A Recurring Urinary Tract Infection

A Recurring Urinary Tract Infection

Overview

Urinary tract infections, UTIs, occur when bacteria from the stomach and intestines stick to the walls of the urethra. Women suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections may lack proteins called immunoglobulins. These proteins resist bacterial attempts to attach to the urethral walls, reports the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Urinary tract infections respond well to low-dose, long-term antibiotic therapy for recurrent infections.

Identification

Recurring urinary tract infections are identified through laboratory urinalysis and urine cultures. These tests show the presence of Escherichia coli, or E.coli. These bacteria develop in the urinary tract from imbalances in vaginal flora caused by frequent intercourse, spermicides and antibiotic use. UTI symptoms include frequent, urgent and painful urination or difficulty urinating. Urinary tract infections also cause cloudy and odoriferous urine. These types of bladder and kidney infections are 50 percent more common in women between the ages of 20 to 50 years. Women in these age groups may be at greater risk due to constant hormonal and vaginal floral changes, notes the Merck Manuals.

Types

Recurrent urinary tract infections can be of the complicated and uncomplicated type. Complicated UTIs result from factors such as obstruction of urine flow, poor bladder emptying, pregnancy, uterine prolapse--bladder collapses in on itself, cystocele--cysts along the urethral walls, and prostate enlargement in men. Uncomplicated UTIs result from E.coli bacteria collecting within the urinary tract and eventually entering the bladder and kidneys. Uncomplicated UTIs result from unprotected sexual intercourse, frequent antibiotic use, bacterial imbalances and sexually transmitted diseases, notes The Planned Parenthood Organization.

Risk Factors

Young women are more susceptible to this infection but it is also common in younger men who have sexually transmitted diseases, unprotected anal intercourse, an uncircumcised penis and unprotected intercourse with a woman. Risk factors in women include sexual intercourse, diaphragm and spermicide use, frequent antibiotic use and a history of recurrent UTIs, describes The Merck Manuals. Recurrent urinary tract infections can begin to cycle with antibiotics temporarily clearing up the infection and only to return shortly after the antibiotic regimen. Studies conducted at Duke University Medical Center may have discovered why many urinary tract infections in the bladder return after treatment with antibiotics. They found that some bacteria hide in cells lining the bladder, where they cannot be reached by antibiotics.

Prevention/Solution

The Stony Brook School of Medicine, Department of Urology recommends following proper hygiene techniques, increasing fluid intake, empting the bladder frequently and using adequate lubrication during intercourse to avoid recurring urinary tract infections. The university also recommends the triple voiding technique: urinate, wait 10 seconds and repeat twice. This voiding technique will decrease bacteria growth in the urethra. The Stony Brook School of Medicine also notes that it is important to empty the bladder every two hours. Additional prevention and solutions include taking high-potency B-complex vitamins, wearing 100 percent cotton undergarments and if using a diaphragm during intercourse, making certain that it fits well to avoid injury and bacterial collection.

Potential

The research supported by the National Institutes of Health reports that forskolin, an extract from the Indian coleus plant, flushes out hiding colonies of bacteria, making them susceptible to antibiotic treatment. This herbal remedy found in health food stores may greatly reduce urinary tract infections and may enhance the ability of antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause infections in the bladder. Soman Abraham, Ph.D., Duke microbiologist, published the results of his research on "The Herbal Treatment for Recurring Urinary Tract Infections", study on April 8, 2007, in The Journal of Nature Medicine. Abraham's study notes that the herb also has been claimed to be an effective weight-loss aid. It is important to note that herbal extracts such as forskolin are not tested or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Abraham recommends that anyone with a urinary tract infection should contact their physician before trying forskalin.

source : livestrong.com