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Having a “clean body” is not only about the smoothness and glow on the face and body. Not realisimg this leaves us worrying more about our looks than internal infections that can damage our health. A lot of such infections are Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).
Bladder infection, medically known as Cystitis, is the most common of UTI. Women have higher risk of contacting it.
The bladder is a hollow muscular organ that is located in the pelvis. The bladder has two functions which is storing and releasing of urine.
A bladder infection can be painful and if it is not attended to on time, it can become a serious health problem as the infection spreads to the kidneys.
Why are women prone to the disease?
1. Women are more prone to this disease because of the size of their urethra. Women have a shorter urethra which allows bacteria to gain access to the bladder much easier than in men.
2. Sexually active women tend to have more urinary tract infections than women who are not sexually active.
3. Pregnant women are also at risk due to hormonal changes that occur in their bodies during pregnancy.
4. Women who use diaphragms for birth control and those who use spermicidal creams may be at higher risk.
5.Women who have attained the stage of menopause are at greater risks because decreased in estrogen levels can cause changes in the urinary tract.
Causes of bladder infection
There are ways in which bacteria gain acess to the urinary system.
1. The most common way is from the stool. The bacteria from the stool move to the vagina and then enter the urethra.
2. Wiping from back to front after sex or after urinating can cause bladder infection.
3. Using sanitary pads without changing it for more than eight hours in normal flows and four hours in heavy flow.
Symptoms of bladder infection
The symptoms of bladder infection are similar in men and women. These symptoms are:
1. A string urge to urinate
2. A burning sensation when urinating
3. Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
4. Blood in the urine
5. Pelvic discomfort
6. A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
What to do when you witness such symptoms.
The best thing to do when you are experiencing such symptoms in your body is to visit a doctor. Using antibiotics without doctor’s prescription may be hazardous.
Preventing future bladder infections
If you have not experienced any of the symptoms and you want to prevent it from occurring or you have and it has been treated in the past, the following routine may prevent the occurrence or re-occurence.
• Drink plenty of water
• Urinate as soon as you feel the urge to
• Avoid bath tubs. It is advisable to use a shower.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Change your underwear daily.
• Urinate before and after sex
. Wipe from front to back after urinating and after having sex.
• Don’t use medicated or antiseptic soaps.
. Avoid douching and feminine hygiene sprays
. Stop the use of spermicidals for birth control