All you need to know about UTI's

Kaajal Gunputh Kaajal Gunputh Aug 12, 2018 994 0

All you need to know about UTI's

All you need to know about Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections among women after colds and flu. UTI’s can sometimes be very painful and of potential danger in pregnancy for both mother and baby. We gathered some information about what causes them, how to recognize and prevent them.

 Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

  1. Paining or burning sensation

Pain or burning during peeing is often the first sign on a UTI or the presence of bacteria in the urethra and bladder.  While peeing can sometimes remove all the bacteria if the sensation persists over days, you should definitely meet your doctor.

  1. The immediate urge to pee.

If you just went to the washroom around 30 minutes before and you suddenly feel the need to pee right now immediately where can’t wait, mot probably you are having an infection. This is often caused due to irritation of the lining of your bladder by bacteria.

  1. Color of your urine

The color of your pee can tell you many things including the presence of an infection. The normal color of urine is usually yellow and is supposed to be a clear liquid. A cloudy, bloody or brown urine is often sign of infection and calls for your attention.

  1. Peeing doesn’t bring relief
    When despite going to the washroom several times, you still feel the pain and sensation that your bladder is full and many times you try to pee but nothing comes out is an intermittent sign of an infection and requires immediate attention.

What causes UTI’s

Most of the time, it is caused by a bacterium called Escherichia Coli commonly called E.Coli which is usually found in the anal area. A simple toilet paper wide from the back to the front is enough to let the bacteria reach the urethra.  Urethra is a small tube of 4 centimeters long connecting the bladder to the outside environment.

There are several other ways to get infected. Urination is one of the most effective way to flush bacteria out of the body. Less fluid intake often leads to less urination hence less bacteria being flushed out. Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of urinary tract infections along with people with urinary tract abnormalities.

Sex is often another leading cause. During foreplay and intercourse there are high chances of bacteria being transferred from the colon to the vagina; vigorous sex often results in inflamed bladder making it a more suitable environment for bacteria.

During pregnancy, due to hormonal changes and enlarged uterus often prevent the bladder from emptying completely; resulting into a pool of urine where bacteria can flourish happily.

Treatment

It’s advisable to visit a doctor as you recognize the first symptoms. A Urinary Tract Infection is not something you should take leniently. If left untreated UtI’s can develop into a kidney infection which may them led to life threatening blood infections.

For a more accurate diagnosis, your doctor may recommend you a urine culture test which will determine the presence of bacteria. If found positive; your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. If the pain you experience with it is unbearable or uncomfortable you should inform your doctor and he will prescribe you with special pain killers for this condition to help control the pain.

However, as in any other treatment patient compliance is the main factor same applies here. Yo0u should not miss even a single antibiotic and you should take it as instructed. Drinking lots of water and keeping yourself well hydrated will bring additional help.

In case you are pregnant, please talk to your doctor before taking any over the Counter medications and make sure your gynecologist is aware of the situation and of all the medications you are on.

Recurrent episodes of urinary tract infections should not be ignored. We suggest you making an appointment with a urologist who will more likely suggest you to get an ultrasound of the kidney and a profound examination of the bladder.  A bladder examination can show if the infection is being caused by any other medical conditions like kidney stone.  However, if found caused by bacteria, the doctor may renew your antibiotics.

Expecting mothers are prone to have an infection at some point of pregnancy.  During pregnancy, the symptoms may often go un-noticed; hence most probably your gynecologist will ask you to do some urine culture test throughout the pregnancy term.

How to prevent urinary tract infections?

  1. Good hygiene practice.
    Hygienic practices can decrease the probability of contacting a UTI. Always remember, while wiping the anal area, always wipe from front to back. This decreases the risk of bacteria being transferred from the back to the urethra.
     
  2. Keep yourself hydrated
    Having a plenty intake of water helps flushing out the bacteria and toxins out of your body. We recommend a minimum of eight glasses of water a day to avoid the risk of dehydration.
     
  3. Never hold your pee.
    Empty your bladder frequently; holding your pee and keeping your bladder full provides a pool for bacteria to grow and flourish.
     
  4. Diet control
    Certain food items such as caffeine, alcohol, cheese and chocolate are among the few items which irritate the bladder and can cause a urinary tract infection. Watch your diet and limit the intake of these substances. You may also consider adding cranberry juice to your diet. Cranberries prevent E. Coli from adhering to the bladder and can hence lower your risk of urinary tract infection.
     
  5. Urinate before and after sex.
    Urinating before and after sex intercourse is very important as it allows to flush out the bacteria if any before and if ever any has been transferred from bck to front during intercourse, it can flush it out before flourishing.