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UTI  (Urinary Tract Infection)

Home Care Kit™

FAQ and ANSWERS:

1.      Why do women seem to have urinary tract infections more often than men?

Women are thirty times more likely than men to get urinary tract infections because of the anatomy.  The female urethra is much shorter than a male’s so the bacteria only have to travel an inch or so to create an infection whereas the bacteria have to travel a longer distance in a man.

2.      Am I more prone to urinary tract infections after menopause?

After menopause women are at risk more for recurrent infections because of their decreased estrogen levels.  When estrogen levels decrease, the numbers of lactobacilli that colonize the vagina also decrease.  Lactobacilli are infection-fighting microorganisms that maintain a highly acidic environment that does not allow bacteria to grow. Lactobacilli produce hydrogen peroxide, which helps eliminate bacteria and reduces the ability of E.Coli to adhere to vaginal cells.  In addition, the walls of the urinary tract thin out, weakening the mucous membrane and reducing its ability to resist bacteria.  Menopausal women may also have a bladder that loses its elasticity and fail to empty completely, resulting in a greater chance for infections to occur.

3.      How can I have safe sex and avoid a urinary tract infection?

Physicians recommend urinating before and after intercourse to empty the bladder and cleanse the urethra of bacteria.  After intercourse, it is best to wash the genital area with soft, moisturizing wipes or soap and water to also help prevent infections. A non-petroleum based lubricant can be used during intercourse to help prevent irritations that can become infected with bacteria.  If you often develop urinary tract infections after sexual intercourse, you may be allergic to latex condoms, spermicides, or oral contraceptives. You should speak with your doctor about alternative methods of birth control. Also, if you use a diaphragm, its spring-rim may bruise the opening of the bladder that can increase the risk of infection.

4.      Why are some women more likely than others to get a urinary tract infection?

Experts estimate that at least 40% of women will experience a urinary tract infection at some time in their lives and approximately 80% of women who have one infection will experience another infection within a year.  The women who are more likely to get a UTI are pregnant women and menopausal women.  Pregnant women may be more likely to suffer urinary tract infections because pregnancy changes the size and shape of the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections during pregnancy are of special concern as they can progress to pyelonephritis (kidney disease), cause premature labor, or result in an infant with an increased risk of respiratory infections.

5.      What can I do about the pain I experience with a UTI?

There is an over-the-counter pain reliever tablet available to relieve the symptoms of a UTI.  It is called UTI ReliefÒ that provide temporary fast relief of the pain, burning, urgency, and frequency of urination until you can get treatment for the infection from a physician.  The active ingredient in UTI ReliefÒ is phenazopyridine hydrochloride, also known as Pyridium, which is the same ingredient that doctors prescribe to relief the UTI symptoms.  UTI ReliefÒ tablets are not a cure for UTI.  You still need to see a doctor to prescribe antibiotics for the infection.  UTI ReliefÒ should not be taken for more than 2 days and should be discontinued as soon as the symptoms are relieved.  These tablets will turn the urine color to reddish-orange, which may stain your fabric.  It is best to wash your hands after taking the tablets because the ingredient may stain your fingers, thereby staining other things. 

6.      Does cranberry really help prevent UTIs?

Health care professionals have been recommending cranberry juice for the prevention of urinary tract and bladder infections.  It is a powerful antioxidant that can inhibit the binding of E. coli bacteria to the urinary tract lining.  However, the disadvantage of drinking cranberry juice is the high content of sugar, which is high in calories.

7.      How will I know if my UTI is cured?

The E. coli bacteria are usually stubborn bacteria that may be hanging around even if you have finished your antibiotic therapy.  That is why it is a good idea to use the UTI Home Screening Test KitÒ even after you finish your course of antibiotics in making sure the infection is completely gone.  If you suffer from recurring infections, using this test on a regular basis can help in early detection of an infection.

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