The urinary tract is one of the systems of our body that eliminates waste.

After the kidneys have filtered the waste liquid, it is sent down the ureters on either side and down to the bladder.  It will then leave the bladder down the urethra and be excreted as urine.

Pathogenic bacteria enter the urethra and cause inflammation and painful symptoms.

Urinary tract infections are more commonly in the bottom tube - the urethra.  Sometimes,the bacteria overgrowth can go higher up the urinary tract and can infect the ureter or kidney itself.  This is less common but more serious.

Urinary tract infections are more common in women than men, due to the female urethra being shorter.  The female urethra is much closer to the anus than a male urethra, making it easier for bacteria to enter.

Symptoms of a UTI

• A burning sensation when urinating
• Feeling like you need to urinate more often
• Feeling the urge to urinate but not being able to
• Incontinence or leaking
• Cloudy, dark or bloody urine
• A feeling of pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen.

Symptoms of a more serious kidney infection

• Nausea
• Lower back pain
• Fever/ chills
• Feeling ill

These symptoms require the attention of a doctor.

If you think you have a urinary tract infection, you should always visit your doctor.  In most cases you will be given antibiotics which will help nip the infection in the bud before it travels higher up.  In the long term though, antibiotics are something we don`t want to be taking repeatedly as they can do more harm than good.  
When we take antibiotics, they are so good at removing bacteria that they kill off both the pathogenic (bad) bacteria that is causing the infection, and our beneficial bacteria that need to be there to protect us in the first place.
When our defenses are weakened and our own beneficial bacteria are no longer in place to hold the fort, it allows overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria to be unchallenged the next time they enter.  They can take a stronger hold over the area and spread more rapidly.
Often times, women who have had antibiotics for a UTI will go on to have repeated UTI`s and may even progress to kidney infections as the pathogenic bacteria progress.  


Prevention is key


Beneficial bacteria

• Your gut and vaginal flora are key players in preventing recurrent UTI`s.  It is important to have a really healthy microbiome of beneficial bacteria in the gut and vagina.  Probiotics can help the vaginal and gut flora be balanced.  You can take certain probiotics to inoculate these areas. Lactobacillus species probiotics are effective as they keep the area at the correct PH, which is naturally acidic, preventing the growth of bacteria.  There are also vaginal probiotic pessaries and creams that are useful.  If you are taking an antibiotic, under the supervision of your GP, you could take a probiotic alongside it and definitely after you have finished the antibiotics to help keep your gut flora healthy.

A healthy diet

• Keep your diet low in sugar and high in fruit and vegetable fibre (especially dark green, leafy greens) to help keep your gut healthy.  Sugar will feed pathogenic bacteria in your gut and vagina.

    Water

• Increase your intake of water to ensure that you are urinating frequently to flush out bacteria and prevent them adhering to the lining of the urethra.

    Cranberry

• Drink UNSWEETENED pure cranberry juice.  There are compounds in cranberry juice that stop the bacteria adhering to the lining of the urethra.  250 - 300mls of cranberry juice is a good amount to drink per day.  You can dilute it with water or mineral water.  Remember - it must be unsweetened cranberry juice. You can also find supplements made with cranberry.  Cranberry juice is also safe to drink in pregnancy, which is helpful as UTIs can be more common in pregnancy.

    Vitamin C

• Vitamin C helps to keep our immune systems functioning well. Studies show that it can increase the release of nitric oxide in the urine, which kills common bacteria that can cause UTIs.  

    Garlic

• Garlic increases the acidity of the urethra, inhibiting the ability of the bacteria to adhere to the lining.  

General housekeeping tips for your genital health

• ALWAYS wipe from front to back.  If you don`t, you are literally swiping bacteria from the area around your anus up towards your urethra.
• Urinate after you have had sex.  During intercourse, the bacteria can be spread from the anal area upwards towards the urethra.  By urinating you will help eliminate any bacteria that might be lurking.
• Avoid vaginal hygiene products and douches.  These not only irritate the urethra but disrupt the delicate balance of good bacteria around the vagina.
• Use cotton underwear and avoid thongs.  Cotton underwear is more breathable, whilst thongs create a literal tightrope from the anus itself to the vagina.

 
This information is not discouraging antibiotic use as in some cases of UTIs they are absolutely essential.  It is to provide you with preventative care that can help support chronic UTIs from recurring.