13 Natural Remedies for UTIs

13 Natural UTI Remedies

The occurrence of a UTI

The urethra is the duct that carries urine out of the bladder. A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and travel up. It is recommended to see a doctor if you are experiencing any kind of UTI where you find it difficult to urinate and feel a painful sensation or if you want to urinate but it just does not come out. If not, you may make the situation worse by having the infection spread all the way up to your kidneys.

To fight infections, here are 13 home remedies that may help.

Drink lots of water

Drink an ample amount of water so that it can help flush the bacteria out. The moment you feel you have an infection, drink plenty of ice cold water. Try to drink more than eight glasses and keep flushing your system. It works pretty well.

Do not hold back urine

When you control your urine, you are increasing the risks involved since this gives bacteria more time to multiply. Instead, it needs to be flushed out of your system. Each time you urinate you are getting rid of the bacteria. Though you may not feel comfortable, you need to do it to get rid of the bacteria completely. Once they are flushed out, you will be able to feel the relief and will recover soon.

Try soda

This does not refer to the soft drink. You need to drink baking soda, which is a miracle substance that relieves everything from heartburns to UTIs. Being alkaline in nature, baking soda neutralizes the acidity level in urine.

Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in eight ounces of water and finish the full glass. This should be done as soon as you wake up every morning.

Try parsley water

Parsley water has diuretic properties and aids in relieving UTIs. Boil about two cups of water and add one cup of parsley, if they are fresh leaves. However, in case you are using dried parsley, add only two tablespoons and boil it for about ten minutes. Strain out the leaves. Now, drink the parsley water either hot or refrigerated.

Chew celery seeds

Like parsley, celery also has diuretic properties. If you don’t like parsley, you may chew celery seeds as they help increase urine production. You can have a handful 1-2 times a day. It also improves digestion.

Eat cucumbers

Due to the high content of water in cucumbers, it can be eaten when drinking water seems difficult for you.

What to avoid

For those who have frequent UTIs, avoid these 4 C’s: caffeine, carbonation, chocolate and citrus. All of these help bacteria to hold on to the system more easily and also tend to irritate the bladder lining. Citrus, being acidic, increases the acidity in urine and makes it all the more painful while urinating.

Apply heat

The infection can cause inflammation of the bladder so apply heat over the bladder to get some relief. The warmth gives temporary relief from the pain.

Have ginger tea

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can thus help relieve inflammation and the pain related to it without any side effects.

Cranberry Juice

This only may or may not work, but it is worth a try. If you are lucky it may help. Unfortunately, some women were left with stomachaches with this remedy, but on the other hand, it did work for many. Drink real cranberry juice rather than the canned kind which are loaded with preservatives and sugars. You may have one or two cups a day.

Blueberries

Blueberries act similar to cranberries by affecting the fimbria, thread-like projections present on bacteria that provide their grip, and thereby don’t give them a chance to attach to the lining walls of the tract. Since the juice is not easily available, you can enjoy the whole fruit.

Horseradish

Horseradish has strong antimicrobial properties and is capable of killing bacteria by damaging their cell membrane without which they cannot survive. Have one teaspoon of grated horseradish twice a day and see the difference.

Lemon & Cream of Tartar

Cream of tartar has the ability to change the pH level in urine making it difficult for the bacteria to survive in. Mix 1½ teaspoons of the cream of tartar and a little bit of lemon with water to strengthen its power and have it once or twice a day.

These methods can be tried to find relief from UTIs. They are inexpensive and are worth trying to relieve the pain and discomfort you are experiencing.

Chronic UTIs

Chronic Urinary Tract Infection

Chronic UTI

A chronic UTI is a condition in which the infection does not react to any treatment. Despite treatment, you may continue to have the infection or it may recur after the treatment has been administered.

When the infection is limited to the urinary tract it is easy to treat, but it gets complicated if it spreads to the kidneys. Though UTIs may affect anyone at any age, it occurs more in women.

