Infection that affects the urinary tract including Urethra (tube that carries urine from bladder to out of your body), kidneys, Ureters (tubes that connects kidneys with bladder) and bladder etc. are commonly known as Urinary tract infection. The urinary tract infection is usually caused by bacteria but sometimes viruses and fungi also may cause infection. UTI are common and not very serious but there are some exceptions.
Women are more likely than men to get diseases of the urinary tract because the urethra is closer to the anus than in men and therefore is more susceptible to infection through sexual intercourse or anus. Girls often suffer from frequent urinary infections due to various reasons like lack of cleanliness etc. Cleaning to avoid urinary infections should always be done from front to back, to avoid at all times that bacterial infiltration to the vaginal area. The bladder of the urine is usually affected by the infection that usually spreads to the urethra and occasionally it can also spread to the kidneys if it is not treated on time. The usual treatment for urinary tract infections are antibiotics to fight the pathogenic bacteria causing the infection and the durability of the treatment will depend on the degree of infection.
Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
The symptoms of a urinary tract infection include
- Difficulty in urination
- Pain in lower belly (above pubic bone/ over bladder)
- Burning, pain while urination
- Frequent urination
- Dark or bloody urine that may be accompanied by a bad smell
- In some cases fever, chill, nausea (severe condition like kidney infection)
- Low back pain
- Urge to pee right away
- Peeing in small amounts at a time
- Pelvic pain
In men
- Painful ejaculation
- pain behind scrotum
- Bloody semen
Types Of Urine Infections
- Urethritis : It is the primary infection of urinary tract that affects the urethra.
- Cystitis is the infection of urinary tract that affects the bladder and is quite common, especially in women and is characterized by a lot of pain when urinating and passing little amount in each evacuation.
- The infection of ureters, the channels that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, is very rare, since infection of this area generally encompasses a spread of infection to bladder or kidneys.
- The pyelonephritis or kidney infection is serious in nature. It usually includes minor infections that have not been controlled affect the kidney, but the symptoms associated with kidney infections may also be indicative of other serious diseases such as cancer.
Urinary Tract Infection Causes
Among some of its main causes are:
- Lack of hygienic habits that facilitate the entry of bacteria from the anus
- Some sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia can cause urinary tract infections
- Public restrooms and toilets are a major source of germs that can cause urinary tract infections in people with a prone or depressed immune system
- During pregnancy, urinary tract infections are also common due to compression of the internal organs
- Age, as we grow older, susceptibility to infections increases progressively
- Mental illnesses that affect the state of consciousness of the individual, such as Alzheimer’s disease, also lead to urinary tract infections when normal guidelines of body hygiene are neglected
- Kidney stones have an influence on urinary tract infections when the normal process of eliminating toxic substances interferes
- Female contraceptive method can cause urinary tract infections in women
- Prolonged periods of immobility such as those carried out in the recovery of fractures
- Diabetes is a condition for urinary tract infections in relation to non-diabetics
- Some cancers such as prostate cancer are prone to produce urinary tract infections when they spread to surrounding tissues.
How Do I Get Rid Of A UTI Without Antibiotics?
Below are some Home remedies for UTI pain and discomfort that easily help to treat, prevent and relieve the symptoms of Urinary tract infection without antibiotics.
Can UTI Go Away Without Antibiotics?
However most of the remedies are effective for treating lower urinary tract infections but for upper urinary tract infections, it is advised to consult doctor for effective diagnosis and treatment based on the cause of infection. It will be treated with antibiotics if bacteria are the causative agents.
Home Remedies For UTI Pain and Discomfort
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium, enzymes along with other minerals that inhibit the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract and prevent an infection. Apple cider vinegar can be used as preventive measure. ACV has many health benefits, however no scientific evidence that link the usage of ACV in treating UTI. However usage of ACV keeps urinary tract slightly acidic which prevent bacterial growth. ACV acts as a natural antibiotic to treat infection.
What Should We Do?
- Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Mix well and drink the mixture. Add lemon juice and honey to the prepared mixture for better results and honey sweetens the mixture. You should consume ACV-water mixture twice a day for few days.
- Alternatively, add apple cider vinegar in the water of bath tub and take bath to prevent infection.