Tag Archives: uti

UTIs and Your Shoes

What makes a person susceptible to a urinary tract infection? Many times, there is no obvious reason for a UTI. A urinary passage may be partially blocked, or bacteria may spread from the lower bowel or from the vagina during intercourse. Pregnant women have a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection, thanks to hormonal and physical changes. One other factor? Your shoes. If you wear high heels frequently, you could be putting yourself at risk for a urinary tract infection! Here’s why: wearing high heels can make your pelvis tilt forward and your back curve outwards. This can … Continue reading →

What Is Diverticulitis?

Your colon is a part of your large intestine. When pouches in the colon called diverticula become infected or inflamed, you have diverticulitis. This condition can be very painful, and is thought to be the result of a diet that is too low in fiber. What does fiber have to do with it? In a healthy digestive system, fiber adds bulk to the waste that moves through your intestines. Without enough fiber in the system, your colon must use more pressure than normal to move things through your intestines. This pressure can cause the formation of the pouches in the … Continue reading →

Preventing UTIs

A urinary tract infection refers to an infection in the urinary bladder. Your doctor may call this cystitis. An infection that spreads to the kidneys is called pyelonephritis. If the infection spreads to the prostate, it is known as prostitis. Urinary tract infections are extremely common in women between the ages of twenty and fifty. Read about other UTI risk factors. Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that are normally found in the digestive system, like: Escherichia coli Staphylococcus saprophyticus Proteus Klebsiella Enteroccus Some sexually transmitted organisms (like Chlamydia trachomatis and mycoplasma) can also contribute to bladder infections in … Continue reading →

UTI Risk Factors

In general, women are more prone to urinary tract infections than men are. This is because the urethra — the tube that runs from the bladder to the outside of the body — is much shorter in women than in men. Also, a woman’s urethra is closer to the anus, increasing the chance that bacteria from the colon can end up in the urinary tract. This doesn’t mean a man can’t have a urinary tract infection! A urinary tract infection in a man is often a sign of an underlying problem — the infection may have migrated from the prostate … Continue reading →

Urinary Tract Infections

Some women are more prone to urinary tract infections during pregnancy. In fact, UTIs are the most common bacterial infection during pregnancy. This is caused by changes in the position of the urinary tract. In addition, the weight of the uterus can push down on the bladder, preventing urine from leaving. It’s important to see your doctor if you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection. There are medications that are safe for the baby. If the infection is left untreated, a kidney infection can result. This can be dangerous for the baby. Kidney infections can cause preterm labor. … Continue reading →