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UTI is common name for the different types of infection that can afflict the urinary path. UTIs are not considered to be sexually transmitted infections.
People who suffer from diabetes, prostatitis, inflammation of the epididymis or a gynaecological illness, are at a higher risk of contracting a UTI.
Another contributing factor can be that the bladder does not completely empty during normal urination.
UTI is a problem that mainly affects women. These infections occur when bacteria in the urine is allowed to grow. The reason why women suffer from this more than men is partly because a woman's urethra is very short, and partly because a woman's urethra is so close to the vagina and the anus.
Two Groups
UTIs are usually divided into two groups: infections that occur in the upper urinary system (the kidneys), and those infections that only affect the lower urinary system: the urethra and the bladder.
During a severe infection, there will be a large amount of bacteria in the urine and this will be accompanied by a fever, flu like symptoms, frequent urgings to urinate, a burning feeling on urination, a higher sedimentation rate, deteriorated general condition and feeling very ill. There may also be blood in the urine.
It is important to seek help from a doctor, to avoid the infection spreading and damaging the kidneys.
Advantages of ISC
During milder infections, urine becomes cloudy and smells bad. This is the type of infection that seldom develops into more severe problems and is therefore not always treated. Increased fluid intake may be enough to resolve the problem.
Most people who empty their bladders with an indwelling catheter contract this milder type of infection. Using the ISC method of bladder emptying significantly reduces the risk of contracting a UTI.
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