Contributed by – Healthians Team
A urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to an infection in any part of your urinary system. Maximum infections occur in your lower urinary tract which consists of the bladder and the urethra. In certain cases, a UTI can spread outside the bladder i.e. in your other organs such as the kidneys which can be hazardous. However, you can avoid causes and factors related with urinary tract infections by taking the right preventive measures.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infection
UTIs are mostly caused by bacteria that enter and then multiply in your bladder. Females are at a much higher risk as far as UTI is concerned. Defence mechanisms are present in your urinary tract to keep the harmful bacteria out but they might not always succeed in that.
There are two most common forms of UTI which are categorized by the area that they affect in your body. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder which is generally caused by the E. Coli bacteria. This is a common bacteria found in your gastrointestinal tract. Other harmful bacteria and sexual activity can also cause cystitis. Females are always at a higher risk of UTI due to the short distance between the bladder, anus and urethra which makes it easier for the bacteria to enter their urinary tract. Urethritis is the infection of the urethra caused by the bacteria which spread from your anus to the urethra. It can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in women.
Apart from bacteria, several other factors can also cause UTI in your body. In females, spermicides and birth control measures such as diaphragms increase the risk of UTIs. Sexual activities can also cause UTI in females especially if you have a new sexual partner. You might suffer from a UTI post-menopause due to the presence of less estrogen in your urinary tract.
General factors include problems in your urinary tract such as blockages, kidney stones, enlarged prostate and various congenital conditions. The catheter might lead to UTIs if you need help in urinating. Your weak immune system which has a limited ability to restrict microbes can also cause infections in the urinary tract.
Signs of different types of UTIs include burning sensation or pain while you urinate. Another factor is that if you pee too often or too little and in small amounts with cloudy, red or pink urine which signals the presence of blood in your urine. Smelly urine with pelvic pain in females in another symptom of a UTI.
Lack of treatment can lead to serious complications such as permanent kidney damage, problems in pregnancy for women with recurring infections. You might experience narrowing of the urethra. Sepsis can happen which can cause death if it reaches the kidneys. It is a complication of infection.
Treatment and Prevention
A doctor might conduct a series of tests to analyze your UTI and prescribe medications such as antibiotics. You would be given a painkiller in case of pain. If your condition gets serious then your doctor might recommend intravenous antibiotics in the hospital.
Drink lots of water and urinate soon after the intercourse. This aids flush out bacteria that flourish during intercourse in your body. Avoid irritating feminine products and change birth control measures to prevent UTIs. You must always wipe your private parts after urination or a bowel movement from front to back. This will restrict bacteria in the anus from making their way to the urethra. Avoid coffee, alcohol, sodas and citrus juices as they can irritate your bladder causing an infection.
