Urinary infections: how to treat them so they do not relapse

Urinary infections are more frequent than respiratory infections. Statistics show that half of women have been affected at least once in their lifetime by such a condition. When a urinary infection returns several times, we talk about recurrent cystitis.

Also called cystitis, urinary infections occur when different bacteria reach the urinary tract, multiply and then affect kidneys and urinary tracts, which no longer function at normal parameters. The consequences are the frequent and immediate urge to urinate, and a certain discomfort in urination, usually manifested by pain.

Causes of urinary infections

The urinary system and urine have a range of properties with the specific role of blocking the access for bacterias, and stopping them from spreading through the external urethral opening. Frequently, the bacteria come from the inferior tract of the digestive system and the anus, which is bordered anatomically with the opening of the urethra. This also explains the higher frequency of urinary infections in women, more often affected than men.

Due to the short length of the urethra in women, germs present in the anal area can migrate quickly into the bladder. In most urinary infections, the bacteria that trigger the infection are E. coli, a microbe found in the colon and anus, responsible for the appearance of cystitis, pyelonephritis and prostate abscess.

Why relapses happen

Often times, we are tempted to treat this kind of infections superficially. Unfortunately, untreated properly, they can turn our lives into a nightmare. It’s not a joy to constantly rush to the toilet, or panic because you can not find one. Neither are the pains and the itches anywhere near pleasant. Furthermore, complications of urinary tract infections may occur.

If the infection returns three times a year, usually, the diagnosis is recurrent cystitis. There are multiple causes for it, starting from neglecting treatment and reaching a number of risk factors that need to be carefully considered by the urologist. Urologic history may reveal certain urinary tract malformations that prevent sufficient bladder emptying, or unidentified kidney stones. Other possible causes may include vaginitis, atrophic urethritis (in menopausal women), or pelvic inflammatory disease.

For men, the risk factors for recurrence of urinary infections are prostate adenoma, urinary tract abnormalities and a deficient immune system.

Treatment with antibiotics

First of all, your doctor will ask for a urine summary and a cybacteriological examination of the urine. If there is any unclearness, they will probably require extra tests, such as pelvic urography or ultrasound. Then, depending on the results, the doctor will prescribe antibiotic treatment (which may take up to 6 months), accompanied by sufficient hydration (minimum 1.5 liters of water per day).

Tips for preventing the relapse of cystitis

  • Drink as much liquids as possible.
  • Local hygiene is extremely important. Do not use shower gels for the genital area. Hot water and soap are sufficient, provided they are used every day.
  • When using the toilet, it’s recommended to wipe front to back, to avoid passing the bacteria into the urinary tract.
  • It is a good practice to urinate before and after sexual intercourse.
  • A high fiber diet is useful to avoid constipation.

Important: If you have been prescribed an antibiotic treatment, follow it through to the end. Do not just give it up when it seems that you’re feeling better.




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