Health News / April 2007
Go-Go Dancing
Although a woman’s urinary system is structured in a way that helps ward off infection, good design isn’t enough for many women. Urinary tract infections account for 8.3 million doctor visits each year according to the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services and women are especially prone to UTI’s. One woman in five develops a UTI during her lifetime. Nearly 20 percent of women who have a UTI will have another, 30 percent of those will have yet another, and 80 percent of those will have still more recurrences.
UTI’s are the second most common type of infection. Although urine is generally sterile, free of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, it does contain fluids, salts, and waste products.
Infection occurs when tiny organisms, usually bacteria from the digestive tract, most commonly the bacteria E. coli from the colon, enter the urethra and begin multiplying.
Telltale signs of a UTI include frequent urination, often just a few drops at a time, pain in the lower back or lower abdomen and a burning sensation when going.
Larrian Gillespie, retired urologist and author of You Don’t Have to Live with Cystitis offers suggestions to counteract the discomfort and occurrence of the common infection. She says a few lifestyle measures can help prevent situations that trigger them, particularly among women with a recurring condition.
First, she says, “Stay hydrated. UTI’s don’t occur when bacteria gets into the bladder; they occur when it doesn’t get out. Drinking plenty of water promotes regular urination, so it’s very important to stay hydrated to help flush out bacteria in the urinary tract. Drink plenty of water once UTI symptoms surface. And, cut down or eliminate cocktails, since alcohol consumption actually dehydrates the body.”
Second, “Watch your back! Lower back stress can affect the flow of urine, which can lead to abnormal voiding and UTI’s. Try to maintain good form lifting weights or on exercise machines to avoid back injury when exercising.”
The doctor also says, “Respond to ‘nature’s call’ promptly! While ‘holding it in’ doesn’t directly cause infection, it can cause overdistension that can damage the lining of the bladder, making it more vulnerable to bacteria.”
She says a Vitamin C supplement, about 1,000 milligrams taken through the day, can help inhibit the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine.
She recommends cranberries, too, but only as a preventive. “Cranberries contain hippuronic acid, a natural antiseptic that can help prevent the adherence of bacteria to the bladder lining. Cranberry juice or supplements aren’t helpful once an infection is present; they are unable to destroy bacteria. Cranberries also acidify the urine, which can cause more pain.”
Women can reduce their discomfort until getting to the physician by drinking water with ½ teaspoon of baking soda in it. “The soda raises the pH of irritating, acidic urine.”
Women with recurrent UTI’s might consider preventive medicine. Gillespie suggests a readily available, over-the-counter preparation, Cystex. “It’s a urinary analgesic that combines a pain reliever for temporary relief of the burning and discomfort, with an anti-bacterial agent that helps stop the progression of the infection until you can see a doctor.”
There are numerous misconceptions and myths about UTI’s according to Gillespie. “Urinary tract infections are not sexually transmitted diseases that can be transferred to a partner and oral activity doesn’t contribute to their development.” She says, “Many women think their UTI’s are connected to sexual activity. But, the ‘honeymoon cystitis’ theory–the belief that having a lot of sex in a short amount of time can cause a urinary tract infection–is an old wives’ tale. Sexual activity, itself, doesn’t lead to a bladder infection, regardless of position or frequency. However, sex can easily introduce bacteria into the female urethra and bladder, which for some women on certain types of birth control or those who don’t urinate adequately, can increase the chance of a UTI.”
She says, “Drink adequate amounts of water before sex, or wait until you really have to go. Proper urination after sex is the key issue in avoiding UTI’s. When you feel UTI symptoms, schedule a doctor’s visit as soon as possible to avoid a more serious kidney infection.”
Scientists are working on a vaccine to help prevent UTI’s, either as a vaginal suppository or a pill to strengthen the body’s infection-fighting cells. Until then, Gillespie says, “Learning to manage UTI symptoms will not only help with pain management and, encourage a speedy recovery process, it will reduce the chances that travel plans-or a romantic weekend- will be ruined.” PL
For more information, visit kidney.niddk.nih.gov, an information dissemination service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services or visit cystex.com or email Larriann Gillespie, LG@larriangillespie.com.
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