Causes and Types

UTIs are basically bacterial infections that are caused when bacteria enter the urinary tract via the urethra and multiply within the bladder.

There are two types of infections. They are as follows:

Bladder infections

Cystitis is an infection in the bladder caused by a bacterial species called E.Coli. These bacteria are present in animal and human intestines, which is normal. It causes an infection only when it exits the intestines. Proper cleaning and wiping after using the washroom and after anal intercourse is very important to prevent the E.Coli from remaining and multiplying.

Urethral infections

This is also known as urethritis and it could also be caused by E.Coli. However, urethritis could also be transmitted sexually like gonorrhoea, chlamydia or herpes.

Why are women more prevalent?

Chronic UTIs occur easily in women because the urethra is much shorter in women than it is in men, which makse it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder. Also, the urethra lies close to the rectum where E.coli may easily pass to the urethra while washing or wiping or if either are not done properly.

Symptoms

Symptoms that your bladder is being affected by a UTI are as follows:

Frequent urination
Dark or bloody urine
Pain in the kidneys area
Burning sensation when urinating

In case the infection spreads to the kidney, you may experience the following:

Mental disorientation
Fatigue
Fever
Chills
Nausea & vomiting

Diagnosis

To reach a diagnosis, a urine sample is performed and checked to see if bacteria are present.

If idney damage is suspected, kidney scans and X-rays are done to confirm the same.

For recurring UTIs, a cystoscopy is performed. A thin, long tube attached to a small lens at one end is used to observe the bladder and urethra.

Treatment

UTIs can be treated in a week’s time with antibiotics. However, for chronic UTIs, antibiotics with low doses are prescribed for a long term treatment. This may reduce the recurrence of symptoms. Additionally, regular urine tests are done in order to check if there are any infections.

Women who have UTIs due to menopause must discuss this with the doctor for an appropriate treatment plan.

Pain medications are prescribed for people who experience burning sensations while urinating to numb the urethra. For a temporary home remedy, a hot water bag placed against the bladder can be used to ease pain.

Prevention of Recurring Infections

The following tips will be useful to prevent the recurrence of UTIs for those who are susceptible to them.

Never hold back your urine and urinate as frequently as needed.
Drink lots of water
Wipe from front to the back after you urinate
Try not to wear tight-fitting trousers
Wear cotton underwear
Don’t go for bubble baths
Do not use spermicides or diaphragms as measures of birth control

Complications Involved in Chronic UTIs

The following complications may be involved in people with recurring UTIs:

Septicemia – when the bacteria start entering the bloodstream
Sepsis – harmful bacteria and their toxins
Kidney related issues- kidney damage, kidney infections, etc.
Risk of having a premature delivery and having an underweight baby born

Outlook for Chronic UTI

UTIs are easily treatable at the early stages. Seek immediate medical attention in case you notice the symptoms returning. Try not to complicate the issue by allowing it to pass on to the next stage.

Bladder Infections or UTIs?

Information on Bladder Infections or UTIs

Bladder Infections: Introduction

Bladder infections are generally called urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bacteria enter through the urethra into the urinary tract, make their way to the urinary tract system and multiply in the bladder to cause infections.

Though treatments are easy, this infection is quite uncomfortable. These infections are acquired from the bacteria present in the intestines known as E.Coli or Escherichia coli.

Types

There are mainly two kinds of bladder infections: upper tract and lower tract. Lower tract infections are found in the urethra or the bladder. An infection in the urethra is known as urethritis while a bladder infection is known as cystitis.

The upper tract involves an infection in the kidneys where the bacteria cause an infection. This infection in the kidney is called pyelonephritis, which happens to be a very serious condition.

