Chronic Urinary Tract Infection: How to Stop the Cycle

A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most urinary tract infections involve the urethra and bladder. If ignored and left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys, with the potential for hospitalization and/or damage to the kidneys. Men and women can both get urinary tract infections, but urinary tract infections are more common in women - 50% of women will get a urinary tract infection during their lifetime, many will get them frequently.

Women are at a higher risk of getting a urinary tract infection due to the short distance germs have to travel from the urethra. Not drinking enough fluids needed to flush out bacteria also increases the risk of a urinary tract infection. Also at risk are women who are pregnant, have diabetes, or women who have used bladder catheters for extended periods of time. Women who are post menopausal are also at increased risk due to the thinning and weakening of the vaginal and urethral tissues. There are steps that can be taken to help stop the cycle of painful urinary tract infections.

Keep your immune system as healthy as possible. Germs (bacteria) can attach to cells when the immune system is down. Eat a healthy diet, get enough rest and drink plenty of liquids (especially water) to flush bacteria out of your system.

Cranberry juice or cranberry pills are believed to help prevent urinary tract infections. (Check with your doctor to make sure if does not interact with any prescription medications you are taking. Do not take cranberry if you are on Warfarin, a blood thinner).

After urinating always wipe from front to back to keep bacteria from entering the urethra. Urinate as soon as possible after having sex to help prevent bacteria from spreading. Also, after sex drink a full glass of water to help flush out any bacteria.

Avoid feminine products such as douches, powders or sprays in the genitalia area that may lower the natural bacteria present or irritate the area and lead to a urinary tract infection. Change sanitary napkins frequently to decrease the chance of bacteria leading to a urinary tract infection.

Do not put off going to the bathroom when you have to urinate. Holding urine in your bladder can help contribute to a urinary tract infection. Avoid constipation.

For women who are post menopausal, consider a vaginal estrogen to help prevent a urinary tract infection. This is a low dose estrogen cream inserted into the vagina that helps build up the muscle tone, and tissue to help prevent a urinary tract infection.

Ask your doctor about Methenamine to prevent a urinary tract infection. This is an antibacterial drug used only for bacterial infections. It should only be used after other antibiotics have been tried

Living with chronic urinary tract infections can be very emotionally and physically draining. Consider the various prevention techniques available and see what works best at stopping a urinary tract infection before it gets you down.

Sources:

www.mayoclinic.com

www.clevelandclinic.org

www.webmd.com