Urinary Tract Infection
Alternate Names : Cystitis, Bladder Infection, UTI
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Not all UTIs can be prevented. The following steps can lower a person's risk for UTI.
Always empty the bladder completely.
Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.
Avoid chemicals that may irritate the urethra, such as strong soaps.
Avoid going for long periods without emptying the bladder.
Don't sit in baths or hot tubs for long periods of time.
Empty the bladder after sexual intercourse.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Once treatment has begun, the symptoms of cystitis disappear within 24 hours. Antibiotics must be taken for the full course, though. If the UTI is not successfully treated, there may be kidney damage. Bacteria can spread into the bloodstream. This can cause a serious blood infection called sepsis.
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