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Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract
infections (UTIs) are extremely uncomfortable bacterial infections of
the urethra. They are far more common in women than men, but
everyone of any age can get them. If you find yourself with a
urinary tract infection, you’ll realize that it is in fact
microbes that rule the world, and not us. UTIs are
nature’s favorite way of reminding us whose boss.
The symptoms of urinary tract infections include a fiery, burning
sensation during, after, or prior to urinating, and possible fever,
chills, and sweats. They’re one of the more
uncomfortable infections people commonly get and can take several days
or longer to recovery from.
So why do women get urinary tract infections so much more often than
men? Well, for women the urethra is a fairly short tube that
opens just above the vaginal canal. Because the vaginal canal
is filled with microorganisms, that puts the urethra in an especially
dangerous area; it’s a short trip for the natural bacteria of
a woman’s vagina to find their way into her urinary
tract. Women are especially prone to getting a urinary tract
infection soon after sexual activity.
One of the best ways to prevent a urinary tract infection is frequent
urination, especially after having sex. This is important
especially for women, but also for men. Urinating within
twenty minutes after sex drastically lowers your chances of developing
a urinary tract infection. Urine naturally flushes the
invading bacteria out of the urethra before they can get a firm
grip. Many men and women simply never get urinary tract
infections. Other people are especially prone to them, and
will want to take extra measures to help avoid them if
possible. Drinking plenty of fluid prior to sexual activity
may help.
My first girlfriend had a predisposition for urinary tract
infections. In the three years we dated she must have had at
least five, mostly in the first year. When she began to take
more serious measures to avoid them, they became a lot less frequent,
so preventative measures can really help.
Once you’ve developed a urinary tract infection, the bacteria
have formed a plaque or ‘biofilm’ along your
urethra and will be much harder to remove. Still, frequent
urination is recommended, but you will likely also need an
antibiotic. Because an untreated urinary tract infection can
become a serious kidney infection, it’s always a good idea to
jump on it sooner rather than later. So step one should
always be to see a doctor!
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A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
