with a doctor. Sometimes the burning or stinging sensation when urinating is related to conditions (such as a vaginal infection) other than a UTI.
- Ask about long-term antibiotics. If you have recurrent UTIs (three or more a year), continuous low-dose antibiotic therapy may be the answer. And it's likely to be cheaper than treating each infection.
- Consider switching your birth control method. Research shows that women who diaphargms are more susceptible to UTIs.
- Now in development at the University of Wisconsin, a new suppository vaccine may ward off recurring UTIs when It's inserted into the vagina monthly. Made from 10 killed strains of E. coli and other germs, if prompts the body to fight bacteria in the vagina--and never gives the germs a chance to travel to the bladder (or kidneys). Small trials have proved successful; larger ones will be needed, however, before the drug will be approved.
Although some doctors prescribe a one-day of an antibiotic for a routine UTI, you'll probably be given a longer course of treatment. In the first instance the most commonly prescribed antibiotics are trimethoprim (Triprim), cephalexin (Keflex, Ibilex) and amoxycillin and potassium clavulanate (Augmentin). Sometimes, if the organism involved is resistant to these standard treatments you may have to move onto anti-infective drugs such as nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin).
Occasionally, if your symptoms are severe or if all other treatments have failed, your doctor may prescribe a class of potent antibiotics called fluoroquinolones ( quinolones), which include ciprofloxacin (Ciproxin) as well as norfloxacin (Noroxin). In Australia, these very expensive drugs are available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for specific conditions only if an authority has been obtained from the government.
whichever medication you are prescribed and however tedious it becomes, make sure you complete the entire course. If you don't the germs can fight back and find a way to resist the drug, which will make your UTIs much harder to treat in the future. Here are a few other drug pointers.
- If the pain of your infection is really getting to you, don't hestitate to try analgesics. For mild cramps or stomach pain, nonprescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) or paracetamol may do the job. If the burning during urination is intense, you should be also be taking a urinary alkaliniser, such as Ural. Bacterial infection of the urine causes it to become acidic, and it is this acidity that is largely responsible for much of the pain or irritation caused by the UTI. Alkalinisers will restore the urine to a more neutral pH. A similar result can be achieved by drinking a solution of bicarbonate of soda.
- If you still have symptoms after taking antibiotics for a few days, check the results of your urine culture. This will tell you not only the germ that is causing your infection, but also which antibiotics this germ is sensitive to.
- If you tend to develop a UTI after sexual intercourse, a single dose of antibiotics either before or after sex may prevent the infection from developing. Vigorous intercourse can sometimes bruise the urethra, making a bladder infection more likely.
- Sexual intercourse: women are seven times more likely to get a UTI it they are sexually active.
- Toilet hygiene: wiping from front to back reduces the risk of infection.
- Drinking too little fluid.
- Incorrect use of tampons and diaphragms.
- Pregnancy.
- Vaginal irritants, perfumed soaps and douches.
Since men started using drugs such as Viagra to enhance sexual performance, there has been a surge in UTIs in women aged 55 to 75. So far, there is nothing to indicate the drug is to blame. The rise may be due to increased frequency of sex by postmenopausal women, who are inclined towards UTIs because of hormonal changes.
Lifestyle changes
There are a number of things you can do on your own to make your UTIs less overwhelming. At the first sign of an infection, start drinking plenty of fluids: a 250 ml glass of water once an hour during the day is a great way to flush germs from your urinary tract. And remember, never try to 'hold it' when you have to urinate. Delayed urination is a major cause of UTIs. Also keep your genital and anal areas clean. Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus from entering your urethra. And be sure to empty your bladder after sexual intercourse.
If your vaginal tissues are sensitive, avoid potential irritants. Feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches can aggravate the urethra, making it more susceptible to infection. If you're postmenopausal and have been experiencing vaginal dryness, consider using a water-based--never a petroleum based--vaginal lubricant (K-Y jelly) during sex.
Procedures
Some women have abnormally shaped urinary tracts that interrupt the flow of urine. Your doctor is likely to investigate with an instrument called a cytoscope, which provides a way to examine the bladder via the urethra. If surgical repair is the performed, you might finally find yourself liberated from UTIs.
Natural methods
For centuries women have drunk cranberry juice to prevent UTIs. Modern research supports the wisdom of doing this. Infact, lab studies have discovered that cranberry juice prevents E. coli from adhering to the bladder walls. And a 2001 Finnish study found that women prone to UTIs were half as likely to suffer a recurrence within six months if they drank a 250 ml glass of cranberry juice every day. If possible, always purchase the unsweetened juice, often available at health-food stores and some supermarkets.
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