Diagnosing Bladder Infections

A physical examination is done by a doctor after going over the patient’s medical history. The lower back, abdomen and pelvic regions are examined to check for enlargement of the kidney or bladder, after which the following tests are performed:

ultrasound scan
urine culture
dipstick urine test

Symptoms

A bladder infection may cause the following symptoms:

nausea
headaches
dizziness
mild fever
fatigue
bladder spasms
delirium
Cramps
frequent urination
cloudy, bad smelling urine
burning sensation while urinating
spotting
pain in the region above pubic bone

Causes of a Bladder Infection

If bacteria from the rectum is passed to the urethra it can cause an infection to occur. They are mostly caused only by E.Coli, an infectious bacteria but there are other species of bacteria that could be a cause of bladder infections such as Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus and Enterobacter.

The following are other causes that contribute to bladder infections:

STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
Weak immune system
Poor personal hygiene
Using a diaphragm as a birth control measure
Pregnancy
Enlarged prostrate
Existing HIV or diabetes
Stress

Bladder Infection During Pregnancy

Women are more prone to bladder infections particularly after sexual intercourse. When a woman is trying to conceive, she will have intercourse frequently, which will create more chances for a bladder infection to occur. If she already has an infection, intercourse will cause more pain, irritation and complications.

It is quite common to get bladder infections during pregnancy. It is also possible to have the infection spread to the kidneys at this stage due to regular fluctuations in hormonal changes and the shifts in the urinary tract’s position.

If this is ignored during pregnancy, it may lead to a premature delivery or in high blood pressure in the mother.

Bladder Infection Therapies

Complementary therapy or drug therapy can be used for reducing bladder infections effectively.

Over-the-counter painkillers, antispasmodics and anti-inflammatory drugs are generally prescribed for pain relief.

Antibiotics are prescribed for the treatment of the infection. However, antibiotic treatments may contribute to a recurring infection, its continuous use may cause your immune system to weaken and may cause yeast infections.

So it is important for pregnant women to consult a doctor before trying any medicine.

Tips to Prevent Infections in the Bladder

Never hold in your urine
Drink lots of water
After using the washroom, women must wipe from the front to the back
Avoid scented soap, spray, talc and bubble bath as they may cause irritation in the genital region
Avoid tight-fitting pants
Wear cotton underwear
Wash genitals before and after intercourse
Change sanitary napkins frequently during menstruation
Avoid excessive intake of sugar and caffeine
Drink pure and fresh cranberry juice.

Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria and antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that cause the infection as well as reduce the reoccurrence of it. The antibiotic course is given to the following people who:

Are pregnant and have UTIs that are recurring in nature.
Have been having a lot of UTIs, which is especially the case with women.
Have had a kidney transplant.
Are having surgery that involves the urinary tract.
Have a nervous system disorder that affects urination or have a spinal cord injury.

Antibiotics are an effective method of getting rid of UTIs and it is recommended that one should complete the full course of antibiotics that is recommended. If you stop the treatment before you are supposed to then you may cause a relapse of the infection. Usually, the infection starts to clear after a day or two of antibiotics.

Side Effects of Antibiotics

Antibiotics have side effects. Many people don’t feel them or can cope with them. One can read about the side effects that may be caused by the product or can ask the pharmacist about them.

Most of the time the side effects aren’t severe and the importance of the medicine taken should be given precedence. However, if the side effects persist then it is recommended that one consult a doctor. The doctor will either change the medicine or reduce the dosage of that medicine.

One should call for emergency services if there is a swelling on the throat, face, lips or tongue or if there is trouble breathing.

One should call a doctor as soon as the following symptoms are noticed:

vomiting
abdominal pain
chills
fever

There are a few side effects that are common when taking antibiotics:

vaginal inflammation
tiredness
Diarrhoea
mild stomach pains
headaches
dizziness

Things to Remember

Many antibiotics make the skin sensitive and therefore one should take care when going out in the sun as well as take precautions by wearing long-sleeved clothing. Use a sunscreen with SPF that a doctor has recommended. Always keep in mind that the medicine that has been prescribed is taken at the right time, in the correct dosages and at the right intervals. Antibiotics are the right path to take if you are not well and your doctor suggests it. However, beware of the dangers of self-medication, as we might not understand certain symptoms that can be indicative of a far more dangerous underlying disease or infection.

