"Causes and Risk Factors of Cystitis (UTI, Bladder Infection):
Why do some women seem to develop UTIs more easily than others? Some experts say genetics may be the key, since research has shown that women with certain blood antigens (called the Lewis groups) are more susceptible to cystitis. The cells that line their urinary tracts seem to have far more receptors to which bacteria can adhere. Others may lack glycosaminoglycan, a substance found on the surface of the bladder that is inhospitable to bacteria....

"Causes and Risk Factors of Cystitis (UTI, Bladder Infection):
Why do some women seem to develop UTIs more easily than others? Some experts say genetics may be the key, since research has shown that women with certain blood antigens (called the Lewis groups) are more susceptible to cystitis. The cells that line their urinary tracts seem to have far more receptors to which bacteria can adhere. Others may lack glycosaminoglycan, a substance found on the surface of the bladder that is inhospitable to bacteria.
Another possible cause of recurrent infections in women is an ill-fitting diaphragm. If it's too big, it can push against the neck of the bladder and interfere with the normal body flow of urine and contribute to incomplete bladder emptying. This can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.

Although there is no scientific evidence linking diet to UTIs, some people have found that alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate, caffeinated and citrus beverages, and high-acid foods might contribute to bladder irritation and inflammation.

Prevention of Cystitis (UTI, Bladder Infection):
To help prevent cystitis, a woman should:

Keep the vaginal area clean, including wiping from the front to back after a bowel movement to prevent contamination of the urinary tract.

Use tampons and change every three to four hours, instead of sanitary pads. (The pads can act as a culture medium for fecal bacteria, which may then be rubbed against the urinary outlet and invade the bladder.)

Wear cotton undergarments, which allow air circulation and discourage the warm, moist environment needed for bacteria growth. Nylon pantyhose should have a cotton crotch.

Avoid wearing tight clothes in the genital area, such as control-top pantyhose and skin-tight jeans, as well as extended wearing of a wet bathing suit.

Urinate before and after intercourse and make sure that the partner's hands and penis are clean.

Drink plenty of fluids (cranberry juice has been shown to help prevent urinary tract infections.)

Urinate "when you see a bathroom" rather than when the urge to urinate becomes strong."

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Urinary Tract Infections Overview
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. These are the structures that urine passes through before being eliminated from the body.
...

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Urinary Tract Infections Overview
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. These are the structures that urine passes through before being eliminated from the body.

The kidneys are a pair of small organs that lie on either side of the spine at about waist level. They have several important functions in the body, including removing wastes and excess water from the blood and eliminating them as urine.
The ureter, a narrow tube about 10 inches long, drains urine from each kidney into the bladder.
The bladder is a small saclike organ that collects and stores urine. When the urine reaches a certain level in the bladder, the muscle lining the bladder contracts to expel the urine.
The urethra is a small tube connecting the bladder with the outside of the body. A muscle called the urinary sphincter, located at the junction of the bladder and the urethra, must relax at the same time the bladder contracts to expel urine.

These infections are much more common in girls and women than in boys and men younger than 50 years. The reason for this is not well understood, but sexual activity may be partially responsible in sexually active women.

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Urinary Tract Infection Causes
The urine is normally sterile. An infection occurs when bacteria get into the urine and begin to grow. The infection usually starts at the opening of the urethra where the urine leaves the body and moves upward into the urinary tract.

The culprit in at least 90% of uncomplicated infections is Escherichia coli, better know as E coli. These bacteria normally live in the bowel (colon) and around the anus.
These bacteria can move from the area around the anus to the opening of the urethra. The two most common causes of this are poor hygiene and sexual intercourse.
Usually, the act of emptying the bladder (urinating) flushes the bacteria out of the urethra. If there are too many bacteria, urinating may not stop their spread.
The bacteria can travel up the urethra to the bladder, where they can grow and cause an infection.
The infection can spread further as the bacteria move up from the bladder via the ureters.
If they reach the kidney, they can cause a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which can become a very serious condition if not treated promptly
The following people are at increased risk of urinary tract infection:

People with conditions that block (obstruct) the urinary tract, such as kidney stones.
People with medical conditions that cause incomplete bladder emptying (for example, spinal cord injury or bladder decompensation after menopause).
People with suppressed immune systems: Examples of situations in which the immune system is suppressed are AIDS and diabetes. People who take immunosuppressant medications also are at increased risk.
Women who are sexually active—Sexual intercourse can introduce larger numbers of bacteria into the bladder. Infection is more likely in women who have frequent intercourse. Infection attributed to frequent intercourse is nicknamed "honeymoon cystitis." Urinating after intercourse seems to decrease the likelihood of developing a urinary tract infection.
Women who use a diaphragm for birth control.

Some women have frequent urinary tract infections. Doctors are not really sure why. This may be an inherited trait, and it may be related to blood type or the individual's immune status.
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Causes - Symptoms - Treatments
The urinary tract is the body's filtering system for removal of liquid wastes. Women are especially susceptible to bacteria which may invade the urinary tract and multiply resulting in infection.

