What Is A Urinary Tract Infection?

You have a strong urge to go to the bathroom and then you are greeted with a wave of pain. This unfriendly feeling is one of the tale tell signs of a bladder infection. But what exactly is a bladder infection and what are the symptoms to look out for? Let take a look.

A urinary tract infection is caused by a bacteria, virus of fungi, in most cases however it is caused by a bacteria strain like E-coli. Some strains of bacteria can attach themselves in the lining of the urinary tract and then make their way up the urethra into the bladder and can even reach the kidneys.

Depending on where the infection occurs is the given name of the bacteria. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, urethritis is an infection of the urethra and pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidneys. 

Women are more susceptible to UTI's compared to men, because the urinary tract is significantly shorter in women. This makes it easier for the bacteria to travel up the urethra into the bladder or even the kidneys.

The symptoms of a UTI can be extremely uncomfortable to deal with and for some women, they can be a reoccurring health issue. Some of the symptoms that you may suffer from include:

• Pain when urinating
• A strong, frequent urge to urinate
• Abdominal pain
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Strong smelling urine
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms it might be time to see your doctor and get tested. In any case it is always better to be safe than sorry. Your doctor will request a urine sample to determine if there are any micro-organisms present, from there you will be able to find a course of treatment.

However, if you are prone to bladder infections, we have found some natural remedies that can help prevent future infections from occurring.