Bladder infections, caused by bacteria such as E. coli, are more common in women than men and can be triggered by sexual activity. Symptoms include painful urination and an urgent need to urinate. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys, causing permanent damage. Drinking water, urinating often, and consuming cranberry juice or pills can help prevent recurring infections.
A bladder infection is a bacterial urinary tract infection, often called a urinary tract infection (UTI). More common in women than men, it is usually treated quickly and easily with a course of antibiotics, but if left untreated it can be very dangerous. Infections aren’t passed from person to person, and people usually get one from bacteria that occur naturally in or on the body, most often E. coli, which lives in human feces. However, sexual activity often triggers a bladder infection, and some old-school doctors might still call it “honeymoon disease,” as new brides often acquired one while on their honeymoon.
The first sign of this infection is a feeling that the person needs to urinate, but produces little urine and the feeling of “full” does not go away. This should be the first sign for a patient to go to a healthcare professional for antibiotics because ignoring the symptoms will only cause further pain. An untreated bladder infection will result in painful urination or an inability to urinate altogether.
Eventually, an untreated bladder infection will make its way to the kidneys. A kidney infection is nothing to joke about—the pain alone will get most people to the nearest doctor. Kidney infections can be accompanied by dangerously high fevers and can lead to permanent kidney damage, so an infection must be treated with early symptoms.
Some people are prone to recurring infections. This is likely due to the size and shape of the urethra. People who find themselves contracting one infection after another may need to change some habits. They should drink plenty of water, as it flushes and cleanses the urinary tract.
People should urinate often. Many people try to hold their urine for as long as possible in the belief that this will expand the bladder and give them more control. This really isn’t a good idea, and frequent trips to the bathroom will keep your urinary tract healthier in the long run.
Women might also consider adding cranberry juice to their diet, as it may add hippuric acid to the system, acidifying the urinary tract and making it more difficult for a bacterial infection to start. There is some debate among researchers about how effective this proactive treatment is, but it’s unlikely to do any harm. Women who want to consume cranberry juice should make sure they are using pure juice, however, and not juice cocktails, which are diluted and contain too much sugar. People who don’t want to drink cranberry juice may want to try cranberry in pill form, which is often available at health food stores.
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