A urinary tract infection is very likely to affect a woman. According to some experts, your lifetime risk of developing one is as high as 1 in 2, with many women experiencing recurrent infections, often for years. In the course of their lives, about one in ten men might develop a UTI.
What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection of any portion of your urinary system, which includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. They develop when bacteria, often from the digestive tract, enter the urinary tract and grow there, causing infection.
Urinary tract infection symptoms may vary depending on the affected area within the urinary system. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or burning sensation during urination (dysuria)
- Frequent urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal pain or discomfort
- Pelvic pain (in women)
- Rectal pain (in men)
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills (in severe cases)
It is important to note that the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate a UTI. Other conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections, bladder stones, or interstitial cystitis, can cause similar symptoms. A healthcare professional should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis.
What are the causes of UTI?
Bacterial entry: The most frequent cause of UTIs is the entry of bacteria, primarily Escherichia coli (E. coli), into the urinary system. This can take place through the urethra, the tube that transfers urine from the bladder to outside the body. Poor personal cleanliness, sexual activity, the use of specific birth control methods, and the presence of urinary catheters are all factors that raise the chance of bacterial invasion.
Weak immune system: An individual may be more prone to UTIs if their immune system is weak, whether as a result of a medical condition or medications they are taking. In order to protect the urinary tract against bacterial infections, a strong immune system is crucial.
Urine stagnation: The stagnation of urine in the bladder or urinary system creates an ideal environment for bacterial development. Urinary stagnation and the risk of UTIs can be caused by ailments such as urinary retention, kidney stones, and structural abnormalities.
UTI history: Patients who have a clinical history of UTIs are at the risk of contracting the illness once more. Incomplete medication or treatment can be one of the reasons.
Additionally, when exposed to unhygienic clinical environments, healthy patients may contract UTI infections. You are more prone to getting UTIs if you have an illegal abortion and insert a catheter in an unhygienic way.
Treatment of UTIs
Antibiotics are frequently used in urinary tract infection treatment in order to get rid of the bacteria that is causing the illness. The choice of antibiotic depends on various factors, including the severity of the infection, the type of bacteria involved, and any underlying medical conditions. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by the healthcare provider to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria.
Also Read:- 24-Hour Urine Collection Test Purpose, Procedure, Results
In addition to antibiotics the following steps can help manage and prevent UTIs:
Increased fluid intake: Increasing fluid consumption can help lower the risk of infection by flushing bacteria out of the urinary system.
Urinate frequently: Regular bladder emptying helps keep bacteria from growing.
Follow good hygiene: Following good hygiene habits, wiping from front to back after using the toilet helps prevent the spread of bacteria from the anal region to the urethra.
Avoid irritants: Avoid using irritants such as harsh soaps, douches, and feminine hygiene sprays that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the urinary tract.
Empty the bladder before and after sexual intercourse: This helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sexual activity.
Avoid holding urine for prolonged periods: To prevent the growth of germs in the urinary tract, don't hold your urine for extended periods of time. Urinate as soon as you feel the urge.
Urinary tract infection is a treatable condition. However, it is not immune to a persistent relapse if you do not complete a full course of antibiotic treatment. Women are more likely to experience recurring UTIs. A preventive lifestyle is also necessary to lessen future risks of contracting infections.
If you repeatedly suffer UTI infection symptoms after healing, contact a doctor immediately. Your doctor may advise a urine culture test for a complete diagnosis.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