It is important to consult a doctor and to continue the treatment until it has run its course. If there are side effects, as mentioned in the above section, be sure to consult a doctor immediately and not try to find a solution on your own.

Bladder Infection: Causes and Treatment

Cystitis or bladder infection is an infection that affects part of the urinary tract. When it affects the lower urinary tract it is known as a simple bladder infection and when it affects the upper urinary tract it is known as pyelonephritis, a kidney infection. Symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection include painful urination and either frequent urination, the constant urge to urinate or both. The symptoms of pyelonephritis include fever and flank pain, in addition to the symptoms of a lower UTI.

The main cause of both types of infections is Escherichia coli, though other bacteria, viruses or fungi may rarely be the cause. Urinary tract infections occur more commonly in women than men, with half of those women will have at least one infection at some point in their lives. Risk factors include female anatomy, sexual intercourse and family history. Pyelonephritis, if it occurs, usually follows a bladder infection but may also result from a blood-borne infection. Diagnosis in young healthy women can be based on symptoms alone. In those with vague symptoms, diagnosis can be difficult because bacteria may be present without there being an infection. In complicated cases or if treatment has failed, a urine culture may be useful. In those with frequent infections, a low dose of antibiotics may be prescribed as a preventative measure.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms are burning when urinating and the need to urinate frequently and pain above the pubic bone or in the lower back may be present. People experiencing an upper urinary tract infection, or pyelonephritis, may experience flank pain, fever, nausea and vomiting in addition to the classic symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection. In some cases, the urine may appear bloody or contain visible pus. These symptoms may vary from mild to severe and in healthy women last an average of six days.

Treatment

The main way to treat a UTI is to use antibiotics. For those with recurrent infections, taking a short course of antibiotics when each infection occurs may be the course of treatment that your doctor prescribes. A prolonged course of daily antibiotics is also effective.

In cases where the infection is related to intercourse, taking antibiotics afterwards may be useful. In post-menopausal women, topical vaginal estrogen has been found to help.

Prevention

A number of reasons that are believed to cause UTIs, but have not been confirmed include: urinating immediately after intercourse, the type of underwear worn, personal hygiene methods after urinating or defecating, or whether a person typically bathes or showers. There is similarly a lack of evidence of the effect of holding one’s urine, tampon use, and douching may cause. If you suffer from frequent urinary tract infections and use spermicide or a diaphragm as a method of contraception, it is advised to use alternative methods.

Catheter Associated UTIs

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection: Causes and Treatment

If you have a catheter, germs can travel along the catheter and cause an infection in your bladder or your kidneys, which is called a catheter-associated urinary tract infection or “CA-UTI”. Germs can enter the urinary tract when the catheter is being put in or while the catheter remains in the bladder. If germs enter the urinary tract, they may cause an infection, so people with urinary catheters have a much higher chance of getting a urinary tract infection than people who don’t have a catheter.Many of the germs that cause a catheter-associated urinary tract infection are common germs found in your intestines that do not usually cause an infection.

A urinary catheter is a thin tube placed in the bladder to drain the urine. Urine drains through the tube into a bag that collects it. A urinary catheter may be used:

If you are not able to urinate on your own
To measure the amount of urine that you make, for example, during intensive care
During and after some types of surgery
During certain medical tests of the kidneys and bladder.

Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of a urinary tract infection are:

Burning or pain in the lower abdomen, that is, below the stomach
Fever
Bloody urine
Burning during urination or an increase in the frequency of urination after the catheter is removed.

Diagnosis

It is through testing of the urine that a CAUTI can be diagnosed and if blood cells are found in the urine then it is diagnosed as an infection. Holding in your urine increases the chances of an infection, as that results in keeping bacteria inside the bladder.

Treatment

This infection is more dangerous that a regular UTI and therefore, an effective treatment is required to stop the infection from spreading. If the infection is severe, you may need to receive antibiotics through an intravenous line or IV.

