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DESCRIPTION
Urethritis is the inflammation or infection of the urethra (the tube through which urine travels from the bladder to the outside). Urethritis is frequently accompanied by bladder infection or inflammation (cystitis). It can affect all ages and both sexes, but it is 10 times more common in females than in males.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary tract. Most UTIs originate in the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. UTIs are rarely serious when they affect otherwise healthy adults, but they can result in serious problems if not treated quickly. They can also cause complications in people with underlying health problems.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Painful or burning sensation during urination. Pain in the abdomen and pelvic area. The pain can be severe.
Discharge that may be cloudy, yellow-green mucus, or may be watery and white. Foul-smelling urine. Blood in the urine.
Frequent urge to urinate, even when there is not much urine in the bladder. Leaking or passing small amounts of urine.
Low back pain.
Fever and chills.
CAUSES
UTIs are usually caused by bacteria from the digestive tract or rectum that begin to grow in the urethra and begin to multiply. From there the bacteria can travel to the bladder, resulting in a bladder infection, and if they are not expelled from the body, can continue up the ureters and infect the kidneys. UTIs affect women more often than men and the bacteria can be spread by sexual contact.
The same bacterial infection that causes gonorrhea causes gonococcal urethritis. Nonspecific urethritis (also called non gonococcal urethritis) can be caused by a variety of organisms, including bacteria, yeast, and Chlamydia .
Other causes could be trauma from an injury or surgery, or from a chemical such as an antiseptic.
Bubble bath or bath oils have been known to cause urethritis.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Bacterial infection that spreads and enters the urethra from the skin around the genitals and anal area.
Bruising during sexual intercourse.
Contact with an infected sexual partner.
Use of a urinary catheter.
Use of drugs to which bacteria-causing infection have become resistant.
Multiple sexual partners.
Previous history of kidney stones, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, enlarged prostate or genital injury.
A previous sexually transmitted disease (STD).
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Drink plenty of fluids (8 glasses of water a day).
Urinate when you need to do so. Do not hold it for extended periods of time.
After bowel movements, wipe from front to back and wash with soap and water. Wash genitals thoroughly.
Take showers rather than tub baths.
Women should avoid douches, feminine hygiene products with deodorants and feminine hygiene sprays. Douches can change the natural pH and wash away the vaginal "good" bacterial flora allowing the "bad" bacteria a chance to grow. Douche only when medically needed and recommended by your health care provider or midwife.
For causes related to sexual activity:
- Drink a glass of water before sexual intercourse, and urinate within 15 minutes after sexual intercourse.
- Use a rubber condom.
- Use a water-soluble lubricant, e.g., K-Y Lubricating Jelly.
- Use varying sexual positions to decrease the chance of trauma to the female urethra.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
Urethritis is usually "low-grade" and seldom producing serious, long-term illness. Recurrence is common.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Chronic urethritis and cystitis, if treatment is inadequate.
Spread of infection to bladder, ureters and kidneys.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Diagnostic tests may include a urinalysis, urine culture, discharge and blood studies by your midwife or health care provider. You will be advised by your health care provider on how to collect a clean, midstream urine sample.
Home treatment is usually sufficient and involves medications for you and your sexual partner.
To relieve pain, take sitz baths by sitting in a tub of hot water for 15 minutes at least twice a day.
Keep the area around the genitals clean. Use unscented, plain soap.
MEDICATION
Antibiotics to fight infection. Be sure to finish the prescribed dose, even if symptoms subside sooner.
In cases of severe pain, medications (phenazopyridine [Pyridium]} may be prescribed that decreases urethral spasm (cause of pain) until the antibiotic therapy controls the infection. Pyridium produces bright orange (tea) colored urine.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
Avoid sexual intercourse when symptoms are present and until you have been free of symptoms for 2 weeks.
DIET
No special diet after treatment, but eat a well-balanced diet.
Drink plenty of fluids (8 glasses of water daily).
Drinking unsweetened pure cranberry juice will help to acidify urine, inhibiting bacterial growth. Some drugs will be more effective in an acidic urine. Cranberry can help prevent urinary tract infections. Urinary Formula w/ Cranberry Fruit, 480 mg, 100 Caps - Urinary formula uses concentrated cranberry fruit to maintain a healthy urinary tract and dandelion leaf, traditionally used for supporting regular urination.
Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Natural Premium Quality, Kosher, 16 fl. oz, Dynamic Health - This cranberry juice concentrate is an 8 oz. space saving size and is ideal for smoothies and makes a delicious healthy topping.
Cranberry Extract STD w/Ester C, Nature's Way, 400 mg, 120 Tabs - Cranberry Extract with Ester is primarily useful for female adults and those with chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection. used to prevent urinary tract infection and relieve cramps and spasms. It also helps maintain a healthy urinary tract by inhibiting the adhesion of E. coli bacteria to the lining of the bladder.