Although most urinary tract infections or UTIs are not serious, they are painful. Approximately fifty percent of all women will have at least one UTI...

Causes - Symptoms - Treatments
The urinary tract is the body's filtering system for removal of liquid wastes. Women are especially susceptible to bacteria which may invade the urinary tract and multiply resulting in infection.

Although most urinary tract infections or UTIs are not serious, they are painful. Approximately fifty percent of all women will have at least one UTI in her lifetime with many women having several infections throughout their lifetime. Fortunately, these infections are easily treated with antibiotics that cause the symptoms to quickly disappear. Some women seem are more prone to repeated infections than others and for them it can be a frustrating battle.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

The most common cause of UTI are bacteria from the bowel that live on the skin near the rectum or in the vagina which can spread and enter the urinary tract through the urethra.

Once these bacteria enter the urethra they travel upwards causing infection in the bladder and sometimes other parts of the urinary tract.

Sexual intercourse is a common cause of urinary tract infections because the female anatomy can make women more prone to urinary tract infections. During sexual intercourse bacteria in the vaginal area is sometimes massaged into the urethra by the motion of the penis.

Women who change sexual partners or begin having sexual intercourse more frequently may experience bladder or urinary tract infections more often than women in monogomus relationships. Although it is rare, some women get a urinary tract infection every time they have sex.

Another cause of bladder infections or UTI is waiting too long to urinate. The bladder is a muscle that stretches to hold urine and contracts when the urine is released. Waiting very long past the time you first feel the need to urinate causes the bladder to stretch beyond its capacity which over time can weaken the bladder muscle. When the bladder is weakened it may not empty completely and some urine is left in the bladder which may increase the risk of urinary tract infection or bladder infection.

Other factors may also increase a woman's risk of developing UTI including pregnancy, having urinary tract infections or bladder infections as a child, having past menopause, and diabetes.

What are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections?

Symptoms of UTI or bladder infection are not easy to miss and include a strong urge to urinate that cannot be delayed which is followed by a sharp pain or burning sensation in the urethra when the urine is released. Most often very little urine is released and the urine that is released may be tinged with blood. The urge to urinate recurs quickly and soreness may occur in the lower abdomen, back, or sides.

This cycle may repeat itself frequently during the day or night--most people urinate about six times a day, when the need to urinate occurs more often a bladder infection should be suspected.

When bacteria enters the ureters and spread to the kidneys, symptoms such as back pain, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting may occur, as well as the previous symptoms of lower urinary tract infection.

Proper diagnosis is vital since these symptoms can also be caused by other problems such as infections of the vagina or vulva. Only your physician can make the distinction and make a correct diagnosis.

How is Diagnosis of UTI Made?

The number of bacteria and white blood cells in a urine sample is the basis for diagnosing urinary tract infections. Urine is examined under a microscope and cultured in a substance that promotes the growth of bacteria. A pelvic exam may also be necessary.

What You Need to Know About UTI Treatments and Prevention
What is the Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections?

Antibiotics are the usual treatment for bladder infections and other urinary tract infections. Seven to ten days of antibiotics is usually required although some infections may require only a single dose of antibiotics.

It's important that all antibiotics are taken as prescribed. Antibiotics should not be discontinued before the full course of antibiotic treatment is complete. Symptoms may disappear soon after beginning antibiotic treatment. However, if antibiotics are quit early the infection may still be present and recur.

Another urine test may be ordered about a week after completing treatment to be sure the infection is cured.

Tips for Preventing Urinary Tract Infections

* The most important tip to prevent urinary tract infections, bladder infections, and kidney infections is to practice good personal hygiene.

* Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement or urination, and wash the skin around and between the rectum and vagina daily. Washing before and after sexual intercourse may also decrease a woman's risk of UTI.
* Drinking plenty of fluids (water) each day will help flush bacterium out of the urinary system and emptying the bladder as soon as the urge to urinate occurs may also help to decrease the risk of bladder infection or UTI. Some physicians recommend urinating before and after sex as well as a mean of flushing out any bacteria that may enter the urethra during sexual intercourse.
* Vitamin C makes the urine acidic and helps to reduce the number of potentially harmful bacteria in the urinary tract system.
* Wear only panties with a cotton crotch--cotton allows moisture to escape whereas other materials may trap moisture and create a potential breeding ground for bacteria.
* Cranberry juice often helps to reduce frequency of bladder infections. Cranberry supplements are available over-the-counter and many women find they work amazingly quickly when an UTI has occurred, however, a physician's diagnosis is still necessary even if cranberry juice or herbals reduce pain or symptoms.
* If you experience frequent urinary tract infections changing sexual positions that cause less friction on the urethra may help. Some physicians prescribe an antibiotic to be taken immediately following sex for women who tend to have frequent UTIs.

Things to Remember...

Although urinary tract infections are common and distinctly painful they are usually easy to treat once properly diagnosed and only last a few days. When treated promptly and properly urinary tract infections are rarely serious.

Douching, wiping from back to front, not drinking enough water, perfumed soap, frequent sex.