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Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection occurs much more frequently in females than in males. This is because the tube between the bladder and the skin surface - called the urethra - is much shorter in the female (no more than a couple of centimetres) than in the male (roundabout 20 centimetres). This means that in females bacteria can easily make their way up the urethra and into the bladder, causing urinary infection. The symptoms are of urinary frequency, urgency and pain, possibly with nocturnal urination and blood stained urine. Attacks maybe precipitated by sexual activity. Frequent attacks may need investigation to rule out any underlying abnormality. Treatment involves high fluid input, agents to neutralise the acidic nature of the urine to relieve symptoms, and appropriate antibiotic therapy if required. If the attacks are precipitated by sexual activity, emptying the bladder after intercourse may help. Urinary tract infection in children requires investigation. It does in men, too. |
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