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Hope for Treating Urinary Tract Infections

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Reproductive System related image Photo: Getty Images

Since about one in five women get repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs), the news that there may be hope for those who have this chronic problem is very welcomed, indeed. Currently, antibiotics are the chief way doctors treat this ailment. So why aren’t antibiotics satisfactory anymore?

Doctors are finding that due to repeated use of antibiotics by patients, antibiotic resistance is on the rise. Now, researchers are trying to find non-antibiotic ways to treat such cases. Chronic UTIs change the makeup of the vagina, stripping it of Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus). Since a healthy vagina has ample amount of L. crispatus, the theory is that if this organism is replaced, infections will decrease.

In this trial, researchers tested 100 women who suffered from recurrent UTIs. Some were given antibiotics, others probiotics, and the rest, placebos. Those who received the placebos faired worst while those who had taken the probiotics did much better.

According to this study, published April 15, 2011 in an online edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases, 13 women out of the placebo group developed UTIs after treatment but only 7 out of the probiotic group developed UTIs. Even though these are preliminary tests, the results were very promising. However, doctors do admit that more testing is needed for evidence to be conclusive. So, in the meantime, how can we work preventively at warding off UTIs? Below are a few tips from Womenshealth.gov:

• Urinate when you need to. Don't hold it. Pass urine before and after sex. After you pass urine or have a bowel movement (BM), wipe from front to back.

• Drink water every day and after sex. Try for six to eight glasses a day.

• Clean the outer lips of your vagina and anus each day. The anus is the place where a bowel movement leaves your body, located between the buttocks.

• Don't use douches or feminine hygiene sprays.

• If you get a lot of UTIs and use spermicides, or creams that kill sperm, talk to your doctor about using other forms of birth control.

• Wear underpants with a cotton crotch. Don’t wear tight-fitting pants because they can trap in moisture.

• Take showers instead of tub baths.

Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions Urinary Tract Infections
http://womenshealth.gov/faq/urinary-tract-infection.cfm
Womenshealth.gov

New Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections Call Promising
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/womens-health/articles/2011/04/15/new-treatment-for-urinary-tract-infections-called-promising_print.html
Health.usnews.com

Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer who writes a darn good blog!
http://dita40.wordpress.com/

Reviewed June 15, 2011
Edited by Kate Kunkel

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Dita Faulkner
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.