Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, that is, the bladder and the urethra.
Women are at a greater risk of developing UTI than men. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if UTI spreads to your kidneys. Doctors typically treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics But you can take steps to reduce your chances of getting a UTI in the first place.
Urinary tract infections don’t always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do they may include:
A strong, persistent urge to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, passing frequent small amounts of urine, urine that appears reddish, bright pink or cola- colored— a sign of blood in the urine, pelvic pain, in women especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone. UTIs may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions in older adults.
It occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, these defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full- blown infection in the urinary tract.
The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra. Infection of the bladder (cystitis). This type of UTI is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
However, sometimes other bacteria are responsible. Intimacy may lead to cystitis, but you don’t have to be intimately active to develop it. All women are at risk of cystitis because of their anatomy specifically, the short distance from the urethra to the anus and the urethral opening to the bladder.
Infection of the urethra (urethritis).
This type of UTI can occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Also, because the female urethra is close to the vagina, STIs; such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma, can cause urethritis.
Prevention
You can take these steps to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections:
Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently— allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin. Drink cranberry juice. Although studies are not conclusive that cranberry juice prevents UTIs, it is likely not harmful. Wipe from front to back.
Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra. Empty your bladder soon after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria. Avoid potentially irritating feminine products.
Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra. Change your birth control method. Diaphragms, or unlubricated or spermicide- treated condoms, can all contribute to bacterial growth.
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