While most health conditions affect both women and men, there are certain diseases that are more common in one gender than in the other. One of these is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) which females are more prone to.  

It is said to be the most common extra-intestinal infectious disease entity in women worldwide with a high prevalence and frequency of recurrence.  It has been estimated that up to one-third of all women will experience at least an episode of UTI during their lifetime.  

The female anatomy makes UTIs especially problematic for women.  

UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra, the tube that connects the urinary bladder to the genitals, and transports and discharges urine outside the body. The shorter urethra of women, compared to men, allows the bacteria to reach the bladder more easily. Female urethra is just one and a half inches long; in contrast the male urethra measures eight inches in length. 

Another factor is the close proximity of the urethral opening to the vagina and anus, both of which serve as fertile environments for bacteria.  Because the urethra is in front of the vagina, bacteria near the vagina can be pushed into the urethra during sexual intercourse. This is why UTI is more prevalent among sexually active women. UTI tends to occur in women when they begin having sex or engage in it more often. 

During pregnancy, a woman is at even higher risk of contracting UTI.  Hormones cause changes in the urinary tract, which predisposes a pregnant woman to infections. Add to this the growing uterus which presses on the bladder, preventing the complete emptying of urine. Some urine may then pool in the bladder. Germs (bacteria) are likely to multiply and cause infection in a stagnant pool of urine. 

Menopause also increases the risk of getting a UTI.  During menopause, the level of the female hormone estrogen decreases. This decrease can cause changes in the tissues around the urethra that can lead to a UTI.  Advanced age, which usually coincides with menopause, also has various debilitating effects on the pelvic area organs and tissues.

While most urinary tract infections start in the lower urinary tract made up of the urethra and bladder, it can lead to a kidney infection if left untreated.  Bacteria that have infected the bladder may travel to the upper urinary tract made up of the ureters and the kidneys.  

A lower urinary tract or bladder infection usually causes pain or burning when urinating. There is a frequent urge to urinate though only a small amount is passed. Urine may look cloudy and smell foul or unusually strong. There may be pain, pressure, or tenderness in the area of the bladder.   In upper urinary tract infection, symptoms may include back pain, chills, fever, nausea and vomiting.  

Urinalysis is performed to initially determine if there is an infection.  A urine sample is studied in the lab for presence of white and red blood cells and bacteria.  If either of these is detected, the patient may have UTI.  The urine sample may be grown in a culture to know which bacteria are present.

As treatment for UTI, antibiotics are usually prescribed.  The problem here is that the frequent intake of antibiotics to treat UTI, as for recurring infection, can lead to side effects such as liver disease.  Also, patients who repeatedly take antibiotics for their UTI eventually develop resistance to the medication as the bacteria build their resistance over time.   

An effective alternative is the all-natural CranUTI Cranberry Supplement. Each capsule of CranUTI contains 350mg of cranberry extract. It is a rich source of Proanthocyanidin antioxidant which prevents E. Coli and other UTI-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract. Dosage is one to two capsules daily.  CranUTI is available at Mercury Drugstores and other drugstores nationwide in sachet foils of 10 capsules (P120), jars of 60 capsules (P660), and pack of 100 capsules (P1200).  

CranUTI customer hotlines are (02) 524-6549, (02) 354-2208 to 09 and mobile numbers 0947-4890262, 0928-3224217.  It is FDA-approved and is safe for children, pregnant women, and senior citizens.