One out of every five women will
develop a urinary tract infection in their lifetime.
In fact, because urinary tract infections are of significant
concern to women of all ethnicities, black women should better educate
themselves concerning UTI's. Urinary tract infections are more common
among women than men due to the fact that women have a shorter urethra
(the tube that carries the urine from the bladder to the outside of
the body) and the initial site of infection is closer to potential
sources of bacteria. These
infectious bacteria can easily latch onto the opening of the urinary
tract, move up the urethra, and grow inside the bladder to levels that
are irritating to the body.
Urinary tract infections are often
associated with a frequent urge to urinate, painful urination, and
occasional blood in the urine. When
blood is present, it indicates that the bladder is sloughing off some
of its inside layers in order to force the bacteria to leave the body
through the urine.
To help prevent a bladder infection, a
person should drink 80 ounces (about 8 glasses) of water a day.
This helps the body to regularly flush out harmful substances
and to keep the urine sterile (free of bacteria).
Drinking plenty of water also helps the body to maintain a
healthy balance of electrolytes and hormones in the urinary tract.
Drinking cranberry juice or taking Vitamin C supplements aids
in inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the bladder by lowering the pH
of the bladder (making the bladder more acidic).
Women should also wipe themselves from front to back, clean
themselves prior to sexual engagement, and avoid irritants (e.g.
perfumed douches). Unfortunately, the risk of acquiring a urinary tract infection increases with age, with
women who use a diaphragm, and with women whose partners use condoms.
If you believe that you have a urinary
tract infection, it should be treated as soon as possible to prevent
the infection of the kidneys. Your
physician will usually prescribe an antibiotic to kill the bacteria
that are causing the infection, as well as some medication for the
pain.
Shareece Davis Bio Med Program At UCR