Drinking a lot of water should help to help flush bacteria out of your bladder, so if you are treating yourself at home, this may mean drinking 2 – 3 quarts of fluid a day.

Avoid fluids that irritate your bladder, such as alcohol, citrus juices, and drinks that contain caffeine.

After you have finished your treatment, you will have another urine test to make sure the bacteria are gone.

Prevention

In order to prevent the infection from happening in the first place, it is necessary to see whether there is a need for a catheter. If it is found to be absolutely necessary, then precautions should be taken to maintain hygiene, there should be regular cleaning of the skin which is near the catheter and care should be taken to clean the bag that contains the urine several times a day.

If you follow these precautions then you can reduce the chances of contracting this infection.

Causes of Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is the need to urinate more than one does normally and it can be an inconvenience, as well as can be an indicator of an infection in the urinary tract.

Below are twenty five possible causes that can be linked to frequent urination:

Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are solid masses made of crystals. Kidney stones usually originate in your kidneys, but can develop anywhere along your urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Kidney stones are known to be one of the most painful medical conditions.
Urethritis is a condition that affects the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder so it can be expelled from the body. Semen also passes through the male urethra. The core cause of urethritis is usually infection. This can cause the urethra to become irritated and inflamed.
Menopause is a biological process which is natural and occurs in every woman’s life. This can also lead to frequent urination.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in any part of the urinary tract. Bacteria cause the vast majority of UTIs, but fungi or viruses can also cause them. UTIs are the second most common type of infection.
Bladder stones are small mineral masses that develop in the bladder when the urine becomes concentrated. Generally, they pass out of the body naturally, however, further complications can occur if left untreated.
Benign Prostate Enlargement is when the prostate gland is only found in men and is normally about the size of a walnut. It lies immediately below the bladder and just above the penis. A tube called the urethra, which carries urine from your bladder, passes through the center of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate can press on the urethra, which causes narrowing or blockage in the tube and prevents your urine from flowing normally.
Bladder Neck Obstruction is the pressure caused by the abnormal size of the prostate strains the bladder. In some cases, bladder neck obstruction may be a side effect of surgery to remove the prostate, or radiation treatments used to treat prostate cancer.
In some cases, the bladder contracts when it should not, causing some urine to leak through the sphincter muscles. It is also known as overactive bladder, bladder spasms, spasmodic bladder, irritable bladder, or detrusor instability.
Bladder infection, also called cystitis, occurs within the bladder. Some people call a bladder infection a UTI.
Cystitis occurs when the bladder gets inflamed and it is not only caused by bacteria but can also be caused by certain drugs, exposure to radiation, or exposure to other irritants such as a long-term catheter use or spermicidal jellies.
An overactive bladder is a problem that causes a sudden urge to urinate. These urges may or may not cause urine to leak out of the bladder, as they are difficult to stop. When leakage occurs, it is called urinary incontinence (UI) and is defined as the involuntary loss of urine.
Cancer that grows in the tissue of the bladder.
Neurogenic bladder is a condition caused by the nerves between the bladder and the brain not working properly. This can be due to a brain disorder or bladder nerve damage.
Interstitial cystitis occurs in the bladder when there is chronic inflammation which leads to pelvic and abdominal pain.
Prostatitis- The prostate is a small gland located under the bladder in men. It produces a fluid that makes up between 50 and 75 percent of semen.
Urethral stricture is a medical condition that mainly affects men. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), very few women get urethral strictures. In addition, very few individuals are born with this condition.
Autonomic neuropathy is a condition that is caused by damage to the nerves that assist an organ’s functioning. This nerve damage disturbs signal processing between the autonomic nervous system and the brain. When your autonomic nerves are injured, your blood pressure, heart rate, perspiration, bowel movements, bladder emptying, and digestion may be affected.
Acute pyelonephritis is a sudden and severe kidney infection. This condition causes the kidneys to swell, can permanently damage the kidneys, and can even be life-threatening.
Hydronephrosis is blockage in one of your ureters, the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder.
Autonomic dysreflexia, also known as autonomic hyperreflexia, is a condition where the involuntary nervous system overreacts to external stimuli.
Ovarian cancer is also one of the causes that result in frequent urination.
Reiter’s syndrome is a medical condition typically affecting young men, characterized by arthritis, conjunctivitis, and urethritis, and is caused by an unknown pathogen, possibly chlamydia.
Prostatitis which can be caused by a bacterial urinary tract infection. STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause acute bacterial prostatitis.
Acetone poisoning is rare. The body is capable of breaking down large amounts of acetone naturally. Therefore, for overexposure to occur, very large amounts must be produced, ingested, or inhaled. Acetone poisoning can be caused by metabolic diseases, starvation, or chemical exposure. The symptoms of acetone poisoning include headaches, dizziness, and, in rare cases, death.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves an immune-mediated process in which an abnormal response of the body’s immune system is directed against the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves.

