Urinary tract infection (cystitis)

Urinary tract infection is an inflammation or infection of the urinary bladder usually caused by bacteria.

Symptoms

1. Constant desire to urinate even within seconds or minutes after having done so.
2. A feeling of straining towards the end of urinating.
3. A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
4. Pain or burning with urination.
5. Dark or odorous urine.

Self-Treatment

Antibiotic required, but this is not an emergency. You can wait to be seen at the Health Service or if on a weekend, contact the college physician through the switchboard "0." There is an over the counter medication that can ease the pain of urination but will not cure the infection itself, it is called AZO or pyridium(phenazopyridine), side effect includes staining the urine dark orange.

Preventive Measures

1. Drinking plenty of clear liquids will keep urine diluted.
2. Good personal hygiene following urination and bowel movements. Cleaning self front to back from vagina to anus.
3. Urinate frequently to wash out bacteria that may be present, avoid holding urine for prolonged periods of time.
4. Urinate after intercourse to wash out bacteria that may have been introduced into the urethra.
5. Avoid wearing tight jeans, wet bathing suits, and nylon panties.

Health Service Visits Recommended If:

1. Above symptoms occur.
2. Following antibiotic treatment symptoms are not resolved.

*Although this is mainly a problem experienced by women and not men at your age, men may also get a bladder infection, prostatitis or urethritis...most often requiring antibiotic therapy following a complete evaluation for STD's.