Everyone gets urinary tract infections from time to time, but some people have them more often than others. UTI Dyer, an online resource that helps patients understand and deal with the infection, notes that women get UTIs three times more often than men, and 50% of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. Also, if you’re pregnant, you’re five times more likely to get a UTI than non-pregnant women of the same age.
Symptoms:
The most common symptoms of a UTI include a burning sensation when urinating, frequent trips to the bathroom, an increase in urine frequency and urgency, and blood in the urine. Other symptoms that may be present are pain or pressure in the lower back or side (flank), fever, nausea, vomiting, chills and clammy skin. Some people with UTIs also experience pelvic pain while others have no symptoms at all. If you have any of these symptoms it is important to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible because UTIs can lead to kidney infections if left untreated.
Causes And Risk Factors:
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria entering the urethra and multiplying in the bladder. They can be brought on by sexual intercourse, a long period without urinating, a urinary catheter, or an underlying medical condition such as diabetes. Women are more susceptible to UTIs because they have shorter urethras than men and are more likely to have bladder stones or constipation. Risk factors for UTIs include being over age 65, drinking too much alcohol or caffeinated beverages, or taking certain medications that cause urine retention.
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Diagnosis:
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, can be caused by bacteria in the urinary tract system and can result in symptoms that range from mild to severe. In cases where UTI is left untreated, the infection may spread and cause serious complications. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to contact a doctor as soon as possible. The following is a list of some of the common symptoms of UTIs:
-burning sensation when urinating -frequent urination -cloudy urine -blood in the urine
Treatment:
- Drink plenty of fluids- even when not thirsty. This is the best way to keep urine diluted and help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol, which can irritate the bladder and aggravate symptoms of a UTI.
- Take care of your sexual health by practicing safe sex and avoiding products that contain spermicides. Protect yourself from STDs by getting tested regularly, being in a mutually monogamous relationship, and using condoms during intercourse if you are not already in one.
Prevention:
A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and causes an infection. The most common symptom is a strong urge to urinate but there are other symptoms as well such as pain, blood in urine, fever, nausea, etc. If you have these symptoms then it’s important to get checked out with your doctor.
The best way to prevent UTIs is by drinking lots of water and making sure you pee after sex. And if you do find yourself getting a UTI then drink cranberry juice or use cranberry tablets for relief.
