For most boys and girls, healthy bacteria grow in their reproductive organs, including their vaginas and penises. Much of this bacteria helps to keep us healthy, and controls the overgrowth of bad bacteria. However sometimes, in the fight of good bacteria versus bad bacteria, the bad side wins. When this happens, infections including Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Yeast Infections, can occur in both boys and girls.
UTIs and Yeast Infections can be caused by something simple, like a lowered resistance to bad bacteria because you are stressed, not getting enough sleep, or have another infection your body. Other causes include douching (using scented sprays on or in your vagina) or small bits of feces can enter the urethra during sex play or even when toilet water back splashes. Unprotected anal intercourse is a very high-risk behavior for urinary tract infections.
[color =red]URINARY TRACT INFECTION[/color]
[color =green]QUICK FACTS:[/color]
*common infection in women, less common in men
*Symptoms include painful and/or frequent urination
*Easily treatable with antibiotics provided by a healthcare provider
[color =green]Symptoms of UTI[/color]
While not everyone with a urinary tract infection (UTI) will notice symptoms, COMMON SYMPTOMS include:
*Burning pain during urination
*An urge to urinate when your bladder is nearly empty
*Feeling like you need to urinate all the time, especially at night
*Difficulty controlling when you urinate
*Lower abdominal pain or back pain
*Blood and/or pus in your urine
*Fever
Be aware that these symptoms are not always caused by a UTI. Other infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), may cause burning during urination and frequent urination.
Only a healthcare provider can tell for sure if you have a UTI - they will simply do a test of your urine. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to get the correct testing and treatment.
[color =green]Prevention of UTIs[/color]
The good news is you may be able to prevent UTIs. Try these simple tips to prevent getting a urinary tract infection:
*Drink when you are thirsty.
*Urinate as soon as you feel the urge. Don't hold it.
Keep your vulva clean and dry.
*Drink unsweetened cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements. Cranberries contain an acid that helps prevent bacteria from growing.
*Urinate immediately before and after sex.
*Avoid positions during sex that seem to trigger UTIs.
*Use latex or female condoms during vaginal intercourse.
If you are susceptible to frequent UTIs, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider to see if there are any other reasons for the infections. A doctor may be able to provide antibiotics to help prevent a recurring infection.
[color =green]Treatment for UTIs[/color]
Urinary Tract Infections are easy to treat - you just need the right antibiotics, which you can get from a healthcare provider. While you can treat the symptoms of a UTI with over-the-counter pain relievers, this will not cure the infection. Antibiotics will cure your infection right up; however, make sure to take all the antibiotics prescribed, even when the symptoms get better.
