Bacteria (germs) that enter the bladder, which is part of the urinary tract, are the most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are also known as bladder infections. UTIs are common, particularly in women. More than half of all women will experience at least one UTI during their lifetime. UTIs are serious and frequently painful. However, most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics.
UTIs can occur at any point in the urinary system (which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are most common in the bladder. Cystitis is the medical term for a urinary tract infection in the bladder. Infections in the bladder have the potential to spread to the upper urinary tract or the kidneys. A kidney UTI is referred to as pyelonephritis or “pyelo.”
Women have more risk of UTI than men
UTIs affect women up to 30 times more frequently than men. Furthermore, up to four out of every ten women who get a UTI will get at least one more within six months.
Because a woman’s urethra (the tube from the bladder to where the urine exits the body) is shorter than a man’s, she is more likely to develop UTIs. This facilitates the entry of bacteria into the bladder. A woman’s urethral opening is also closer to both the vagina and the anus, which are the main sources of germs that cause UTIs, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Reason for high risk in women
If you do any of the following, you may be more likely to develop a UTI:
- Have a sexual appetite. Sexual activity can transfer germs that cause UTIs from other areas to the urethra, such as the vagina.
- Use a diaphragm for birth control or spermicides (creams that kill sperm) in conjunction with a diaphragm or condoms. Spermicides have the potential to kill beneficial bacteria that protect you from UTIs.
- Are expecting a child. Pregnancy hormones can alter the bacteria in the urinary tract, increasing the likelihood of UTIs. Furthermore, because the uterus (womb) with the developing baby sits on top of the bladder during pregnancy, many pregnant women have difficulty completely emptying the bladder. A UTI can be caused by bacteria in leftover urine.
- Going through menopause. The loss of the hormone oestrogen after menopause causes vaginal tissue to thin and dry. This can facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria, resulting in a UTI.
- Have diabetes, which can impair your immune system and cause nerve damage, making it difficult to completely empty your bladder.
- Have any condition, such as a kidney stone, that could cause a blockage in the flow of urine between your kidneys and bladder?
- Have a catheter in place or have recently had one placed. A catheter is a thin tube that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. Catheters are used to drain urine when you are unable to pass it on your own, such as during surgery.
Symptoms of UTI
If you have a UTI, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms: 6,7
- When urinating, you may experience pain or a burning sensation.
- Urge to urinate frequently, but not much comes out when you do.
- Your lower abdomen is under pressure.
- Urine that has a bad odour or appears milky or cloudy
- There is blood in the urine. Younger women are more prone to this. If you notice blood in your urine, notify a doctor or nurse immediately.
- Tired, shaky, perplexed, or weak. This is more prevalent in older women.
- Having a fever, which could indicate that the infection has spread to your kidneys
Causes of UTI
UTIs are caused by bacteria or, in rare cases, yeast entering your urinary tract. They multiply once inside, causing inflammation (swelling) and pain. Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom can help prevent UTIs. Learn about additional ways to help prevent UTIs.
Diagnosis and treatment of UTI
Your doctor or nurse will test a clean sample of your urine to determine whether you have a UTI. This means you’ll need to start by wiping your genital area with a special wipe. The urine will then be collected in a cup in midstream. Your doctor or nurse will then test your urine for bacteria to determine whether you have a UTI, which can take several days.
If you’ve previously had a UTI, your doctor may order additional tests to rule out other issues. These tests may include the following:
- A cystogram is performed. This is a type of x-ray that looks at your urinary tract. These x-rays can reveal any issues, such as swelling or kidney stones.
- A cystoscopic examination is performed. The cystoscope is a small tube that the doctor inserts into the urethra to check for any problems with the urethra and bladder.
UTIs are treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. You may feel better in one or two days. Even if you feel better after a day or two, make sure you finish all of the antibiotics as prescribed.
A UTI is unlikely to harm your urinary tract if treated promptly. However, if your UTI is not treated, the infection can spread to your kidneys and other organs. Fever and pain in the back, where the kidneys are located, are the most common symptoms of kidney infection. Antibiotics can be used to treat kidney infections as well.
The infection can sometimes enter the bloodstream. This is extremely rare but potentially fatal.
UTI during pregnancy
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy increase your chances of getting a UTI. UTIs are more likely to spread to the kidneys during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and have symptoms of a UTI, see your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic that is safe to take while pregnant.
If left untreated, UTIs can lead to kidney infections and pregnancy complications such as:
- Premature childbirth (birth of the baby before 39 to 40 weeks)
- Low birth weight (birth weight less than 5 1/2 pounds)
- High blood pressure, which can progress to the more serious condition known as preeclampsia.
Prevent UTI
You can take precautions to avoid a UTI. However, even if you follow these steps, you may still develop a UTI.
- Urinate only when necessary. Don’t go more than three or four hours without urinating. The longer urine remains in the bladder, the more opportunity bacteria have to grow.
- Urinate both before and after sex.
- Always wipe from the front to the back.
- Drink six to eight glasses of water per day.
- Every day, clean the anus and the outer lips of your genitals.
- Do not dunk or use feminine hygiene products.
- If you have a lot of UTIs and use spermicide creams, talk to your doctor or nurse about switching to a different form of birth control.
- Wear cotton crotch underpants. Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants that trap moisture, and change out of wet bathing suits and workout clothes as soon as possible.
- Shower instead of bathing, and keep baths to 30 minutes or less.
Recurrent UTIs occur in women who have two UTIs in six months or three UTIs in a year. Your doctor or nurse may order tests to determine the cause. If the results of the tests are normal, you may need to take a small dose of antibiotics every day to avoid infection. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to be taken after sex or at the first sign of infection.
UT friendly diet
Consumption of pure cranberry juice, cranberry extracts, or cranberry supplements reduced the risk of recurring UTIs. However, the benefit of drinking cranberry juice for a UTI is minimal. Water is by far the best beverage option for someone suffering from a UTI. While you have an infection, drinking at least 12 8-ounce cups of water per day will help flush the bacteria from your system and can speed up the healing process.
To recover from a UTI as quickly as possible, you may want to try the following foods:
- Berries. Although their effectiveness is still being studied, it is believed that eating cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries can help fight off a UTI. They contain proanthocyanidin, which has been shown to inhibit the adhesion of infection-causing bacteria to the urinary tract lining.
- Foods high in probiotics. Incorporate foods like plain Greek yoghurt, pickles, and sauerkraut into your diet because they contain good bacteria that can aid in the fight against an infection.
- Foods high in fibre. Fiber-rich foods, such as bananas, beans, lentils, nuts, oats, and other whole grains, can aid in the removal of harmful bacteria from your body. They also promote regular bowel movements, which can alleviate some bladder pressure.
- Salmon. Cold-water fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation caused by a urinary tract infection. Fish oil supplements are another great option for people who don’t eat fish; however, before adding any supplements to your diet, always consult your doctor.
Final words
A UTI can be unpleasant before treatment begins, but once your healthcare provider determines the type of bacteria and prescribes the appropriate antibiotic medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. It is critical to take your medication for the entire time period prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms aren’t improving, your doctor may order a test to see if you have an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more difficult infections to treat and may necessitate intravenous antibiotics (via an IV) or alternative therapies.
