What
is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI), also called cystitis, is an infection
that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause tissue
damage in the urethra, bladder, and/or kidneys. UTIs are not necessarily
sexually transmitted, but the chance of developing a UTI increases
dramatically if you are sexually active because of the transfer
of bacteria during sex between the vagina, rectum, and urethra.
Is
it common?
UTIs are so common that most women and some men acquire at least
one UTI in their lives. In fact, an estimated 50% to 80% of women
develop UTIs sometime during their lifetime and from 20% to 50%
of women will have recurrent UTIs. Both women and men can develop
a UTI; however, women are more prone to develop the infection because
of their anatomy. The distance between the bladder and the urethral
opening is relatively short in women, and this opening is in close
proximity to the vagina and rectum. This makes it easy for bacteria
to move from one place to another. In men, the urethral tube is
longer and its opening is further removed from the rectum, thus
resulting in a lower frequency of UTIs.
What
causes UTIs?
UTIs are cause by bacteria such as E. coli that travel into the
urethra, bladder, and sometimes the kidneys. Other STIs such as
trichomoniasis
and chlamydia
can cause UTIs. Experiencing stress, having a weak immune system,
eating a poor diet and damaging the urethra in childbirth or surgery
can predispose you to getting UTIs. And UTIs often occur after having
sex with a new partner (called "honeymoon cystitis") or
after having sex with your partner for the first time in a while.
What
are the symptoms?
If you have any of these symptoms, see your medical provider. UTI
symptoms for both men and women include:
Pain
and intense burning during urination
Feeling
like you need to urinate every few minutes
Needing
to urinate with very little fluid coming out
Presence
of blood in your urine
Strong
odor the first time you urinate in the morning
In
advanced infections, there may be fever, vomiting and pain in
the mid- to lower back as the infection reaches the kidneys. This
is serious and needs immediate medical attention.
How
is it diagnosed?
A medical provider will perform a urinalysis to diagnose a UTI.
How
is it treated?
Once a medical provider has confirmed that you have a UTI, s/he
will prescribe a medication to relieve the symptoms and will prescribe
an antibiotic to treat the infection itself. Although there are
also some effective herbal cures, discuss these with your provider.
Sometimes symptoms go away even though the infection may be spreading
to the kidneys. Sharp pain in the lower back may be a sign of kidney
infection.
Is
there a way to prevent UTIs?
Prevention strategies are particularly important. Follow the suggestions
below to minimize the risk of developing a UTI:
Provide
sufficient air circulation and help discourage UTIs by wearing
looser pants and cotton underwear, and sleep without underwear.
Wearing tight pants or nylons can make it easier for an infection
to develop.
Get
good nutrition: eat a variety of foods and keep caffeine and alcohol
consumption low. In general, drinking lots of water helps. Drinking
large quantities of unsweetened cranberry juice may make the bladder
and urethra more acidic and therefore more hostile to infectious
bacteria.
Urinate
frequently, emptying your bladder each time.
For
women, change your tampons and sanitary napkins frequently when
you have your period.
Wash
your hands before and after sex, and after any contact with the
anus. Make sure that there is no contact with the vagina (with
hands, condoms, or sex toys) directly after contact with the anus.
If
you use a diaphragm for contraception, pressure of the rim against
the urethra may cause UTIs; see your health care provider for
help with this.
Bacteria
from the genital and rectal area can be introduced into the urinary
tract during sexual activity. Urinate before and after sex to
help clear the urethra of bacteria and relieve pressure on the
bladder.
Keep
your genital area clean, and wash between any anal and vaginal
contact. For women, this includes wiping from front to back anytime
you go to the bathroom.
Is
a UTI dangerous?
Damage to the kidneys and the urinary tract, as well as serious,
possibly life-threatening problems may occur if a UTI is left untreated,
or if you experience chronic UTIs. So if pain and symptoms persist,
make sure you see a medical provider.
Links
you can use
For more information about UTIs, you can visit:
