Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common disease that could occur in wide range of ages, but women are at greater risk of developing UTI than are men.

The urinary tract which consists of kidney, ureter, bladder and urethra has a great role in urination and eliminating waste from the body. Because it is in touch with the outside of the body and the urine would stay in the bladder for hours, it is a good environment for bacterial growth.

Symptoms of infection:

1. Painful urination
2. Frequent urination (more than 4-6 times in a day)
3. Enuresis
4. Dark or bloody urine
5. Genital pain

Causes of urinary tract infection:                                                                                 

The risk of urinary retention is higher in children than in adults, and failure in urinating on time will cause urinary tract infection in short-term and chronic renal failure in long-term.

One of the most common causes of recurrent infection in men is chronic bacterial prostate infection. In these cases, removing the prostate gland, under the doctor supervision, can reduce the risk of infection.

The causes of urinary tract obstruction:

1. Urinary tract or kidney stones
2. Birth defect or congenital disorder
3. Bladder tumors
4. Manipulation of urinary tract (such as: inserted tube into urethra due to an illness, operation or urinary incontinence)
5. Diseases including diabetes or gout
6. Pregnancy

Diagnosis:

Taking urine samples for analysis (For proper sampling you must first flush your genital area from front to back. Then start urinating, discard the beginning and start collecting the urine sample from the middle of the stream in the container.)

Instruction tips for prevention:

1. Eliminate the consumption of coffee, tea, alcohol, beverage or any kind of liquids that would irritate the urinary tract.
2. Urinate each 2-3 hours in a day and drain your bladder completely.
3. If you do not have any cardiovascular or kidney diseases, consume plenty of liquids (8-12 glasses in day).
4. The best liquid is water, because it causes the more production of urine and will drain microbes with itself easily.
5. Avoid washing your underwear with aromatic detergent.
6. Avoid wearing nylon, rough and tight underwear (cotton ones are preferable).
7. Take the prescribed medicines properly until complete recovery.
8. In case of taking a shower, do not use tub because the existing bacteria in the tub can easily go through your urethra.
9. If possible, change your underwear every day.
10. Wash your hands with soap after stool disposal.
11. In case of not having diabetes, consume foods contain vitamin C, such as: lemon, raspberry and etc.
12. Urine before and after any sexual relations.

Treatment:

1. Consult your doctor regularly for your treatment following up.
2. Take the prescribed medicine under your doctor supervision.
3. Use a hot pack on your bladder to relieve pain.
4. Urinary tract infection could lead to kidney failure if left untreated.
5. If the symptoms (irritation, burning urination, frequent urination, flank pain, vomiting and fever) recur, consult your doctor.