A urinary tract infection is an infection from microbes. These are organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria but some are caused by fungi and in rare cases viruses. They are among the most common infections in humans. UTIs can happen anywhere in your urinary tract either on your kidney, bladder or urethra. If you are a woman your chance of getting UTI is high with many women having repeat infections.
WHAT CAUSES UTIs.
UTIs are a key reason we are told to wipe from front to back, and not from back to front after passing stool or urine in the washroom .that is because the urethra[ tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body] is located close to the anus. Bacteria from the large intestines such as E. coli, are in perfect position to escape the anus and invade the urethra. From there they can travel up to the bladder. And if the infection isn’t treated it will continue on to infect the kidneys. Women are prone to UTI because they have shorter urethras, which allows bacteria quick access to the bladder. Having sex can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract too.
TYPES OF UTIs
BLADDER INFECTION. This is the most common type of UTI.
INFECRION IN THE URETHRA. Urethritis occurs when an infection affects the urethra, the tube that delivers urine from your bladder to the outside of the body. Urethritis can be caused by a UTI or an STI.
KIDNEY INFECTION. This occurs when bacteria from the bladder make their ways into the kidneys. This is a more serious infection and can cause high fever, chills, back pain and vomiting.
PEOPLE WHO ARE AT HIGH RISK OF DEVELOPING UTI.
- Pregnant women.
- People with diabetes.
- Individuals with kidney problems such as kidney stones or blockages.
- Elderly individuals.
- Men with enlarged prostates
- People with urinary retention or indwelling catheters.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A UTI IN YOUR BODY.
- Burning feeling when you urinate.
- Frequent or intense urge to urinate, even though little comes out when you do.
- Pain or pressure on your back or lower abdomen.
- Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange smelling urine.
- Feeling tired or shaky
- Fever or chills [a sign the infection may have reached your kidneys].
If you suspect you have a UTI, head to the doctor. You will be asked to give urine sample. Which will be tested for the presence of UTI causing bacteria.
HOW TO PREVENNT UTI RE-INFECTION.
- Empty your bladder frequently as soon as you feel the need to go, don’t rush, and be sure you have emptied your bladder completely.
- Wipe yourself from front to back not from back to front.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Choose showers over baths.
- Stay away from feminine hygiene sprays, scented douches, and scented bath products, they only increase irritation.
- Cleanse your genital area before and after sex.
- Urinate after sex to flush out any bacteria that may have entered your urethra.
- If you use diaphragm, unlubricated condoms, or spermicidal jelly for birth control, consider switching to other methods. Diaphragms increase bacteria growth, while unlubricated condoms and spermicides can cause irritation or can bring about UTI infections.
- Keep your genital area dry by wearing cotton panties and loose-fitting clothes. Avoid tight jeans and nylon underwear as they can trap moisture creating the perfect environment for bacteria growth.
UTI TREATMENT OPTIONS
If you have 3 or more UTIs a year ask your doctor to recommend a special treatment plan
- Taking low dose of an antibiotic over a longer period to help prevent repeat infections
- Taking a single dose of an antibiotic after sex, which is a common infection trigger.
- Taking antibiotics for 1 or 2 days every time symptoms appear.
- Using an at home test kit when symptoms start.
Though women are usually the ones plagued with UTI symptoms, men can develop urinary tract infections too. And the older a man is the greater his risk of having a UTI. And besides age there are additional factors that put you at greater risk of getting UTIs this include. An enlarged prostate gland, kidney stones, diabetes, bladder catheter infection and any health condition that affects the immune system.
