Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - Ways To Prevent It!

UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract. Recurrent UTI or chronic UTI if remain untreated can even lead to an organ failure. UTI is the second most common infection in the body. In reproductive age, there is a 10 fold increase in incidence in women than in men.

Why?

• Short urethra 
• Sexual intercourse
• Close proximity of urethral opening to the areas like vagina and vulva which are contaminated heavily with bacteria
• Recurrent vaginal infection

You may be suffering from UTI if:

1. You feel a pain in pelvis while urinating
2. You feel the need to urinate again and again and despite urgency you manage to pee only little
3. You feel burning while urinating or you have to stop urination in between because of excessive burning
4. Urine appears red or cloudy or bright pink with strong smell.

In severe infection, you may suffer from fever with chills, nausea and vomiting. Bad hygiene, sexual intercourse, recurrent vaginal infections, dehydration, holding urine for too long, pregnancy, catheterization while surgery, hypo-estrogenic state like menopause, having diabetes mellitus are some reasons and predisposing factors behind UTI.

If you feel any of the symptoms of UTI you must visit doctor and get urine microscopic examination done. To get proper result patient should collect midstream urine sample in sterile container after washing the private parts.

In chronic or recurring UTI, more extended investigation protocols like intravenous pyelography, cystoscopy (endoscopy of urinary bladder via urethra) are indicated.

Prevention

• The urge for urination should not be suppressed.
• Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you'll urinate more frequently — allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.
• Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
• Empty your bladder soon after intercourse. 
• Change your birth control method. Diaphragms or unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms can contribute to bacterial growth.
• Don't use feminine deodorants. These sprays can irritate your genital area and increase your risk of UTI.
• Wear cotton underwear. Cotton fabric allows moisture escape while other fabrics can trap moisture, which creates a potential breeding ground for bacteria. Also, avoid tight-fitting clothing.
• Avoid vaginal dryness
• Get help for recurrent UTI. 
• Avoid intake of hot, oily, spicy, sour, salty, and bitter foods.
• Increase intake of liquids in the form of water, juices, coconut water, and other cooling drinks.
• Increase intake of pitta-pacifying herbs like green cardamom, coriander, licorice root, black resins, gulkand and kokam syrup etc.
• Alcohol and coffee should be forbidden.
• Coriander and cumin seed water: Soak coriander and cumin seeds overnight in 6 times water. Drink 30 to 50 ml water next morning after sieving or filtering. Prepare fresh every day.
• Punarnavashtak kwath, Varunadi kwath, Chandrakala rasa, Chandraprabha vati etc are some of the ayurvedic medicines which are used treat UTI, those should be taken under proper guidance, if you suffer from UTI.