Wee Week: Women, Look After Your Urinary Tract

< BACK TO HEALTH starstarstarstarstar   Community - Health Press Release
23rd July 2009, 01:55pm - Views: 677





Community Health The Jean Hailes Foundation For Women's Health 1 image


23 July 2009


Wee week: women, look after your urinary tract


With one in three women suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their life, Jean

Hailes gynaecologist Dr Elizabeth Farrell is reminding women to be aware of the symptoms and to

practise good hygiene to prevent what can be a painful or uncomfortable condition.


UTIs are commonly experienced by women and the elderly. “These infections seem to become more

common with increasing age,” says Dr Farrell, “but people may not be aware that it can also affect young,

sexually active women.”


UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and multiplying. A shorter urethra in women means

that it is easier for germs to get inside the bladder. 


With increasing age (post hysterectomy or menopause) the tissues of the urethra and bladder become

thinner and drier, also meaning that it’s easier to get a urinary tract infection.


Younger women may be susceptible to changing hormones at different times in their menstrual cycle. This

could be just prior to a period or during pregnancy when urine does not drain as quickly making it also

easier for germs to get in.


Symptoms of a UTI include:


Burning feeling and lower tummy pain when urinating


Needing ‘to go’ more often


Not making it to the toilet on time


Needing to go, but not being able to 


Full bladder feeling, even after urination 


Urine that smells or is bloody, cloudy or darker than usual 


Fever 

“Women should ensure they visit their GP if they get frequent UTI infections,” says Dr Farrell, “as they

will need further assessment.”


To help prevent a UTI:


Drink plenty of water 


Go to the toilet as soon as you need to


Wipe from the front to back 


Keep lubricated during sex and go to the toilet straight after



or call tollfree on 1800 151 441.


Wee week is an initiative of Kidney Health Australia and is designed to promote urinary tract health. 



Media

To interview Dr Farrell or any other Jean Hailes medical or research expert please call Aleeza Zohar on 03

9562 6771 or 0425 758 729.






news articles logo NEWS ARTICLES
Contact News Articles |Remove this article