Cystitis

The infection Cystitis occurs when the bladder gets inflamed. It happens when bacteria enter your bladder through your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. Cystitis is a common type of lower urinary tract infection. Your urinary tract consists of your kidneys, two ureters, the tubes that connect each kidney to your bladder, your bladder and your urethra.

Cystitis is caused by a bacterial infection that can be caused by a variety of sources and may also be triggered by having sex. It’s most common in women, but it can affect men and young children too. Doctors believe it’s less common in men because they have longer urethras and bacteria have further to travel to reach the bladder. Up to 4 in 10 women will have a bout of cystitis at some point in their lifetime.

Symptoms

pain when you pass urine
a frequent, urgent need to urinate, but you only pass small amounts of urine or no urine at all
cloudy, dark or strong smelling urine
blood in your urine
pain during sex
pain in your lower abdomen or lower back
feeling tired or generally unwell
mild fever

Overall, the symptoms of cystitis are similar for men and women. Some children may develop a fever, have a reduced appetite and may have bouts of vomiting. Young children may feel unwell but have no other symptoms, so if your child has a fever or you think he or she might have cystitis, contact a doctor for advice. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible because these symptoms may be caused by other, more serious conditions.

Diagnosis

Cystitis usually clears up on its own. However, if are experiencing the symptoms of cystitis, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve within two to three days, contact your doctor for advice. He or she will be able to rule out any other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you and may also ask you about your medical history. A sample of your urine might be tested using a ‘dipstick’. Depending on the results, a sample of your urine may be sent to a laboratory for further tests.

You can sometimes have cystitis but have no symptoms which is particularly common if you’re older. Your cystitis may only be discovered when you have a urine test for other reasons, or you develop a kidney infection or fever.

Treatment

Cystitis usually clears up by itself without the need for treatment. However, there are several things that you can do to reduce the symptoms and feel better.

Taking over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, may help ease the pain. They may also help if you have a fever or a temperature.

Increase how much water you drink to help flush out the infection.

Placing a warm hot water bottle on your lower back can help soothe any discomfort in this area.

Try to rest as much as possible.

If the symptoms continue for longer than two to three days, consult a doctor. He or she may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the symptoms and get rid of the infection.

UTIs vs. STDs

The Difference Between Urinary Tract Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Urinary Tract Infections and Sexually Transmissible Diseases often mimic each other and it is difficult to tell the difference. In this article, we will discuss what these two infections are, which symptoms can be experienced and what should be done to treat them.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, particularly in women, babies and the elderly. Around 1 in 2women and 1 in 20 men will get a UTI at some point in their life. The kidneys control the amount of water in the blood and filter out waste products to form urine. Each kidney has a tube called a ureter, which joins the kidney to the bladder. The urine leaves the kidneys through the ureters and enters the bladder. The bladder ‘signals’ the urge to urinate and urine leaves the body through a tube called the urethra. The urinary system is designed to minimize the risk of serious infection in the kidneys and it does this by preventing the urine from flowing back up into the kidneys. The majority of urinary tract infections are confined to the bladder and while they cause painful symptoms, they are not serious or life threatening.

