Bladder infection is a common condition that affects many people today. Most of those who suffer from the infection are women. According to statistics, at least 8 million women visit their doctor each year for bladder infection treatment. This is a staggering number. Bladder infection is most commonly caused by the female anatomy.
The Urethra
It measures only 4 cm in length in a female. This makes it easy for bacteria to reach the bladder from the outside. The urethra, a narrow tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder, is something you may not have realized. The urethra can grow up to 20 cm in men, which is 5 times longer than its female counterpart. This means that bacteria must travel 20 cm to reach the bladder.
Bladder infection is much less common in men. The female urethra opening is in a “bad neighborhood”, which is very close to the anal and vaginal areas where most bacteria thrives. Bladder infection is when bacteria enters the bladder through the opening in the urethra. Bladder infection can be characterized by burning sensations, frequent urination, painful urination, a sudden urge to void, and cloudy urine. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have a bladder infection.
Cranberry Juice
It can be used to treat the condition. Two glasses of cranberry juice per day can usually prevent and eliminate the bacteria that causes the infection. Two important compounds in cranberry are extremely beneficial. The first is a natural anti-bacterial substance that kills bacteria.
The second compound works by blocking bacteria from adhering on the bladder wall. These substances can enter your bladder via the urine that your body produces when you eat cranberry products. Because there is less bacteria in your bladder wall, they will remain in your urine and be flushed out of you body when you urinate. This home remedy for bladder infections can be used to help you drink more water and force you to urinate more often.