Period flow consists of mucus, sloughed off lining cells, and serum blood. These substances make an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. If previous attacks of cystitis have occurred after love making, consider what actions were involved. Are they responsible for passing a little of the menstrual flow to the urethra? If this seems likely, take greater care.

Sexual disease is a major source of the symptoms of UTI. Women have a particular problem with sexual disease. They can harbor infections which are asymptomatic; there are no symptoms. A woman may have no idea that she is infected. If there is any reason to suspect sexual disease, ask a partner to wear a condom. A condom not only prevents passing on the infection, but acts as a guard against auto inoculation.

Men suffer a curious condition called prostatodynia. Its slang term is "sailor's disease" because it flares up after a prolonged time of no sexual activity followed by very vigorous activity. It rarely occurs with one sexual episode. There has to be prolonged and vigorous activity after prolonged abstinence. The symptoms are similar to UTI: burning, frequency, and urgency.

Urea is made of the waste products of protein metabolism. It is blisteringly strong, with that familiar ammonia smell. Before leaving the kidneys, it is diluted in 95 percent water to become urine. This dilution prevents the strong urea from damaging the delicate linings of the bladder and urethra. Urine is normally a pale straw yellow in color. If it is darker and smells more strongly of ammonia, there is not sufficient water in the body.

A faucet is designed to allow water to flow out in a steady stream. One of the functions of the labia is to help direct urine in a similar steady stream. If the fingers are placed on each side of the outer labia and the vulva area gently pulled upwards, urine can be passed when standing upright, as a man.