Common Characteristics
Infections of various types are among the most common disorders
affecting the urinary tract, with the kidney, bladder and prostate
being the most frequent sites. Although the onset of a urinary
tract infection may be without symptoms, more typically, the
problem is marked by one or more of the following: fever,
back or groin pain and painful, frequent or bloody urination.
In most cases, diagnosis is easily established by a
microscopic examination of the urine and by identification
of the causative microorganism.

Cystitis
Cystitis, the common term for an infection or inflammation of
the urinary bladdes, can occur at any age and in either sex but
strikes women more frequently than men and adults more
frequently than children. Ten to twenty percent of women will
have at least on Urinary Tract Infection during their lifetime.
The most common source of infection is a bacterium called
Escherichia Coli, although other bacteria as well as viruses
and fungi may be involved. Esherichia Coli normally resides
in the colon, but it can migrate to and multiply in, the urinary
tract. A common bladder infection in women is the so-called
honeymoon cystitis, which most occurs among sexually
inexperienced women, who are just beginning to have
sexual intercourse. In most women, the problem clears up
with time, but there others who frequently experience cystits
following sex.

In men and children, the leading causes of cystitis are
obstruction or structural defects in the urinary tract. A common
example among men over 50 is an enlarged prostate gland,
which impedes the outflow of urine. The urine collects in the
bladder and promotes bacterial growth, which in turns leads
to infection. If the onset of cystitis is gradual, the first symptom
is usually an increase in the urge to urinate during the night. The
patient ma find himself getting up three or four times a night and
this frequent urge may persist during the day. There is often a
painful, burning sensation during urination. A fever and general
malaise or unwell feeling may also be present. The urethra,
the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside may
also be infected, a condition known as urethritis.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Urinary infection is usually diagnosed by examining a urine
sample under a microscope and observing the presents of
bacteria in it. If blood is present in the urine this should also
be investigated by a Doctor to determine the cause.
Generally 7 to 10 days of antibotic therapy brings cystitis
under control. Your physician will probably advise you to
drink plenty of water and to avoid alcoholic beverages.
Although cystitis usually is not a serious disorder, if it is
not treated promptly, it may lead to chronic infection that
can persist with flare-ups for months or years. Despite
treatment, recurrences are frequent and are usually
caused by the reentry of bacteria into the urinary tract
from the exterior, ususally during intercourse. Many with
recurrences harbor bactia near the urethra.

Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is and infection caused by bacteria
carried to the kidney from another body infection. It
involves both the kidney pelvis and the nephron, the
part of the kidney that filters waste from the blood.
Inital symptoms such as difficult urination, foul
smelling or bloody urine, general malaise, headaches
and other signs of infection may be similar to those
of urinary tract infections and cystitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis includes careful identification of the
causative bacterium which is done by examing the
urine. Once the bacterium has been identified, the
proper antibotic can be prescribed to eliminate it.
These Kidney Infections require prompt treatment.

Summing Up
Urinary Tract Infections, particularly those involving the
bladder and urethra, are common, highly treatable
disorders. They do not pose a serious threat to the
kidney and other urinary tract organs, when diagnosed
and treated in the early stage. Both partner should wash
with warm soapy water before and after sex and women
should always remember to wipe from front to back after
toilet activities. If anal sex is including in your activies,
your partner should wash before vaginal insertion.

* Contents contained herein is for information
only and are in no way intended to replace your
Doctor or Health Care Provider.*