Do you frequently suffer from UTIs? Know everything about it.
A urinary tract infection or UTIs is an infection from microbes. Bacterias cause most of the UTIs, but fungi and viruses can also cause in a lesser case as well. UTIs are one of the most common infections in humans, occurs mainly in women than men because females have a shorter urethra than males.
UTI causes and risk factors
Irritation of bladder is the major cause behind UTIs. Whatever that reduces your bladder emptying or irritates the urinary tract may result in UTIs. Additionally, There are factors that can put you at a higher probability of getting a UTI. These factors include:
- Female
- Age — UTIs increases with age
- Reduced mobility after surgery or prolonged bed rest
- Previous and recurrent history of UTI
- Weak immune system
- Kidney stones
- prolonged use of urinary catheters
- an enlarged prostate in men.
- diabetes
- pregnancy
Sexual intercourse
Stress on the female urinary tract during sexual intercourse can move bacteria from around the anus to the bladder. The majority of women have bacteria in their urine after sex. On the other hand, the body can usually eliminate these bacteria within 24 hours. Spermicides, condoms, and Diaphragms can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
UTIs Symptoms
The symptoms of a UTIs can depend on age, gender and what part of the urinary tract is infected.
Common symptoms of a UTI include:
- Increased urgency of urination
- A burning feeling when you urinate
- increased frequency of urination without passing much urine
- cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
- pelvic pain in women / rectal pain in men
- Sometimes fever with chills (a sign that your infection is going upwards)
UTI symptoms in men
Symptoms of an upper tract urinary infection in men are similar to those in women. Symptoms of a lower tract urinary infection in men sometimes include additional rectal pain to the common symptoms shared by both men and women
UTIs Complications
Most UTIs are not dangerous and you get rid of it its own. But some can lead to severe problems, especially upper UTIs.
Chronic or long-term kidney infections can cause irreversible harm, and some sudden kidney infections can be life-threatening, especially if bacteria enter the bloodstream in a state known as septicemia.
UTIs Prevention
You can prevent getting UTI with the following tips:
- Empty your bladder regularly as soon as you feel the need to go; don’t rush, and be sure you’ve emptied your bladder entirely.
- Drink lots of water and urinate frequently.
- Urinate shortly after sex.
- Stay away from feminine hygiene sprays, scented douches, and scented bath products — they’ll only increase irritation and imbalance your pH balance.
- Showers are preferred over bathtubs.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to keep the area around the urethra dry.
- Wipe from front to back.
UTI can become severe. Know if you are suffering from this and take treatment on time. Many natural remedies are beneficial to treat UTIs. Do read this list.
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