A large number of people every year get Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). This is caused by bacteria affecting any part of the urinary tract. It can be annoying, uncomfortable or even painful. There are a number of things that cause these infections and people need to do everything possible to keep a clean, clear urinary tract.

The urinary tract is actually one of the systems of the body. It contains six parts including two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, and a urethra. Throughout every day of your life, the kidneys are cleaning waste from your blood. These wastes include, sugar, toxins, extra calcium, and ammonia build up. This waste becomes urine which flows into the ureters, down to the bladder and out the urethra. The excretion of waste through the urinary tract is essential to being healthy. Where would we be if we couldn't get rid of waste in the body?

Urine, when contained within the urinary tract, is normally sterile. It is free from bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. The way the tract is set up prevents urine from flowing back into the bladder, ureters, or kidneys and the flow of urine out of the body is to prevent bacteria from staying near the body's opening. Despite this fact, infections still occur. Bacteria from the digestive tract can cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. When the bacteria, normally Escherichia coli (E. coli) multiply, an infection occurs. If it is not treated, it can find its way to the bladder that results in a bladder infection. If this is not treated, it could make its way all the way to the kidneys where it can cause serious damage. Some sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia can cause UTI's in both men and women. However, saying UTI's are caused by sex is a myth. Sex can introduce bacteria into urethra which can increase the chances of getting a UTI; however, a normal strong stream of urine would naturally wash the bacteria out of the urinary tract.

The most common signs that you have or are developing a urinary tract infection include the sudden urge to urinate, the need to urinate more often than usual, cramps, pains or burning sensations when urinating. On top of these symptoms, it is not uncommon to feel achy all over or extremely tired. Even though people with UTI's can have the urge to urinate very frequently, the amount of urine extracted is normally less. The urine itself can have blood in it, or be cloudy. Normally, an infection in the urethra or bladder won't cause a fever. However, if you are running a fever it could be a sign that it has reached the kidneys and must be taken care of quickly.

Preventing UTI's is probably the best idea so you don't have to deal with the pain, annoyance, and discomfort of the infection. There are some very simple ways to make sure you don't have to go through it. Drinking plenty of water every day will dilute the bacteria in the urinary tract and not allow it to stick and multiply. Urinating frequently will also help wash any bacteria out of the system. Avoiding tight clothing that restricts air flow and traps moisture will eliminate the environment in which bacteria can grow. Drinking 1-2 glasses of cranberry juice each day can also help prevent certain bacteria from living in the bladder. For sexually active adults, urinating before and after intercourse, monitoring sexual positions, and avoiding spermicidal gels can also decrease the risk of attaining a urinary tract infection. In addition to these preventative measures, taking Continol by Hamida Pharma can help clean and clear the urinary tract and inhibit kidney stone formation. It also promotes healthy urinary tract and kidney function.