Urinary Tract Infections - UTIs

I am just getting over a UTI,
it hurt like the dickens. :roll:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/uti3.jpg

Urinary tract infections are a serious health problem
affecting millions of people each year.

Infections of the urinary tract are the second most common
type of infection in the body. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
account for about 8.3 million doctor visits each year.*

Women are especially prone to UTIs for reasons that are not yet
well understood. One woman in five develops a UTI during her lifetime.
UTIs in men are not as common as in women but can be very serious when they do occur.

The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and
urethra. The key elements in the system are the kidneys, a pair
of purplish-brown organs located below the ribs toward the middle
of the back.

The kidneys remove excess liquid and wastes from
the blood in the form of urine, keep a stable balance of salts and
other substances in the blood, and produce a hormone that aids
.the formation of red blood cells. Narrow tubes called ureters carry
urine from the kidneys to the bladder, a sack-like organ in the lower
abdomen. Urine is stored in the bladder and emptied through the
urethra.

The average adult passes about a quart and a half of urine each day.
The amount of urine varies, depending on the fluids and foods a
person consumes. The volume formed at night is about half that
formed in the daytime.

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

1.Front to back wiping in women. Gentle cleansing of the
genitalia, particularly after a bowel movement, is important
in keeping the number of bacteria down.

2. Bubble baths. Although we usually think of soapy bubbles
as good cleaning agents, it turns out that not only is bubble
bath an irritant to the skin, soapy solutions are perfect places
for bacteria to thrive. If you don't have a problem with urinary
tract infections, short bubble baths (about 15 minutes), followed
by rinsing in clear water, are OK.

3. Avoid irritation to the genital area. Bacteria grow best in
irritated areas, so it is helpful to avoid anything that might irritate
the genital region such as irritating soaps (especially harsh soaps
and those with perfumes and dyes). Also avoid rough toilet tissue
or vigorous wiping.

4. For the transwoman;

Avoid excessive tucking. Also synthetic underwear,nylon and
other synthetic underwear may help promote bacterial growth.
Every so often opt for cotton underwear and, if possible, sleep
without underwear.


5. Chronic constipation and or excessive anal sex may predispose
a person to urinary tract infections by distending the rectum
and distorting the bladder, keeping it from emptying normally.


6. Encourage fluids. Urine normally flushes out any bacteria that get
into the urinary tract . If you do't drink adequate amounts of fluids,
you may not produce enough urine to flush out the bacteria.


7. Frequent emptying of the bladder. Try to empty your bladder
regularly (at least every four hours), and right before bedtime.
The longer urine stays in the bladder, the more chance bacteria
will have to grow.


8. Cranberry juice may help prevent infections in some people. Too
much cranberry juice, however, can cause diarrhea. It should be
noted that while cranberry juice may help prevent some urinary
tract infections, it is not effective for treating them.


9.In the male;

Uncircumcised males have a higher rate of urinary tract infections
than circumcised males because bacteria can thrive under the
foreskin. Once the foreskin becomes retractable, the area should
be gently cleaned regularly to help reduce the risk of infection.


Circumcision. Some uncircumcised males who have recurrent
UTIs , particularly those with phimosis (or too small an opening
of the foreskin at the tip of penis for good flow of urine), may
benefit from circumcision.