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Urinary tract infection in women

Also listed as: UTI


Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria and are 10 times more common among women than men. About 30% of UTIs go away and do not recur. When UTIs do recur, it is often because the treatments used to suppress bacteria seem to work at first but do not produce a lasting cure. UTIs can also recur when a woman is infected again by a different kind of bacterium.


Signs and Symptoms


What Causes It?

Some risk factors include the following.


What to Expect at Your Provider's Office

Your health care provider will feel your abdomen and kidneys for changes and use laboratory tests, such as a urine culture, to find out if you have a UTI. If the usual treatments do not work, your provider will explore the possibility that you have some other condition. Other illnesses can cause symptoms that mimic a UTI, such as sexually transmitted diseases.


Treatment Options

Drug Therapies

Several antibiotics and other drugs may treat UTIs. The most effective antibiotics are usually taken for 7 - 10 days. Shorter courses of treatment are available, and your health care provider may prescribe an antibiotic that you take for 1 - 3 days.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Always tell your health care provider about the herbs and supplements you are using.

Nutrition and Supplements

Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:

You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:

Natural hormone replacement therapy may help prevent UTIs. Ask your health care provider about this treatment.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

Homeopathy

There have been few studies examining the effectiveness of specific homeopathic remedies. Professional homeopaths, however, may recommend one or more of the following treatments for UTI based on their knowledge and clinical experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and intellectual makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate remedy for a particular individual.


Following Up

Preventive measures you can follow:


Special Considerations

If you are pregnant, you are more at risk for developing a UTI.


Supporting Research

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