What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) ?
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in any part of your urinary system. A UTI can involve any part of your urinary system, including the urethra, ureters, bladder and kidneys. Antibiotics can be used for most of the UTI’s to treat.
Symptoms:
Pressure in the lower pelvis
Frequent urge to urinate (frequency)
Pain in the flank region of the abdomen or pelvic area.
Abnormal urine color (cloudy urine) and strong or foul-smelling urine.
Pain during sex.
Penis pain.
Fatigue.
Fever (temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit) and chills.
Vomiting.
Blood in urine.
Types Of UTI’s:
Cystitis(bladder): You might feel like you need to pee a lot, or it might hurt when you pee. You might also have lower belly pain and cloudy or bloody urine.
Pyelonephritis(kidneys): This can cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in your upper back or side.
Urethritis(urethra): This can cause a discharge and burning when you pee.
Causes:
UTIs are a key reason why doctors tell women to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. The urethra -- the tube that takes pee from the bladder to the outside of the body is close to the anus. Bacteria from the large intestine, such as E. coli, can sometimes get out of your anus and into your urethra. From there, they can travel up to your bladder and, if the infection isn't treated, can continue on to infect your kidneys. Women have shorter urethras than men. That makes it easier for bacteria to get to their bladders. Having sex can introduce bacteria into your urinary tract, too.
Some women are more likely to get UTIs because of their genes. The shape of their urinary tracts makes others more likely to be infected. Women with diabetes may be at higher risk because their weakened immune systems make them less able to fight off infections. Other conditions that can boost your risk include hormone changes, multiple sclerosis, and anything that affects urine flow, such as kidney stones, a stroke, and a spinal cord injury.
Treatment:
Antibiotics are the most widely used medicines to kill the bacteria and infection.
Antibiotics are the primary treatment used in Urinary Tract Infection.
It's important to take medicine as per doctor’s prescription.
Should not stop antibiotic course because you don't have any symptoms and you start feeling better.
If the infection is not treated with full course of antibiotics, infection can return.
Patients without any history of urinary tract infection may be given antibiotics to take everyday, every alternate day or after sexual intercourse to prevent the infection.
Patients with a previous history of urinary tract infection may be given antibiotics that should be taken on first onset of symptoms.
Prevention:
Practicing good hygiene: You can often prevent UTIs by practicing good personal hygiene. This is especially important for women. As the urethra in women is much shorter than it is in men, it’s easier for E. coli bacteria to move from the rectum back into the body. To avoid this, it’s recommended that you always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. Women should also use good hygiene practices during their menstrual cycle to avoid infections. Changing pads and tampons frequently, as well as not using feminine deodorants can also help prevent UTIs.
Drinking plenty of fluids: Adding extra fluids, especially water, to your daily routine can help remove extra bacteria from your urinary tract. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day is recommended.
Changing your urination habits: Urination can play a big role in getting rid of bacteria from the body. Your urine is a waste product and each time you empty your bladder, you’re removing that waste from your body. Urinating frequently can reduce your risk of developing an infection, especially if you have a history of frequent UTIs. Drinking plenty of fluids will encourage this, but make sure to avoid fluids and foods that could irritate your bladder. These can include alcohol, citrus juices, caffeinated drinks and spicy foods. You should also try to urinate immediately before and after sex. This could help flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse. You can also wash the genital area with warm water before having sex. Don’t douche. This practice isn’t recommended by healthcare providers.
Changing your birth control: Some women have an increased risk of developing a UTI if they use a diaphragm for birth control. Talk to your healthcare provider about other options for birth control.
Using a water-based lubricant during sex: If you experience vaginal dryness and use a lubricant during sex, use one that is water-based. You may also need to avoid spermicide if you have frequent UTIs.
Changing your clothing: Avoiding tight-fitting clothing can actually help keep you dry, preventing bacteria from growing in the urinary tract. You can also switch to cotton underwear. This will prevent extra moisture from getting trapped around your urethra.
In some post-menopausal women, a healthcare provider may suggest an estrogen-containing vaginal cream. This may reduce the risk of developing a UTI by changing the pH of the vagina
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