Urinary tract infection is a serious infectious disease which we also call UTI in common language. This problem is more common in women than in men.

Causes and risk factors
1.     Bacteria- UTI is usually caused by the entry of bacteria in the urinary tract. Among these (E.Coli) is the most common. Which lives as a normal symbiotic in the intestines.
2.     Female anatomy
a.     The urinary tract of women is short (3-4 cm) so bacteria can reach the bladder.
b.     In women, all three openings are close to each other. Urinary tract, vaginal tract and anus.

3.     Sexual intercourse
4.    Bad hygiene- Not washing properly after defecation. Unclean toilet.
5.     Hormonal changes- Menopause, pregnancy or contraceptive pills can change the natural balance of the urinary tract.
6.     Use of catheters
7.     Diabetes (uncontrolled)
8.    Weakened immunity – conditions like HIV or AIDS or taking immune suppressing drugs.

Symptoms
●    Itching, burning or pain during or after urination.
●    Frequent urination, frequent need to urinate, need to urinate even when the bladder is empty.
●    Sudden urge to urinate.
●    Cloudy or strong-smelling urine, unusual appearance or odor of urine.
●    Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen (pelvis), back or side.
●    Blood in urine.
●    Fever – body temperature more than 1010F.
●    Chills.
●    Feeling weak.

It is not necessary that all of the above symptoms are present.

Diagnosis
1)     Urine test.
2)     Urine Culture & Sensitivity test to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and to find an effective antibiotic.
3)     Sometimes ultrasound, CT scan or MRI scan is required.

Ayurvedic Treatment
1)     Chandraprabha Vati 1-1, Tryghan Vati 1-1, Renogrit Vati 1-1 (take in the morning and evening after meals with lukewarm water.)
2)     Gokhru Kwath Boil 2 teaspoons (10-15 grams) of the medicine in 400 ml of water, when 100 ml remains, filter it and take it in the morning on an empty stomach and 1 hour before dinner in the evening.
3)     Gokhru Water Boil Gokhru powder (20 grams) in 1 liter of water and filter it. When it cools down, take it in small quantities during the day.

Panchakarma Therapy
Parishek, Matra Vasti, Uttar Vasti.

Naturopathy
1)     Hot-cold compress and wrap on stomach and pelvis- Keep a towel soaked in hot water for 3 minutes, remove it and keep a towel soaked in cold water for 2 minutes. Repeat this process 3 times (total time 15 minutes).
2)     Cold waist bath- Boil neem leaves with water. Boil neem leaves in 3-4 liters of water and let it cool. Filter it. Fill the tub with that water and so much water (normal temperature) that when you sit in the tub with your hips resting on it, there is water up to the navel. Keep the feet outside the tub.
    While sitting in the tub, massage the pelvis and waist with a small hairy towel with light hands. Time 10 minutes.
3) Take a mud bandage- Filter the mud from the banks of a river or pond or brought from a potter (without fertilizers and pesticides) and mix it with water to make a thick paste. Wrap it in a thin cloth and keep it on the pelvis (time 30 minutes).
4) Wrap it in a wet sheet/steam bath/hot foot bath/head bath.

Allopathic treatment
1)     Antibiotics
2)  Medicines for fever and stomach pain.

Points to be noted
1)     Increase the intake of water and liquid food, so that bacteria and toxins keep coming out with urine and do not grow inside.
2)     Take cranberry extract, probiotics, coconut water, carrot juice, lemon sherbet etc. for the health of the urinary tract.
3)     Increase the amount of vitamin C in the diet. Take seasonal fruits, orange, pomegranate, amla etc.
4)     Do not have sex during the time of infection.

Prevention
1)     Wash the genitals with clean water while bathing or after urination.
2)     Pay attention to personal hygiene. After defecation, first wash the genitals in front, then the anus. Now do not apply soap on the genitals before washing hands.
    In western commodes, use hand shower from front to back instead of jet spray from behind.
3)     Wear loose, cotton and airy undergarments. Clean them properly.
4)     Urinate after intercourse, so that the bladder gets empty.
5)     Do not hold urine for a long time.
6)    Use sanitary pads instead of tampons during menstruation.