I made a visit to the Student Health Center last week in search of an answer to a common question — how can people prevent urinary tract infections?
I sat down with the busy Dr. Honigman, chief of staff at the infirmary. I was refreshed by his eagerness to offer me the information I needed. He provided a wealth of facts on urinary tract infections (UTIs).
First, the Student Heath Center has to treat urinary tract infections in women more often than in men. This difference lies in the vulnerability of the urethral opening in women.
I continued to ask the doctor why I hear so many of my peers struggling with this illness. He reminded me many students become sexually active in college. Sexual activity contributes to the frequency of this infection.
His advice was for sexual partners to empty their bladders after a sexual encounter. In addition, women should thoroughly clean their vaginal area. However, douching is not recommended.
If you are not sexually active, you are not clear of urinary tract infections. Commonly, carbonated beverages aggravate UTIs.
I visited the McKinley Health Center’s Web site to learn more. I found that a normal urinary system is bacteria-free. The site continued to explain, “When bacteria enter the urinary system and multiply, infection occurs. Because the outside opening of the urinary system (the meatus) is located near the vagina and the anus, bacteria that occur normally in those areas can enter the meatus and contaminate the urethra.”
If you contract this infection, you’ll know it. Frequent urination, pain while urinating and blood in urine are common signs.
If you have any of these symptoms, go to your doctor or the infirmary. If you wait too long, the pain will worsen.
To make an appointment call 578-6716. According to Dr. Honigman, the physician will perform a five- to 10-minute urine test. If the test is positive, antibiotics usually are prescribed. Painkillers are also standard when pain is present.
Along with the medication, patients are advised to drink plenty of water. Cranberry juice also can aid in reducing the urine’s acidity. If the infection is not complicated, it may clear up in one to two days.
Along with the other precautions Dr. Honigman advised, here are a few more from McKinley Health Center:
Do not hold urine when you feel the urge to urinate. Urinating allows the body to dispose of bacteria in the urine before an infection can develop.
Clean around the meatus with water, daily, to remove secretions and decrease moisture.
Women should wipe from front to back.