Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, particularly in women. Around one in two women and one in 20 men will get a UTI in their lifetime. The urinary system is designed to minimise the risk of serious infection in the kidneys. It does this by preventing the urine from flowing back up into the kidneys from the bladder. Most urinary infections are confined to the bladder and, while causing symptoms, are not serious or life threatening.
Symptoms of UTIs
Some of the symptoms of UTIs include:
- wanting to urinate more often and urgently, if only a few drops
- burning pain or a ‘scalding’ sensation when urinating
- a feeling that the bladder is still full after urinating
- pain above the pubic bone
- Cloudy, bloody or very smelly urine.
Causes of UTIs
When bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, they can cause a UTI. To infect the urinary system, a micro-organism usually has to enter through the urethra or, rarely, through the bloodstream. The most common bacterium to cause UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is usually spread to the urethra from the anus. Other micro-organisms, such as mycoplasma and chlamydia, can cause urethritis in both men and women. These micro-organisms are sexually transmitted so, when these infections are detected, both partners need medical treatment to avoid re-infection.
Prevention of UTIs
Although not always backed up by clinical research, some women have found some suggestions useful in reducing their risk of developing urinary tract infections, including:
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids to flush the urinary system.
- Treat vaginal infections such as thrush or trichomonas quickly.
- Avoid using spermicide-containing products, particularly with a diaphragm contraceptive device.
- Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge to urinate, rather than holding on.
- Wipe yourself from front to back (urethra to anus) after going to the toilet.
- Empty your bladder after sex.
- Avoid constipation.
Cranberries (usually as cranberry juice) have been used to prevent UTIs. Cranberries contain a substance that can prevent the E. coli bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining cells.
Doppelherz Urocalm: Contains Natural plant extracts, Cranberry extract rich in proanthocyanidins that prevent bacteria from sticking to the wall of the urinary tract and bladder and Dandelion extract to stimulate diuresis that helps to flush out bacteria. Doppelherz Urocalm combines the properties of cranberry and dandelion for a more efficient fight against recurrent urinary tract infections. Urocalm can be used as an adjunct with antibiotics for treating severe urinary tract infections.
Urocalm is very safe for prolong use (due to its natural source) in the treatment of urinary tract infection to prevent relapse in treatment.
