The organs of the urinary system include the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Thanks to them, the body can remove unnecessary and harmful substances to the outside. In a healthy person, there are no bacteria in the urinary tract or urine, because numerous defense mechanisms protect against their entry through the urethra into the higher parts of the urinary system. However, under certain conditions, pathogenic microorganisms can invade the urethra and from there into the bladder. This results in an infection from which bacterial urinary tract inflammation can develop.
What are the symptoms of urethritis and cystitis?
Urinary tract infection in most people gives very characteristic symptoms. These are usually a burning sensation in the urethra and intimate area when urinating, frequent urge to urinate, while urinating a small amount. In women, in addition, there may be pain in the lower abdomen. It can be observed that the urine then becomes cloudy and acquires a strong, unpleasant odor. Sometimes it happens that only some of the above symptoms are present or they are faint.
Women are more prone to this type of ailment because their urethra is shorter than that of men. This means that microorganisms have a shorter path to travel and are able to infect the urinary tract more quickly. According to estimates, more than 50% of women may undergo the disease at least once in their lifetime. A higher risk applies to ladies who frequently engage in sexual activity. In some of them, superinfection can occur even after every rapprochement. This happens when the composition of the bacterial flora of the intimate area is disturbed and pathogenic strains appear. During intercourse, they can more easily penetrate into the urethra and from there into the bladder. This is why it is so important to take care of intimate hygiene and the vaginal bacterial flora.
Other high-risk groups include people with diabetes (they tend to have lowered immunity, and the presence of sugar in the urine provides a breeding ground for bacteria), postmenopausal women and pregnant women. In men, such infections are relatively rare and generally only affect the urethra. Men who have kidney stones or prostate hypertrophy are more at risk.
Urinary tract inflammation is not dangerous to your health, but when you notice symptoms in yourself, treatment should be taken as soon as possible. Effective preparations can be purchased without a prescription. Those who are more susceptible to infection or have doubts about their symptoms should seek medical attention. Treatment will help shorten the duration of the disease and avoid complications, which are usually very serious. When microorganisms pass from the bladder through the ureters to the kidneys, a condition occurs that requires urgent medical intervention. Symptoms of kidney infection include severe pain on both sides of the lower back, fever reaching up to 40°C, chills, nausea and vomiting.
Natural remedies for cystitis
Home treatment of urinary tract infections primarily involves increasing urine output. This ensures that bacteria are flushed out of the urinary tract. In doing so, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids and take diuretics. The preparation Urosept contains herbal and mineral components so selected to support the cleansing of the urinary tract. Parsley root extract, birch leaf extract, bean cap, lingonberry leaf extract and chamomile herb extract exhibit diuretic action. In addition, parsley root and chamomile herb have antiseptic and relaxant effects on the smooth muscles of the urinary tract. Cowberry leaf also exhibits antimicrobial activity. The composition of Urosept is supplemented by sodium citrate and potassium citrate, which regulate the pH of the urine, which improves the effect of treatment. The recommended dosage is 2 tablets 3 times a day. Urosept can also be used as a means of increasing urine output in the course of kidney stones.
Ways to prevent urinary tract infections
People who know they may be susceptible to urinary tract infections should avoid situations that increase the risk of infection. This primarily applies to women’s maintenance of personal hygiene. To this end, after each visit to the toilet, ladies should wipe themselves in the direction from the urethra toward the anus, that is, from front to back. The reverse direction could result in the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the intimate area, which often becomes the cause of infection.
Before each close-up, it is a good idea to urinate and wash thoroughly with a mild intimate hygiene product. Washing agents containing soap should be avoided, as it can irritate the mucous membranes and cause minor injuries through which microorganisms penetrate. The same steps can also be repeated after sexual intercourse. Washing in the shower is a safer choice than bathing in a bathtub, as long time spent in water can promote infection. Men should also wash themselves thoroughly before going to bed with their partner. To do so, they can get a suitable intimate hygiene product, preferably one with antibacterial properties, since their skin can also harbor microorganisms.
In order for the urinary system to work harmoniously, both men and women should drink an adequate amount of fluids. 1.5 liters of water a day is the absolute minimum so that the kidneys work efficiently and there is no stagnation of urine in the bladder. For the same reason, withholding urine for long periods is equally risky. Once an infection has set in, it is still a good idea to increase the amount of water you drink. You should then avoid drinks that can irritate the bladder and cause frequent urinary urgency. These can include coffee, strong tea, alcoholic beverages and citrus juices, among others.
An effective home remedy for bladder pain, for example, is to apply a warm compress or thermo-foam to the painful area. Cranberry preparations will also work well in the prevention of infections. They can be taken over a long period of time, as they are safe and effective in supporting urinary function.
