Urinary tract infection is the most common condition that affects both men and women, especially women owing to the anatomy of the reproductive system. UTI refers to the infection of the urinary tract and bladder. This is generally painful and has to be treated well on time to prevent it from progressing further.

What causes urinary tract infections?

1. Poor toilet and bathing habits, especially women need to wash from front to back (vagina to anus) to prevent the bacteria of the anus from entering the vagina.
2. A suppressed immune system gives way to a lot of infections, one of them is UTI.
3. Diabetes is another cause for the infection
4. Unhygienic sex – one needs to make sure that the partner maintains good hygiene before and after the act. This prevents many infections.

What are the symptoms of urinary tract infections?
Following are the sign and symptoms of UTI that you need to be aware of:

1. Severe pain and burning during urination
2. Pressure sensation
3. Frequent urge to urinate
4. Pain in the groin and pelvis, which sometimes can radiate to the lower back and lower abdomen.

What are the ways to treat UTI?
UTI can be bothersome until symptoms subside. Pain during urination must be keenly observed and catered to because UTIs can develop into chronic infections and can cause terrible consequences if left untreated. Some of the treatments for UTI are:

1. Antibiotics
This is almost the first-line course of treatment for UTIs, owing to the severe pain and pressure associated with urination. Some of the antibiotics that work are:

• Bactrim
• Nitrofurantoin
• Septra
• Keflex

Antibiotics are usually given as a 3-day course, orally 2 times a day. There is relief usually with the first dose of antibiotics if the infection is mild, but some UTIs require a 7-day course of antibiotics and also intravenous antibiotics if the symptoms do not respond to oral medicines. Though this is usually rare, it is of utmost importance to pay attention to the symptoms and make sure that they subside with a regular course of antibiotics.

2. Hydration
As much as medical treatment is necessary for UTIs, keeping oneself completely hydrated plays a vital role in clearing the infection at the earliest. Water helps to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and water should be taken at regular intervals to prevent dehydration. Less water would pave the way for faster colonization of the bacteria contributing to intense symptoms.

3. Cranberry juice
UTIs are caused by bacteria like E. coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter species. These bacteria need a substrate to adhere to and normally colonize along the mucosa of the urinary tract. Cranberries contain a compound called A-type proanthocyanidins that inhibit adherence, thus slowing down or preventing colonization, helping the infection progress further and contribute to healing.

4. Washing
Maintaining hygiene treats the infection to a large extent. Washing the private parts with warm water and salt helps to subside the symptoms and serves as a natural treatment for UTI. The sodium in the salt fights against bacteria instantly and slows down the infection and this can be followed as a regular practice to stay away from infections.