Introduction:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria in your urinary tract, usually from the skin or rectum, entering the urethra and migrating into the bladder. An infection can happen to men and women of all ages, but it is more common in women than in men. They can be dangerous if left untreated, especially for pregnant women, young children, and people with weakened immune systems. So what causes them? How do you detect if you have UTI? And when should you seek medical attention? Read on for everything you need to know about this condition.
What Are the Symptoms of UTI?
The most frequent sign of urinary tract infection is pain or burning when urinating. Other symptoms include:
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Cloudy or foul-smelling urine (sometimes blood in it).
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Chills.
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Nausea or vomiting.
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Increased urination (especially at night).
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Urgent need to urinate.
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Aching or heaviness in your lower back and abdomen.
What Causes Urinary Tract Infection?
Two types of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections are Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Klebsiella pneumonia. Each type lives in the intestines or urethra of healthy adults without causing any symptoms or illness. When these bacteria spread beyond the gut, they cause an infection in the parts of your body where they end up - like your bladder and kidneys, leading to symptoms like pain when peeing or burning pain around your genitals when having sex.
These bacteria do not live outside our bodies very long; as soon as we wipe ourselves after using the bathroom, most of them will be washed away by water alone. So while it is true that toilet seats may harbor traces from previous users' urine or feces, this does not mean that those germs can infect someone else unless another person comes into direct contact with them.
UTIs can also be caused by bacteria in the urinary tract that has spread from somewhere else; this is called ascending infection. In ascending infections, the bacteria may come from another part of your body that is infected, like an infected appendix or cystitis (infection of the bladder), or pyelonephritis (infection of the kidney). Infections in the urethra are called urethritis. If you do not treat it quickly, this type of infection can lead to serious health problems such as kidney damage or sepsis.
How Does Sex Cause UTI?
Sex is not a risk factor for urinary tract infections. When you have an infection in your urinary tract, bacteria can travel up the urethra and cause an infection in the bladder through the thrust created by sex. Also, urinary tract infections can occur when you have sex with someone who has bacteria on their genitals.
Who Is at Most Risk?
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Women are more prone to UTIs than men because of the female anatomy (shorter urethra).
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Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, can make UTIs more complicated because of changes that occur to your body. These urinary tract infections are more common during pregnancy because the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder and urethra.
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Women who have had UTI previously or individuals with medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease can cause recurrent or chronic urinary tract infections.
How Are UTIs Diagnosed?
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Your doctor will conduct a physical examination to locate the source of your symptoms.
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Besides asking about your medical history, they may also perform tests on your urine and blood samples.
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Blood tests can determine if bacteria are present in the body and whether there is an infection.
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Urine tests - A sample from your urine can be tested for traces of white blood cells called leukocytes as well as for nitrites.
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Cystogram and cystoscopy exams are also conducted to diagnose urinary tract infections.
How Are Urinary Tract Infections Treated?
Urinary tract infections are treated depending on the severity of your symptoms, how long you had the infection, whether or not you have other health problems, and so on.
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Antibiotics: The most common treatment for a UTI is antibiotics. Depending on your symptoms, this can be taken orally or intravenously. Antibiotics will stop the growth of bacteria and help prevent the further spread of infection. Most people will get relief from their symptoms within two or three days after starting antibiotics.
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Drainage of the Bladder: Sometimes, the doctor will drain fluid from your bladder using catheter drainage if you have an enlarged kidney. This helps relieve pain and pressure while also providing relief by reducing urine output until it returns to normal levels again.
How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections?
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To prevent and treat UTIs, drinking a lot of water is essential. Drinking eight glasses (about 2 liters) of water each day flushes bacteria out of your system and keeps your urine at the right PH level, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to grow.
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You need to drink water before and after sex and even if you do not feel thirsty- to help flush any bacteria out of the urethra.
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Doctors also recommend urinating before and after sex to flush out any bacteria out of the urethra.
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Washing your hands and genitals with soap and water after using the toilet and after sexual contact can help keep bacteria from spreading from one part of your body to another.
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If you have recurrent UTIs or other urinary tract problems, see your doctor for advice about further prevention steps.
Conclusion:
Urinary tract infections can be treated quite easily with medications. The best way to prevent UTIs is to drink plenty of water and avoid holding in your urine. That said, sometimes, you might still get a UTI even if you do everything right. If you think you have a UTI, make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare provider to get treatment early.
