Urinary tract infection in females

Your urinary system is comprised of the kidneys, ureters, Bladder and urethra, all of which are involved in removal of waste from your body. The following four steps are involved in the formation and voiding of urine: The Kidneys filter waste from your blood. The ureters, which are tube like structures, transport urine from your Kidneys to the Bladder. The urine is stored in the Bladder. The stored urine is then discharged from body through theUrethra.
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are mostly commonly caused by bacteria and can affect any component of the urinary tract; the most common infections are those of the Urethra and Bladder.
How serious is the problem? Urinary tract infections can put you through a lot of misery. But you need not worry much because prompt medical care will give you relief in a day or two. However, if the infection affects your Kidneys and is found to be serious, you may require treatment for a longer period of time at a hospital.  Symptoms of UTI Burning sensation while urinating Frequent urge to urinate Having the urge to urinate but finding it difficult to do so Passing frequent, small amounts of urine Leakage of drops of urine Bad smelling, dark or bloody urine
Symptoms of UTI Knowing the signs and symptoms will help you identify if you have been affected with a urinary tract infection. If you experience any of these symptoms (see box), it is probably time to get in touch with your doctor.
Women are more prone to UTI than men. Reasons why women are more easily affected are: The Urethra is shorter in women than in men, making it easy for the bacteria to reach it faster. In women, the Urethra is positioned closer to the Rectum. This again, enables bacteria from the Rectum to move into the Urethra. During sexual intercourse, bacteria can be pushed into the Urethra. The use of Diaphragms to prevent pregnancy can lead to UTI since the Diaphragms tend to press against the Urethra. This interferes with the complete emptying of urine in theBladder. When some urine remains in the bladder, bacteria can thrive in it and cause infection. After menopause, UTI may become more common because tissues of the vagina, Urethra and the base of the Bladder become thinner and more fragile due to loss of Estrogen. Treatment If your doctor suspects that you have UTI, he or she may suggest a urine sample test to ascertain the presence of bacteria in it. If the tests confirm the presence of bacteria, you may be prescribed medication to eliminate the bacteria. Certain medications can turn your urine to bright orange or yellow. Do not worry about this—it shows the medicine's working. Preventing UTI Some women are affected by UTI more often than others. If you are one of them, discuss the problem with your doctor. Your doctor will suggest the right treatment strategy to prevent the recurrence of infection. Knowing some of the prevention methods (see below) will help you keep urinary tract infections away.
Tips to prevent UTI Drink plenty of water or other liquids. This will increase your urge to urinate and by doing so you can flush out the bacteria from your system. Do not retain or hold back urine. Urinate as soon as you feel you need to. After urinating or bowel movement, wash or wipe from front to back and not from back to front. This will prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the Vagina and Urethra. After sexual intercourse, wash your genital area and urinate to wash away bacteria. If you feel vaginal dryness during sex, use a cream or jelly for lubrication. If a diaphragm is the cause of your infection, ask your doctor about other methods to prevent pregnancy. From:-indianwomenshealth