Common Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection in Women

Introduction:

Urinary tract infection is one of the most common illnesses that increase morbidity in patients. Females are more prone to UTIs than males. Antibiotics are generally prescribed to treat the infection. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) normally respond well to the treatment. It can be uncomfortable before you start the treatment, but once proper treatment is provided, the symptoms improve well. Learn more about urinary tract infections, symptoms, treatment, and ways to prevent them.

What Is a UTI?

An urinary tract infection (UTI) is typically an infection in any part of the urinary system. It can be in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Most UTIs occur in the lower urinary tract, which involves the bladder and the urethra. This urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and later multiply in the bladder. Even though the urinary tract is designed in such a way to keep these microorganisms away, sometimes it may fail in such conditions.

What Are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?

The commonly seen symptoms of urinary tract infections are:

• Frequent and a strong urge to urinate.

• Burning sensation while urinating.

• Passing small amounts of urine frequently.

• Strong smelling urine.

• Cloudy urine.

• Pelvic pain.

What Are the Common Risk Factors of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?

• Sexual activity.

• Female anatomy.

• Birth control methods.

• Menopause.

• Certain abnormalities of the urinary tract.

• Blockage in the urinary tract.

• Weakened immune system.

• Use of catheter.

• Any recent surgical procedure.

What Are the Different Types of UTIs?

There are three various types of UTIs depending on the location, and they are:

1. Acute Pyelonephritis:

If UTIs occur in the kidneys, then it is called acute pyelonephritis. Some of the signs and symptoms of acute pyelonephritis are:

• Back pain.

• High fever.

• Chills.

• Nausea and vomiting.

2. Cystitis:

If UTIs occur in the bladder, then it is known as cystitis. The signs and symptoms of cystitis are the following:

• Frequent and painful urination.

• Blood in the urine.

• Lower abdominal pain.

• Pressure in the pelvic region.

3. Urethritis:

UTIs in the urethra are called urethritis. A common sign of urethritis is experiencing a burning sensation while urinating.

Why Are Women More Prone To UTI Than Men?

Women are at a higher risk of developing UTI than men because of the anatomical structure of the genitourinary system. Women have a short urethra, meaning a shorter distance for the infection to climb to the bladder. Also, it is located close to the anus, where the bacteria causing UTIs dwell, making them prone to infections. It is common in sexually active females due to the trauma encountered by the urethra during the act.

What Are the Risk Factors of Recurrent UTIs?

Risk factors for recurrent UTIs are things that make it more likely for someone to have multiple urinary tract infections within a short time. Knowing these risk factors helps doctors create strategies to prevent future infections. These factors are essential for classifying UTIs. They are divided into two main groups: those related to women before menopause and those related to women after menopause.

Premenopause -

Premenopausal women are at risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to various factors. These include frequent sexual intercourse, use of spermicides altering vaginal pH, recent engagement with a new sexual partner, and a history of childhood UTIs or family history of UTIs. Genetic predisposition plays a role, with some families showing a greater tendency for vaginal colonization by uropathogens, possibly due to increased expression of Escherichia coli (E. coli) receptors on vaginal epithelial cells and genetic factors related to the blood group. Polymorphisms affecting the efficiency of the innate immune system also contribute to the familial history of UTIs.

Postmenopause -

• Postmenopausal patients have similar risk factors for recurrent UTIs as premenopausal patients, such as sexual intercourse and blood group.

• A history of UTIs during premenopause increases the risk of recurrence after menopause. Vulvovaginal atrophy, which happens because of changes in estrogen levels, also raises the risk. This condition affects glycogen production and Lactobacilli colonization, both of which decrease after menopause. Lactobacilli colonization helps prevent pathogen growth by producing lactic acid, which lowers vaginal pH.

• Other factors like urinary incontinence, vaginal prolapse, and urinary catheterization can also make UTIs more complicated.

Other Factors -

Treating urinary incontinence may not always be necessary and could sometimes cause recurring UTIs. Bladder function changes as one ages, affecting how treatments are prioritized and the risks involved in interventions. These changes can be especially noticeable in people with conditions like neurogenic bladder or those who regularly use catheters.

What Are the Different Causes of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) In Women?

1. Pregnancy -

Pregnancy is an important cause. During pregnancy, women encounter hormonal and vulvar changes causing urinary reflux, urinary stasis, and increased pressure on the urinary bladder because of the increased size of the uterus.

2. Urinary Stones and Diabetes -

Urinary stones and diabetes also predispose to urinary infections. Urinary catheters inserted to drain the bladder can cause the germs to travel along the tube and infect the bladder and the kidneys.

3. Holding Urine For a Long Time -

Many women have the habit of holding their bladder for too long while traveling or outside to prevent using public toilets, fearing UTI. Holding urine by itself will cause stasis of urine, making the bacteria multiply.

4. Using Dirty Public Toilets -

Using dirty public toilets might also cause UTI, but the chances are meager as most bacteria causing UTI do not survive for longer periods on the toilet seats.

5. Improper Use Of Toilet Paper -

Using the toilet paper in the wrong direction. This causes microbes from the anal area to enter the urethra. Remember to always wipe from the front to the back.

6. Improper Hygiene -

Not emptying the bladder before and after intercourse is also a predisposing factor for UTI.

7. Wearing Tight-Fitting Clothes -

Women tend to wear tight-fitting clothes during a workout. The moisture from their sweat causes the yeast normally present in the vaginal flora to multiply in large amounts, causing an infection. Preferably choose cottonwear, which will soak away the moisture. Change into loose garments as quickly as possible after your workout.

How Are UTIs Diagnosed?

A urinary tract infection can be diagnosed by the symptoms narrated by the patient, and the doctor may recommend a few other tests to confirm the diagnosis, which include:

1. Urinalysis: This test is used to determine the urine for red blood cells, white blood cells, and bacteria. An increased number of red blood cells and white blood cells indicates an infection.

2. Urine Culture: A urine culture is performed to check the type of bacteria in the urine.

3. Ultrasound: This test helps in diagnosis by picturizing the internal organs.

4. Cystoscopy: Cystoscopy is done by using an instrument with a lens and a light source to check the inside of the bladder from the urethra.

What Are the Complications of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?

If urinary tract infections (UTIs) are left untreated, it can result in several complications such as:

• Recurrent urinary infections.

• Permanent kidney damage.

• Sepsis (a life-threatening complication).

• Increased risk of premature infants and low birth weight babies in pregnant women.

What To Do To Prevent UTI?

1. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. By doing so, the urine gets diluted, and it helps one to urinate frequently, letting the bacteria flush out from the urinary tract before an infection can occur.

2. Try to always have cranberry juice or capsules as it helps fight UTI.

3. Try emptying the bladder soon after sexual intercourse.

4. Avoid using feminine products like deodorant spray or powders in the genital area as it can potentially irritate the urethra.

5. Maintain proper genital hygiene. Try wiping from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent the spread of bacteria to the vagina and urethra.

Conclusion:

Even though urinary tract infections (UTIs) are painful, there are multiple steps to ease the discomfort caused and also to prevent the recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The best way to lessen the impact of recurring UTIs is by taking preventive measures. It is important to look at risk factors in the general population and consider them when dealing with individual patients who have recurring UTIs.