Symptoms

A burning feeling when you urinate
A frequent or intense urge to urinate, even though little comes out when you do
Pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen
Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling urine
Feeling tired or shaky
Fever or chills

Sexually transmissible diseases (STDs) are infections that can be passed from one person to another by having vaginal, anal or oral sex. Most STDs are transmitted through the exchange of sexual fluids and genital contact. STDs can cause a wide range of health problems, from mild irritations to more serious illness. Pregnant women with an STD can pass it on to their unborn child. Some STDs are easily cured with antibiotics if detected early, but can cause long-term problems if left untreated.

Symptoms

Sores or blisters on the genitals, on or around the anus, or mouth
Irregular growths or warts on the genital area
Vaginal or penile discharge which may be unusual-smelling or discoloured
Genital itching
Pain when urinating or having a bowel movement
Pain during intercourse
Vaginal bleeding or spotting after sexual intercourse
Lower abdominal pain
Pain or swelling of the glands in the groin area
Rash

Treatment of both UTIs and STDs

The doctor will look into the medical history of the patient and according to that will examine the pelvic. The doctor might want a sample of the urine and if the results show a bacterial infection, the patient will be put on a course of antibiotics. Infections like chlamydia and gonorrhoea are treatable through antibiotics. However, if the test shows the HIV virus or herpes then the doctor will put the patient on an antiviral medication.

It is possible to get a UTI from sex and the trouble is that UTIs and STDs mimic each other. The symptoms might be similar and therefore it is recommended that one consults a doctor in the case of discomfort.

Overactive Bladder: Foods to Avoid

Ten Foods that Cause an Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder is caused by an infection that creates the need to urinate frequently. The urge may be difficult to stop, and an overactive bladder may lead to the involuntary loss of urine. There are several foods that can harm the urinary system and we have discussed ten of them here.

Tomatoes: tomatoes have a high acidic content and can create an irritation in the bladder and this can further lead to an overactive bladder. One should avoid foods that are high in tomato content like ketchup, salsa and pizza sauce.
Coffee or Tea: these two beverages can lead to an increase in the bladder’s activity and result in a person feeling the need to urinate more and more often. This can be reduced significantly if one can reduce the intake of these two drinks.
Chocolate: similar to the case of an overactive bladder due to tea and coffee, a piece of chocolate can result in increasing the activity of the bladder. One can have white chocolate instead, as that does not contain caffeine.
Citrus fruits: fruits like lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges contain high amounts of citric acid. Citric acid can create problems like an overactive bladder, whereas fruits like apples and bananas are less acidic and therefore can be consumed instead of citric ones.
Alcohol: consuming alcohol causes the brain to receive a signal that the bladder is full, even if it is not.
Carbonated drinks: in drinks like soda water, energy drinks and soft drinks the fizz that is created can increase the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Drinks like champagne which contain both fizz and the alcohol can cause a lot of problems.
Spicy Foods: completely avoid foods like sauces, peppers and salsa which are spicy in nature.
Sweeteners: research studies show that sweeteners which are either natural or artificial can result in problems like an overactive bladder.
Processed foods: these types of foods have ingredients that are artificial like preservatives and flavors, which can potentially cause irritation and aggravate the bladder.
Onions: opt for cooked onions as opposed to raw ones since they do not cause any problems.

In order to prevent an overactive bladder, it is necessary to drink the proper amount of water. If one drinks more than required, it can result in frequent urination, but if the intake is less, then the urine can get acidic and force one to go to the bathroom several times.

Apart from this, you should also maintain a food diary where you can write down and keep track of the foods that you eat. This preventative plan can go a long way in determining which types of foods are causing you to suffer from an overactive bladder. Once you have determined which foods there are, they should be avoided. On the other hand, the ones that don’t can be safely consumed.