Annoying Urinary Tract Infections

What Are Urinary Tract Infections?

When we talk about urinary tract infections, we usually mean a bladder infection. They occur in both men and women but are significantly more common in women — estimates show that 50–60% of women experience at least one UTI during their lifetime. This increased prevalence is due to anatomical differences: women have a shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

Classic Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

• Burning or pain during urination
• Urgent need to urinate
• Frequent urination of small amounts
• Cloudy urine with a strong unpleasant odor
• Presence of blood in the urine

Most Common Cause and Treatment

The most common cause of uncomplicated urinary infections is the bacterium Escherichia coli.
If bacteria are found in the urine but symptoms are absent, treatment is usually unnecessary (except during pregnancy).
If symptoms are present, doctors typically prescribe antibiotics such as fosfomycin trometamol, nitrofurantoin, or cotrimoxazole. Treatment usually lasts from 1 to 5 days.

Important: If symptoms are accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately, as this may indicate a more serious condition.

Recurrent (Persistent) UTIs

If infections occur more than three times per year or twice within six months, they are considered recurrent.
Risk factors include:

• Sexual intercourse
• Use of spermicides
• Pregnancy
• Family history of UTIs or first infection in childhood
• Low estrogen levels in postmenopausal women
• Diabetes
• Kidney stones

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) and urinate when you feel the urge
• Choose showers over baths
• Gently clean the genital area with mild soap and water
• Avoid deodorant sprays and scented products in the genital area
• Wipe from front to back after urination or bowel movements
• Avoid synthetic underwear; choose cotton
• Urinate after sexual intercourse, and ideally take a quick shower
• Avoid spermicides and diaphragms — choose other contraceptive methods

What If These Measures Don’t Help?

If infections continue to recur, there are additional options:

Freeze-Dried E. coli (Liofilizat)

Capsules containing freeze-dried E. coli enhance the immune defense and are used to prevent recurrent infections.

Herbal Remedies

Bearberry leaf (uva ursi) is especially helpful for mild symptoms of recurrent infections.
Important: while drinking uva ursi tea, avoid sweets, fruit, and any foods that acidify urine.

Useful plants:
• Birch leaf
• Horsetail herb
• Goldenrod herb
• Nettle leaf
• Parsley root
• Juniper berry

These plants increase urine output and help “flush out” bacteria from the urinary tract.

Cranberry and D-Mannose

Cranberry products (juice, tea, tablets, capsules) prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall.
D-mannose works similarly and is highly effective in prevention.

When to Consult a Pharmacist or Doctor

If you have questions about these products, your pharmacist can provide guidance.
If symptoms do not improve or worsen, contact your doctor.