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Information And Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection is an infection of any part of the urinary system. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Bladder infections are the most common type of Urinary Tract Infection and are also called Cystitis.

A Urinary Tract Infection is almost always caused by bacteria, in particular e-coli, which lives normally in the gut and is present around the anus (from bowel movements) but can also be caused by a fungal infection such as Candida albicans. Bacteria cause infection in 2 ways: they release toxins that harm the body cells and they provoke the immune system which leads to inflammation, which in itself can be harmful and uncomfortable for the sufferer.

UTI's in Women

Urinary Tract Infections are more common in women than in men. Around 20% of women suffer from recurrent UTI's and most women will have at least one urinary tract infection in their lives. The reason they affect women more is largely anatomical. The female urethra is shorter than the male's (the tube which goes from the bladder our of the body) and it's opening is near the anus. It is therefore more exposed to e-coli bacteria and hence to infection.

Although a women can contract a UTI at any age they most often occur in post menopausal women, as lower oestrogen levels lead to thinning of the urinary tract, pregnant women and sexually active women. UTI's in sexually active women occur because vaginal intercourse makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder through the urethra. Some women contract a UTI every time they have sex and a common name for UTI's contracted in this way is 'Honeymoon Cystitis'. Also, women who use a diaphragm ram as regular contraception are more prone to urinary tract infections as the diaphragm rests on the bladder making it difficult to empty properly, thus causing a build up of bacteria and a resulting UTI. This is also true for pregnant women as the foetus puts pressure on the bladder and causes a similar problem.

There are also some predisposed conditions which can reduce the bodies resistance to urinary tract infections. Diabetics, people with impaired immune systems and those who have chronic recurring urinary tract infections (more than 3 in one year) are all more at risk of contracting a UTI. .There is also a fairly common condition called 'vesicoureteric reflux', which affects the way the ureters join the bladder. This allows the urine to reflux in the wrong direction back up the ureters, towards the kidneys potentially causing a UTI.

Urinary Tract Infections in women can be treated in several ways and often women with a recurring problem find more long term solutions by adopting a preventative approach and following more natural  treatment methods for fighting bacteria at the first signs of infection.

UTI's in Men

Bladder infection and UTI's in general are less common in men but are potentially more serious. This is because the underlying cause may be a prostate infection, enlarged prostate or indeed a tumour. Usually, if diagnosed and treated early recovery is successful, however the discomfort caused by a urinary tract infection can be very acute. Men have a higher chance of developing conditions like this as  they get older as the prostate enlarges with age.  Also homosexual males are more prone to bladder infections and cystitis.

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