Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are quite common, as roughly one in three women, and one in 20 men, will experience one. These infections can often be treated rather easily, but a more serious problem arises when the infection continues to return.
Risk Factors of Urinary Tract Infection
There are a number of risk factors related to urinary tract infections. These include sexual intercourse, abnormalities in the urinary tract, the bladder not emptying properly, contraception, a history of urinary tract surgery and HIV. In men, there is a greater chance if there has been anal intercourse or urinary tract injury. Children can also have their urinary tract from impaired renal function, impaired immune function and any condition that leads to urinary stasis.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
The symptoms of recurring urinary tract infections include the following which continue to return:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Having to pee a lot, more than usual, and often waking up at night to pee with only a small amount of urine coming out
- The sense that you have to pee often
- Bloody, cloudy or bad-smelling urine
- Having a mild-fever
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Shaking chills
- High fever
- Vomiting
Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection
In terms of treatment, there are several things that can be done to deal with urinary tract infections. The most obvious solution is to have antibiotics administered. It will typically take three days of antibiotics to deal with the problem. If it is the prostate that is infected, it can take up to four weeks, while adult females can expect three to seven days.
For upper urinary tract infections, it can take 10 to 14 days of antibiotics and IV fluids being administered.
When experiencing recurring urinary tract infections, each recurrence is treated with an antimicrobial for a week. If the infection happens at least three times per year, Prophylaxis may be considered. This medication would be prescribed to be taken less than two hours after intercourse on a regular basis. Additionally, cranberry juice is recommended, along with topical vaginal estrogens.
If you are suffering from a recurring urinary tract infection, there are preventative measure that can be taken. Contact your doctor to speak to them about the potential options.