Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection is unpleasant for all women. Germs can enter the urinary tract and multiply, leading to upper and lower tract infections. A lower tract infection is known as cystitis, and an upper UTI is a bladder infection. Caused by the E. coli bacteria, you can get a UTI in many ways. The bacteria can come internally, from your intestines, or externally, by way of sweat, semen or other substances making their way into the urethra.

  Women are more affected by UTI than men because the urethra is shorter, therefore, bacteria can travel up it quicker, causing infection. Studies have shown that 1 in 5 women will experience a UTI. With UTI you may feel shaky and tired, have pain, pressure, and urgency to urinate, but without producing much, a burning when you urinate and the urine may be cloudy and strong smelling. To avoid a UTI, do not wear tight fitting underwear or underwear made from synthetic fibers, wipe from front to back after going to the toilet, so you don't bring bacteria from the anus to the vagina, and it is important to flush your system regularly by drinking water and urinating often. You should also make sure you urinate after sex to wash any bacteria away.