Cranberry Fruit, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 180 Vcaps - Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) helps maintain a healthy urinary tract. It contains all the active ingredients of cranberry juice without added sugar often used to mask the tart flavor. It is an excellent urinary tract infection natural remedy.
Avoid sugars, caffeine (coffee, black tea), soda and alcohol during treatment as these tend to promote bacterial growth.
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids may be included as a nutritional supplement and vitamin C rich liquids. Vitamin C 500 with Bioflavonoids, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 250 Caps - Vitamin C 500 With Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems. White blood cells (neutrophils) utilize Vitamin C to help produce cytotoxic enzymes which they use to eliminate foreign matter. It also helps strengthen collagen a major connective protein. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the P450 enzyme detoxification system.
If taking antibiotics, include unsweetened or naturally sweetened yogurt in diet. Antibiotics will kill all bacteria, good and bad in the digestive tract. The yogurt helps to replace the good bacteria needed for proper digestion. Acidophilus & Bifidus, NOW Foods, 8 Billion, 60 Caps - Acidophilus and Bifidus from NOW foods is a high potency (8 Billion), balanced blend, of the two prominent species of resident intestinal bacteria. Regular intake of beneficial probiotics can aid in maintaining healthy intestinal flora.
Uva Ursi leaf herbal tea (antiseptic herb which passes through the kidneys). This can be made by taking 1 oz. of the herb and place them in a jar, pour boiling water over the herb and cover. Let stand for 4 hours or overnight. Drink 1/4 cup 4 times daily for prevention and 1/2 cup daily for an active infection. Uva Ursi (Bearberry) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz - The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy highly recommends Uva Ursi for use with uncomplicated infections of the urinary tract such as cystitis. Until the development of sulfa antibiotics, arbutin, the principal active component in Uva Ursi, was frequently prescribed as a urinary antiseptic. Take 6-12 drops in liquid or under tongue, 1-3 times/day.
Opuntia (Prickly Pear), Nature's Way, 250 mg, 100 Caps - Nature's Way Opuntia prickly pear flowers (Opuntia ficus-indica) were traditionally used as medicine for male urinary discomforts. It was also used externally as an ointment.
AHCC supports immune function. AHCC (Active Heoxe Correlated Compound), NOW Foods, Vegetarian, 500 mg, 60 Vcaps. NOW Foods AHCC is a rich source of polysaccharides such as beta glucan 1,3 and activated hemicellulose produced by enzymatic modification of organic medicinal mushrooms, including shiitake.
Anantmul is effective in treating urinary problems. Anantmul Powder (Indian Sarsaparilla), 100% Organic, 8 oz. bulk - Anantmul is employed in nutritional disorders, syphilis, chronic rheumatism, gravel and other urinary diseases and skin afflictions.
Buchu is a natural urinary disinfectant. Buchu, Urinary / Kidney Herb, 2 fl. oz, African Red Tea Imports - Buchu, the urinary herb has been claimed to treat a wide variety of disorders. Buchu is commonly used as a natural diuretic, thus assisting with relieving premenstrual bloating.
Honeybush Tea is good for the urinary tract. Honeybush Tea (Organic Loose Tea), 3.2 oz. - Honeybush Tea is a herbal tea that is caffeine free and very low in tannic acid. It has a very pleasant sweet tasting honey flavor and also a very healthy drink.
Silver is a natural bacteria fighter. Silver Biotics Liquid, Silver Supplement, 8 fl. oz - Silver Biotics was tested by researchers and was found to kill every strain of bacteria that it was tested against and that these bacteria, many of which have become resistant to antibiotics, cause many human ailments.
Corn Silk is used to soothe the urinary tract. Cornsilk, Nature's Way, 425 mg, 100 Caps - Corn Silk (Zea mays) was used traditionally as a mild diuretic. It is often included in herbal preparations for the bladder and urinary tract. Used by Native Americans for urinary complaints.
Corn Silk Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Cornsilk is used to soothe the urinary tract and can give relief to the bladder, kidneys and small intestines. Take 6-12 drops in liquid or under tongue, 1-3 times/day.
Gravel root is used for kidney stones, cystitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Because it encourages the excretion of excess uric acid, it is also used to treat rheumatism and gout. Gravel root is effective as a treatment for an inflamed prostate, spasmodic dysmenorrhea with irregular menstruation, it helps ease childbirth, and it helps eliminate fluid retention. Gravel Root Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Take 6-12 drops in liquid or under tongue, 1-3 times/day.
Note: Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs. For herbal and dietary supplements, HerbalRemedies.com has a selection of capsules, tablets, tinctures and powders. See links below.
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member has symptoms of urethritis.
The following occur during treatment:
- Symptoms do not disappear in 1 week, despite treatment.
- You develop fever (oral temperature of 101°F (38.3°F) or higher.
- Bleeding from the urethra or blood in the urine.
MoonDragon's Birthing Guidelines: UTI Management
