Urinary tract infection is a common infection that will affect your urinary system. If you ever experienced frequent or painful urination, you may get a urinary tract infection (UTI). In brief, you will find out these in this article :
- What are the symptoms of a UTI?
- How do you get a urinary tract infection?
- What is the treatment for UTI?
- How to prevent urinary tract infections?
What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?
To begin with, urinary tract infection is often caused by bacteria getting into the. So, it will affect the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (kidney infection). Here are the symptoms that a patient may experience:
- Frequent urination like needing to pee more frequently or more suddenly
- Painful urination like burning, discomfort (Dysuria)
- Moreover, Cloudy or bloody (red, bright pink or cola-colored) urine with a foul-smelling
- Back pain, lower abdominal pain, or pelvic pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea or vomiting
What causes urinary tract infections?
According to the research, females have a higher risk of urinary tract infection due to their shorter urethras. Therefore, the urethras are closer to the rectum which caused the bacteria can go through the urinary tract easier.
Below are the factors that will cause urinary tract infections:
- Pregnancy
- Active sexual activity
- Menopause or use spermicides cause bacterial changes in the vagina, or vaginal flora
- History of UTIs
- Urinary tract obstructions like kidney stones
- The urine does not fully leave the body
- Not enough fluid intake
- Poor vaginal hygiene
- A weak immune system
What is the best cure for urinary tract infections?
Since the infection is caused by bacteria so most of the patients will be treated with a short course of antibiotics. Also, the painkillers like paracetamol can help to relieve the pain and high temperature.
The symptoms will disappear in 3-5 days after you get the treatment. During the recovery time, apart from taking all the antibiotics, you should drink more water too.
How to prevent UTIs?
- Use non-spermicidal birth control products
- After sex, pee and wash the skin of the genital area with water ASAP
- Try to fully empty your bladder
- Drink enough water
- Also, research shows that intake of cranberry products can lower the rates of UTI
- Maintain the hygiene of the genital area after urinating and defecating
- Furthermore, wear loose and cotton-made underwear
Source: NHS, CDC, Urinary tract infections in adults, Cranberries and lower urinary tract infection prevention
