Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (cystitis) are usually caused by bacteria. They are more common in women because of their anatomy; the urethra is shorter so bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to reach the bladder. The rectum, which is a source of bacteria, is also in close proximity. Having sex may also be a cause, because bacteria can be pushed into the urethra.
Symptoms:
- Burning on urination
- Needing to urinate more often in smaller amounts
- Feeling the need to urinate but not able to
- Strong smelling urine
- Blood in urine - may appear pinkish.
Pressure in the lower abdomen, lower back pain, nausea, fatigue and a low-grade fever may be signs of a kidney infection. All of the above symptoms need to be treated. Go to Health Services as soon as possible.
Treatment:
- Antibiotics - usually symptoms improve and go away a day or two after starting the medication.
- Drinking cranberry juice and extra fluids can also help.
Prevention:
- Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria.
- Cranberry juice changes the acidity of your urine, thereby discouraging bacterial growth.
- Urinate when you feel you need to - do not hold it too long.
- Always wipe from front to back.
- Urinate after sex to wash away bacteria.
- Avoid eating excess sugar.
- If you are treated with antibiotics for an infection, take all of the medicine or the infection could return.
Source: Health Notes From Your Family Doctor. College of Family Physicians of Canada.
Vaginosis
Vaginosis (vaginal infection) can be caused by a disruption in the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vaginal secretions.
A yeast infection is a type of vaginal infection caused by too much yeast.
Symptoms:
- Itching, burning and irritation in the vagina
- Painful intercourse
- Thick, white sometimes curdy discharge.
Causes:
- Antibiotics - they destroy the normal bacterial flora and allow the yeast to flourish.
- Oral contraceptives.
- Douching or perfumed sprays or soap used in that area.
- Tight clothing or synthetic underwear that doesn't breath.
Treatment:
Yeast infections can be treated with over the counter products or by a capsule prescribed by the doctor. It is better to see a nurse or doctor to make sure of the diagnosis before you spend money on over the counter products which might not be effective.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Similar to a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis is caused by too much of the normal flora of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms are similar to a yeast infection, but the discharge is not as thick and it may have a fishy odor.
Treatment:
An antibiotic prescribed by a doctor.
Neither of these infections are considered sexually transmitted diseases because you can have them even if you have never had sex. However, they can be passed on to your partner. Abstinence or condoms until the infection clears up are recommended.
The Pap Test
The pap test should be done yearly as part of an annual examination on all young women after the age of 21 who are sexually active.
The pap test is done to detect precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix (the opening of the uterus). These cell changes may be caused by contact with a certain strain of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) through sexual intercourse. The pap test is the only way we have of detecting this infection and if found early, it can be safely eliminated. If not, it could progress to cancer of the cervix and could spread beyond.
Procedure:
Cells are carefully collected from the cervix and placed on a slide then sent to the lab for microscopic examination. The procedure is simple, takes only a few minutes and while it may be slightly uncomfortable, it is not painful.
Menstrual Cramps
Many women suffer needlessly from painful periods. The pain can sometimes be debilitating for a couple of days and is often accompanied by nausea, diarrhea and backaches. Help is available! After an assessment by a doctor, he/she could recommend effective medication.
Self-Care:
- A heating pad or warm bath can relax spasms and relieve pain.
- Exercise on a regular basis can improve circulation and decrease discomfort.
- Stretching or relaxation exercises may help. Try lying on your back and contracting abdominal muscles for 15 seconds, breathing normally. Relax and repeat.
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are two over the counter medications that can be effective for pain.
Self-Care:Information taken from The Wellness Booklet And Self-Care Manual UVIC Health Services.
Web source: www.womenshealthmatters.ca
