Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most frequent bacterial infections in females. It is an infection of the urinary tract which includes the ureters, urethra, kidneys, and urinary bladder. Around 50-60% of females might develop UTIs in their life-span and around 20-30% of women suffer from intermittent urinary tract infections, as reported.
One of the crucial reasons for UTIs is bacterial growth in the urinary region which leads to an infection. Several reasons can put you at the threat of UTI which includespoor vaginal hygiene, holding of urine for long durations or hormonal problems such as diabetes etc.Burning sensation during urination, rise in body temperature, frequent or intensive urge to urinate even though nothing seems to come out and ache or pressure in the lower tummy (abdomen) are some of the common signs and symptoms. One should consult agynaecologist if the symptoms fail to better up in a day or two with just home remedies.
Urinary tract infections generally do not beget any signs and symptoms in its beforehand course. However, there are some symptoms which every woman needs to be mindful and book an appointment with a gynaecologist if the symptoms fail to get better in a day or two with just the home treatment. Each kind of UTI may affect in more-specific signs and symptoms depending upon which part of your urinary tract is infected, which are:
- Urethra
- Bladder
- Kidneys
Common signs and symptoms of UTI
- A strong urge to urinate
- Strong-smelling urine
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Feeling of not able to clear your bladder fully
- An anticipated urge to urinate
- Painful feeling when you urinate
- Experiencing lower abdominal pain
- Experiencing a burning sensation while passing urine
- Appearance of cloudy urine
Causes of UTI
- Following poor vaginal hygiene, especially during menstrual cycle
- Holding urine for long hours
- Suffering from conditions such as dehydration, diabetes etc
- Experiencing regular constipation
- Not taking care of proper hygiene practices post sexual intercourse
Threats of UTI
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in females than in males. This could be imputed to the reality that women have shorter urethras than men. The conciseness of the urethra with its closeness to the anus makes it easy for bacteria to arise in the urinary tract. Other factors that can up the threat of UTI include:
- Actuatein bacterial growth due to changes in vaginal pH
- Reduction in estrogen secretion which alters vaginal pH due to Menopause
- Development of asymptomatic bacteriuria due to diabetes
- Frequent sexual activity newmates
- Use of birth control for contraception which may irritate the vagina and facilitate the entry and colonization of bacteria
Apart from these common factors there are few unlikethreats for UTIs in women, these are:
- Urinary tract abnormalities
- Poor immunity
- Blockages in the urinary tract due to kidney stonesetc
- Using of a catheter
- Recent surgery of the urinary tract
Prevention of UTI
Mostly UTIs are caused by bacteria that are formerly in the bladder, so flushing or washing them out is most important to prevent an infection. Here are ways to prevent recurring UTI:
1. Drink enough fluids
One of the easiest and efficient ways to prevent UTI is by staying well hydrated. Fluid helps dilute the urine so that bacteria cannot grow. Make sure you drink at least 2-3litres of fluids every day.
2. Do not hold the urine
Longer the urine stays in the bladder, higher are the chances of bacteriagrowing since stagnant fluid is an apt environment for an infection to unfold. Do not get into the habit of holding the urine for long otherwise it will make you prone to infection.
3. Practice good vaginal and toilet hygiene
Make sure to wipe from front to back to keep from pushing bacteria nearer to your urethra after you are done peeing.
4. Make sure you empty your bladder after an intercourse
Sexual intercourse can move bacteria from the vagina into the urethra, thereby adding the threat of infection. Urinating after sex flushes out any bacteria that could have entered the bladder during this period.
5. Choose contraceptives carefully
It is best to avoid spermicides if you are prone to UTI. Spermicides not only introduce bacteria into your vagina but it also changesthe pH of the vagina, which can provide an ideal environment for the breeding up of bacteria.
6. Use female hygiene products cautiously
Avoid bubble baths, scentedproducts, and bath oils around genital area if you get UTI too often. Sometimes doctors suggest switching to sanitary pads from tampons since the latter may give bacteria the room to enter the body by irking the urethra.
7. Changing out from workout clothes snappily
It is best to change out of your workout clothes as soon as you are done, if you are prone to UTI. Excessive sweat can increase risk of bacterial multiplication thereby leading to UTI.
8. Avoid tight fitted clothes
Avoiding tight fitted clothes could help you keep dry, averting bacteria from multiplying in the urinary tract. Wearing of cotton underwear will prevent extra moisture from getting trapped around the urethra.
