Urinary Tract Infection - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Urinary Tract infection?

The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys), bladder, and urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside). Normally urine is sterile (free of infection). Urinary tract infections occur when small microscopic organisms called bacteria invade the urinary tract. A urinary tract infection is called pyelonephritis when it occurs in the kidney, cystitis when it occurs in the bladder, and urethritis when it occurs in the urethra.

What steps can I take to prevent Urinary Tract Infections?

Scientific research has shown that the use of spermicides adversely affects the vaginal ecosystem and increases the risk of recurrent UTIs.
Consumption of eight ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice daily or taking a cranberry extract pill three times daily can also decrease the incidence of recurrent UTIs.
Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily.
Wipe after urination from front to back, urinate after sexual intercourse, and avoid chemical douches.
Urinary irritants such as caffeine and consumption of hot and spicy foods won’t cause a UTI but they can provoke symptoms that mimic ‘cystitis’.
Stress is another common cause of bladder symptoms. Stress activates the adrenal glands to release adrenaline – the ‘fight-or-flight’ hormone- that in turn stimulates the nerves that cause the bladder to become overactive.
Taking a probiotic such as acidophilus twice daily with food whenever antibiotics are taken and for several weeks thereafter can help prevent antibiotic-related side effects such as abdominal bloating, diarrhea, and vaginal yeast infection.

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