Generally we do not pay much altention to proper maintence of the organs of Urinary system; at least not as much as the attention we pay to heart. Our Urinary system is very much prone to infections. The system consists of a pair of kidneys, Bladder, Ureters and Urethra. A common disorder that afflicts the Urinary tract is infection by the bacteria – Escherichia coli. Escherichia is a genus of Gram negative, rod like bacteria that have the ability to ferment carbohydrates with production of gas. They reside in the intestines of men. E. coli, under certain circumstances, causes infection of the Uro – genital tract. One such infection is Dysuria – difficult or painful urination. Dysuria is usually associated with frequent urge for passing Urine if the cause is due to “cystitis” or “Uretheritis”, cystitis is the inflammation of the urinary bladder often caused by E. coli. Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra due to gonarrhoea etc. Causes 1. More than 85% of Urinary tract infections (UTI) are caused by bacteria. Cystitis is the common cause especially in women with UTI. 2. The other cause is Uretheritis – infection of the Urethera by bacteria, fungi or viruses. The sexually transmitted organism like Neisseri Gonnorrhoea can afflict Urethra. Chlamydia and the herps simplex Urius can also cause Urethritis. 3. Candidiasis caused by the candida fungi is also a UTI. 4. Parasites – and worms can also infect the urinary tract. 5. Stones in the kidney or bladder Symptoms 1. Frequent urge to pass urine. 2. Scanty urine 3. Feeling of fullness in the bladder even after passing urine 4. Pain and burning sensation while passing urine 5. Feeling of pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen, and in the urinary Tract. 6. Feeling of heaviness in the renal region and scrotum (Men). 7. Blood in the urine. On examination of urine, presence of puscells and blood confirms UTI. 8. Chills, fever Urinary tract infections are much more common among women than in men. The reason is women have shorter Urethra – 3.5 cm long and the urethra is closer to vagina and anus, where bacteria thrive. The bacteria easily travels up the short urethra and cause infections. Men’s urethra are longer – 20 cm long. Hence urinary infections are less. Home remedies 1. Drink 8-10 glasses of water. This will benefit the kidneys. The water, at least 60% of it has to pass through kidneys, which filters out toxins and germs. Water eases the kidney’s functoning. 2. Drink a quarter glass of onion juice sweetened with 1 tsp of sugar. It relieves the urinary irritation. Try this daily till you obtain relief. 3. Mix 1/2 tsp of Jeera (powdered) with 1 tsp of sugar and consume, twice a day.