The Burning Issue

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections: Prevention, Symptoms, and Natural Remedies

The urinary tract performs a vitally important function, yet it usually does its job every day without us even thinking about it. We often take this essential system for granted – until something goes wrong.

You may be surprised to learn how often problems, particularly infections, affect the urinary tract. It’s estimated that up to 80% of women have experienced or will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point, often repeatedly. It’s not only women who suffer – men and children can also develop UTIs.

BLADDER BUGBEAR

At the root of the problem is bacterial infection of the bladder, mainly by Escherichia coli and occasionally by Staphylococcus saprophyticus. These bacteria typically reside in the colon, where they are kept under control by beneficial bacteria and the immune system. However, the situation is more complex than a simple bug. Normally, our bodies should prevent infection in the urinary tract. So why do things go wrong – and so often?

THE ROOT OF THE MATTER

The kidneys, ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder), bladder, and urethra (the tube carrying urine out of the body) make up the urinary tract. Our two kidneys, located just below the rib cage alongside the spine, filter blood, removing waste products and maintaining pH and electrolyte balance. The resulting urine is sent to the bladder via the ureters and excreted through the urethra.

If bacteria (usually from the bowel) enter the urethra, they can travel up into the bladder. If conditions are favourable, they multiply and cause infection (cystitis). If these bacteria travel further up the ureters, they may cause a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which is potentially serious and can irreparably damage the kidneys if left untreated.

Women are more prone to UTIs than men because their urethras are shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. The opening is also close to the anus and vagina, increasing the likelihood of cross-contamination. Hormone fluctuations can impact the immune system, urinary tract wall thickness, and pH balance. During pregnancy, the bladder might not empty fully due to an enlarged uterus, and hormonal changes cause relaxation of the bladder muscle – making UTIs more likely during pregnancy.

UTI's IN CHILDREN

Although exact statistics are unknown, UTIs are quite common in children, especially girls. Children may show additional signs and symptoms, including diarrhoea, poor appetite, stomach aches, and constant crying.

A common cause of UTIs in children is wiping from back to front. Uncircumcised boys may have a higher risk (often due to inadequate cleaning or issues with foreskin retraction), although this generally resolves with age. Another typical cause is children not fully emptying the bladder, especially at school. Frequent UTIs in a child warrant further investigation to rule out any underlying abnormalities.

RISK FACTORS

Certain factors may predispose you to, or trigger, UTIs – particularly if you are already prone to them. These include:

  • Dehydration
  • Use of a urinary catheter (e.g., during or after surgery)
  • Not changing sanitary towels or tampons frequently during menstruation
  • Pregnancy
  • Frequent sexual activity (‘honeymoon cystitis')
  • Using a diaphragm (contraceptive device)
  • Menopause (lower oestrogen thins urinary tract walls)
  • Use of soaps, bubble bath, or perfumes in the genital area
  • Prostate enlargement in men (over 50), which can lead to incomplete bladder emptying
  • Immobility (e.g., being wheelchair-bound)
  • Diabetes
  • Immunosuppression (e.g., HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis)
  • Kidney stones

TRUE OR FALSE?

Wearing wet clothes or bathing suits can cause cystitis

True. Warm, moist environments created by wearing wet clothes – as well as tight-fitting or synthetic fabrics – promote the growth of fungi and bacteria linked to thrush and cystitis, especially in susceptible individuals.

SYMPTOMS OF UTI

  • Needing to urinate more often
  • Feeling the bladder is full
  • Passing little urine, or the bladder not emptying fully
  • Burning sensation during urination (dysuria)
  • Back and abdominal pain
  • Fever and nausea, if the infection is severe
  • Cloudy and/or foul-smelling urine
  • Nausea and vomiting in extreme cases
  • Incontinence or bedwetting, especially in children

RED ALERT

While many women with recurring UTIs may not seek medical help every time, there are occasions when it is essential to see your doctor:

  • The UTI is accompanied by fever, chills, back pain, blood or pus in urine, keeps worsening, or persists beyond five days.
  • Severe, stabbing, or shooting pain, which could indicate kidney stones.
  • The patient is a child or over 65 years old.
  • You are pregnant or diabetic.

HOME TREATMENT

In some cases, antibiotics are necessary, but there are several measures you can take at home to prevent infections or ease symptoms:

  • Begin home treatment at the first sign of infection.
  • Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to flush out bacteria.
  • Take vitamin C to support immune function and inhibit E. coli.
  • Place a hot-water bottle on the lower back or abdomen to ease pain.
  • Use cranberry supplements (rather than sugary juices) to make it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to the bladder walls. (Check suitability if pregnant.)
  • After antibiotics, use probiotics to restore good bacteria.
  • Enjoy warm baths; try four or five drops of bergamot or tea tree essential oil to relieve pain and fight bacteria.
  • Eat diuretic foods, such as celery, parsley, and asparagus.
  • Use lubricant during intercourse, and urinate immediately afterwards if sex tends to trigger cystitis.
  • Wear only cotton underwear; avoid tight or synthetic clothing, including G-strings.
  • Urinate as soon as you feel the need.
  • Take tissue salts: Ferrum phos for burning pain, Nat phos to balance pH.

A NATURAL APPROACH

A natural approach to bladder health begins with proper hydration and hygiene. This includes keeping your body clean, eating a nutritious diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and phytonutrients, and avoiding toxins. Limit exposure to chemicals, excess sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.

For early infections or mild irritation, cranberry juice or extract is a common remedy. Choose unsweetened options and drink several times a day; cranberry capsules are also available. D-mannose, a natural sugar, can help reduce E. coli. Herbal combinations (e.g., uva ursi, marshmallow root, cornsilk, plantain leaf, St John’s wort) may be useful for prevention and early treatment. Homeopathic remedies such as cantharis (up to 30C) can relieve burning. Further options are available at health shops or through a homeopath.

Editor’s note: For an in-depth look at cystitis, including causes, symptoms, and natural management strategies, read our comprehensive article That Burning Feeling.

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