Causes of Urinary Tract Infection and Measures for its Prevention

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Some other risk factors for UTIs include: babies born with problems with their urinary tracts may have trouble urinating. Urine can back up in the urethra, which can cause UTIs; kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder. As a result, risk of UTIs is higher; diabetes and other diseases can impair the immune system — the body's defense against germs.

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a kind of infection which may occur in any part of the urinary system. Now for the unversed, the urinary system comprises of the kidneys, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder and urethra. Infections mostly occur in the lower urinary tract, in the bladder and the urethra.

According to medical research, women possess a greater risk to be infected by a UTI as compared to a man. Infections are more painful and annoying when they are limited only to the bladder. When a UTI spreads to the kidneys, it may result in serious health problems.

Healthcare Professionals often make use of antibiotics to treat UTIs. But, why should you get a UTI in the first place when there are measures that you can take to avoid it?

Unlike other diseases or infections, UTIs mostly do not show any symptoms. However, in the scenario when they do show symptoms, they may include: a strong urge to urinate that doesn't go away; a burning feeling when urinating; urinating often, and passing small amounts of urine; urine that looks cloudy; urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — signs of blood in the urine; strong-smelling urine; and pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone.

It often happens that UTIs are overlooked or mistaken as other conditions in older adults.

When it comes to the types of UTIs, it is divided according to the body part, which it is infecting. Likewise, the symptoms for the UTIs are different according to the body part that it is infecting. When it comes to the kidneys, the symptoms that may be present are back or side pain, shaking or chills, high fever, nausea, and vomiting. When the bladder is infected, the symptoms that may be noticed are pelvic pressure, lower belly discomfort, frequent, painful irritation, and blood in urine. When the urethra is infected, the symptoms might be burning with irritation and discharge.

It is advisable to visit a heath care professional when any symptoms are seen.

What causes UTI?

When bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to spread in the bladder, UTIs occur. The urinary system is designed to keep out bacteria. But, when the defenses fail, 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 usually happen because of the bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. But sometimes other bacteria are the cause.

Having sex is another possible way that can lead to a bladder infection. However, you don't have to be sexually active to develop one. A woman's anatomy puts her at a risk of having UTI. In women, the urethra is close to the anus. And the urethral opening is close to the bladder. This makes it easier for bacteria around the anus to enter the urethra and to travel to the bladder.

Infection of the urethra can happen when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. An infection of the urethra can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections. They include herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma. This can happen because women's urethras are close to the vagina.

What are the risk factors of a UTI?

UTIs are common in women. Many women experience more than one UTI during their lifetimes.

Risk factors for UTIs that are specific to women include:

Since women have a shorter urethra than men do, there's less distance for bacteria to travel to reach the bladder. Sexual activity also leads a door open for more UTIs. Having a new sexual partner also increases risk. Certain types of birth control also put women at risk of UTI. Using diaphragms for birth control may increase the risk of UTIs. Using spermicidal agents also can increase risk. Menopause is another way that can increase the risk of UTI as after menopause, a decline in circulating estrogen causes changes in the urinary tract, which eventually increases the risk of UTIs.

Some other risk factors for UTIs include: babies born with problems with their urinary tracts may have trouble urinating. Urine can back up in the urethra, which can cause UTIs; kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder. As a result, risk of UTIs is higher; diabetes and other diseases can impair the immune system — the body's defense against germs. This can increase the risk of UTIs.

Even catheters put one at a risk of UTI. People who can't urinate on their own often must use a tube, called a catheter, to urinate. Catheters may be used by people who are in the hospital. They may also be used by people who have neurological problems that make it difficult to control urination or who are paralyzed. A new urinary procedure possesses risk of UTI. This urinary surgery or an exam of your urinary tract that involves medical instruments can both increase the risk of developing a UTI.

Complications that arise as a result of UTI

Lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications, if they are treated promptly and properly.But left untreated, UTIs can cause serious health problems.

Complications of a UTI may include:

Repeated infections mean when you have two or more UTIs within six months or three or more within a year. Women are especially prone to having repeated infections. Permanent kidney damage from a kidney infection due to an untreated UTI is possible. Delivering a low birth weight or premature infant is more possible when a UTI occurs during pregnancy. A narrowed urethra in men from having repeated infections of the urethra, or Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection is also probable. This is a risk especially if the infection travels up the urinary tract to the kidneys.

Why to get a UTI in the first place, when there are prevention measures?

These steps may help lower the risk of UTIs: Drinking plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking water helps dilute the urine. That leads to urinating more often — allowing bacteria to be flushed out from the urinary tract before an infection can begin. Cranberry juice is another good option. However, it is to be noted that research that look into whether cranberry juice prevents UTIs aren't final. However, drinking cranberry juice is likely not harmful. Wipe from front to back. Do this after urinating and after a bowel movement. It helps prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra. Empty your bladder soon after having sex. Also drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria. Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using them in the genital area can irritate the urethra. These products include deodorant sprays, douches and powders.Change your birth control method. Diaphragms, unlubricated condoms or condoms treated with spermicide can contribute to bacterial growth.

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