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Women And Urinary Infection |
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Urinary tract infections are common in women. About 10 to 20 percent of all women get a lower urinary tract infection at least once. Infection is most likely in sexually active women ages 20 to 40. It occurs often when a woman becomes sexually active for the first time or after a long spell of not being sexually active.
Most bladder infections enter from the urethra. The urethra is the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body. In women, the urethra is a short tube. All women have bacteria residing near the opening of the urethra, which is located near the top of the opening to the vagina. The bacteria are normally kept under control by our immune defences. Passing urine acts to flush germs out. Sometimes a sexual partner carries the infecting bacteria. In this case, both partners should be treated to clear up the infection. SOME FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO INFECTION IN WOMEN ARE: - irritation from feminine hygiene spray
- irritation from sexual intercourse
- bladder stones that block urine flow and irritate linings
- pregnancy
- nerve problems affecting the bladder
- having a catheter in the bladder
- using a diaphragm and spermicide for birth control
- history of urinary tract infections or
- sexually transmitted diseases
A WOMAN WITH A URINARY INFECTION MAY HAVE THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: - an urgent and frequent need to urinate
- difficulty, pain, or burning during urination
- cramps or tenderness in the bladder area
- blood in the urine
- fever or chills or
- low back pain, diarrhoea
High counts of bacteria in urine suggest an infection, but a urine culture is needed to confirm an infection. Urine cultures take a few days to complete and treatment usually is started on the same day you see your doctor. When the urine culture and sensitivity results are available, the medication may be changed depending on the specific bacteria and what it is sensitive to. Most infections respond well to antibiotic treatment. However, recurrence is possible. TO AVOID A RECURRENCE: - drink a lot of water, at least 2 litres every day
- use condoms when having intercourse (with a new or casual partner)
- make sure that birth control diaphragms fit properly. If they are too large, they may put pressure on the neck of the bladder and
- take all your medication as ordered until it is all gone
Bladder infections can spread to the kidneys and cause serious health problems. If you have symptoms of a bladder infection, consult your doctor.
Article #5267
Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved.
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