Student Health 101 General Health
A Reference Guide to Student Health
Urinary Conditions
Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections
Urinary Tract/Bladder Infections
Urinary tract, or bladder infections are common health problems for women, and less frequent for men. Bacteria that enter through the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder) and grow in the bladder generally cause urinary infections. Women are more likely to have bladder infections because they have much shorter urethras than men. Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include a burning sensation while urinating and frequent urination in small amounts. Low abdominal pain or back pain also may be present.
TREATMENT
- Seek medical attention for symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Antibiotics are the treatment of choice.
- Seek immediate medical attention for fever or chills, abdominal or back pain, or vomiting.
PREVENTION
- Always drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid holding your urine for long periods of time
- Urinate promptly after intercourse, especially if you are a woman.
- Try cranberry juice, which may be helpful in prevention.