Causes of Urinary Tract Infection & How to Avoid It

The human urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureter, bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections are the ones that affect the organs of the urinary system. Urinary tract infections primarily affect the lower organs of the urinary tract, i.e., the urethra and the bladder. 

Women are more prone to UTIs. 

When bacteria get into the urinary tract, it causes an inflammation infection. This is known as a urinary tract infection. 

While they might be fatal, most UTIs can be treated with antibiotics. Search for antibiotics online for UTI on the Healthskool Pharmacy website for best deals.

Symptoms:

• The constant impulse to urinate and a burning sensation while urinating.

• Frequent urination in small amounts.

• Cloudy appearance of urine, often accompanied by a strong smell.

• Signs of blood in the urine.

• Pelvic pain.

• Fatigue.

• Fever and urge to vomit.

• Lower back pain.

Types of UTIs:

• Acute pyelonephritis: When the urinary tract infection affects the kidneys, it is called acute pyelonephritis. It is characterized by high fever and chills, vomiting, nausea, and back pain.

• Cystitis: This is the UTI that affects the bladder. Pelvic pressure, discomfort in the lower abdomen, frequent urination accompanied by pain, and signs of blood in it, are some of the symptoms of cystitis.

• Urethritis: This affects the urethra. A burning sensation while urination is one of the symptoms of urethritis.   

Causes:

• Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract traveling through the urethra, and the body's defenses fail to fight it. The bacteria multiply in the bladder, causing infection, termed the urinary tract infection.

• Escherichia coli is a bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract of the human body. This bacteria is primarily responsible for causing cystitis. Sexual activity is one of the main factors that cause cystitis. In addition, women are more prone to cystitis. This is because, in females, the distance from the bladder to the anus is short. 

• Urethritis is caused due to the spreading of the GI bacteria from the anus to the urethra. Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, mycoplasma, herpes, and chlamydia may also be responsible for urethritis in women.

• Usage of spermicidal agents and diaphragms for birth control may also cause UTIs.

• The decline in estrogen circulation in the body after menopause causes changes in the urinary tract. This often subjects women to the risk of UTIs.

• Prostate enlargement and stones in the kidneys may also cause UTI.

• A weak immune system that is not strong enough to fight the bacteria may be a reason for the cause of UTI.

Prevention:

UTI can mostly be treated with the help of antibiotics. Try Cipla antibiotics for quick relief. 

Urinary tract infections can be prevented by following some simple techniques.

• Practicing good hygiene measures is very important to prevent urinary tract infections, especially for women. During menstruation, pads and tampons should be changed frequently from time to time. Feminine deodorants should be avoided.

• Drinking an adequate amount of water every day is essential, as it helps to remove the bacteria from the body.

• Frequent urination helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infection. Drinking lots of water would be helpful in this case. 

• Foods and fluids that might irritate the bladder should be avoided. These include alcohol, spicy food, and citrus and caffeinated drinks. 

• Usage of the diaphragm for birth control might cause UTI and hence must be avoided.

• Tight-fitting clothes must be avoided, and usage of cotton underwear must be adopted to avoid the trapping of excess moisture around the urethra.

Thus these are some of the causes and methods of prevention of urinary tract infections.