Risk Factors For Urinary Tract Infections
And now a brief note about reproductive parts: Although people with penises do get UTIs, people with vaginas are more at risk. It all boils down to the anatomy, Minkin says.
Bacteria that cause UTIs often make their way from the back door to the front and then up the urethra to wreak havoc on the urinary system.
Because the male reproductive system has a longer urethra than the female reproductive system, the bacteria have farther to travel, which makes it more difficult for a UTI to develop.
Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis:
- Oral antibiotics: Infection of the lower urinary tract.
- Intravenous antibiotics: Infection of the upper urinary tract.
- Prevention & Pre-Caution Is Better Than Cure:
- Water intake- 6 to 8 glasses per day.
- Water intake during sex.
- Not suppressing the urge to urinate for a long time.
- Genital Hygiene .
- Genital wiping movement- front to back.
- Comfortable preferably cotton fabric underwear.
- Avoid tight clothes.
- No tub baths. Shift to showers instead.
All above, treatments are finalized taking into consideration the overall health, severity, age and other ailments of the patient.
Why Does Lube Burn When I Use It
Parabens are added to many body products as a preservative, and glycerin is added to lubes to make them slippery. Some people are sensitive to one or both of these ingredients, and when people describe a burning sensation when using a particular type of lube, I often suggest trying a brand thats paraben-free.
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When To See A Doctor
People dealing with serious symptoms or recurrent UTIs should book an appointment to see a provider. They can talk with you about your sexual history, hygiene habits, and symptom severity to determine the best course of treatment and a UTI prevention plan moving forward.
Dont wait until your symptoms get really bad to call your provider. Untreated UTIs can eventually turn into kidney infections, causing symptoms like:
- Nausea or vomiting
If you think you might have a kidney infection, seek medical help right away to avoid permanent damage to the area. Kidney infections require antibiotic treatment and sometimes a trip to the hospital when severe.
Incidence Of Urinary Tract Infection
Thirty of the 138 total UTI events were excluded from the analysis because there were no diary entries to determine sexual intercourse on or during the month preceding the corresponding UTI date. Thus, 108 symptomatic, culture-confirmed UTIs with 105 CFU/mL among 78 women were included in the final analysis. Sixty-five symptomatic UTIs were identified via dipslide, while 43 were detected through review of clinical records. All UTIs were followed up by interview to verify the presence of at least 2 symptoms. Of the 108 confirmed UTIs with at least 2 symptoms, 91 had an acute urinary symptom recorded in the diaries within 7 days of laboratory confirmation, while 17 had symptoms only noted upon personal interview. Of those who experienced a UTI, 59 women had one UTI, 12 women had 2, 3 women had 3, and 4 women had 4. E. coli was the predominant uropathogen, identified in 83 of the 108 infections, while the remaining UTIs were caused by Klebsiella species , Proteus species , Enterococcus , group B Streptococcus , Enterobacter species , Citrobacter freundii , and unspeciated gram-negative rods . E. coli continued to predominate when analyses were restricted to the first UTI and when UTI was defined as 104 CFU/mL.
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What Causes Prostate Enlargement
The causes of prostate enlargement are not yet fully understood but are thought to be related to the male sex hormone which controls the growth of the prostate. The prostate is initially quite small, but as men age, testosterone feeds the prostate and it starts to get bigger. From birth to around the early teenage years, the prostate increases in size by around 8 times. It doubles again in size from around the early 20s through to 50 years of age, and then doubles again by around the age of 80. With such large increases in size, its easy to see why the prostate can begin to squeeze the urethra and make it difficult to urinate.
There may also be a genetic link to prostate enlargement, because the sons of men with an enlarged prostate are more likely to develop prostate disease.
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How Can One Get A Uti From Sex
You might have heard about getting affected by STIs after having sex, but thats not the only infection you might get. There also is a risk of getting affected by UTI.
Dr. Lakeisha Richardson from Delta Medical Group says that urinary infection after sex may happen as thrusting can introduce bacteria up the urethra and into the bladder, increasing the UTI risk.
The UTI bacteria enter the body from the bladder. The chances of a woman getting a UTI are higher than men since the urethral tube is smaller in a woman, which makes it easy for bacteria to enter the bladder.
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Utis And Sex: Five Best Ways To Reduce Your Risk
Urinary tract infections are a chronic problem for some women. For sexually active women, UTIs and sex can be especially problematic. The main reason for this increased risk? Women have a shorter urethra the tube that carries urine out of the body. Some bacteria are ordinarily present in the genital area around the urinary and vaginal opening. Pair this with a warm moist environment, which creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to multiply and make themselves at home. Add sexual activity that pushes bacteria into the urethra, and its easy to see how the urinary tract can be a hotbed of activity for invading bacteria.
In this article, we answer some questions about UTIs and sex and provide five of the best ways to reduce your risk.
Can Birth Control Cause Utis
Some types of birth control may increase the risk of developing UTIs. Multiple studies have shown that the use of diaphragms can make UTIs more likely, and the risk increases when spermicide is used with a diaphragm. In addition, personal lubricants and condoms that contain spermicide can also increase the risk for infection.
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What Ive Learned About Utis After Sex
Fortunately for me, I now know a lot more about UTIs after sex, thanks to the diligent and constant study and questioning of this website.
The last time it happened I immediately recognised what was happening. I was uncomfortable but I managed to flush it out before it developed into the splatter fest, recurring carnage of my previous experiences.
My Tips For Avoiding UTIs After Sex:
How The Full Harvest Moon In Pisces Will Impact You Astrologically
Cranberries contain tannins that are thought to minimize adherence of bacteria to the urinary tract, Kobashi explains, but the thinking is that there is not enough of them to be effective. However, both doctors reason that because its totally harmless, upping your cranberry intake in the name of a UTI-free existence cant hurt.
There have been some studies suggesting that this simple sugar, found in fruits like cranberries but in much greater concentrations in supplements, may be worth looking into. The data is on the weak side, says Goldman, but there is some evidence that may help prevent bladder infections. Similar to cranberries, D-Mannose may block some of the receptors on the bladder wall that UTI-causing bacteria adhere to, he explains.
If you keep getting UTIs after sex and your doctor has ruled out any underlying issues, a semi-regular low dose of antibiotics may be the answer. Your doctor may opt to put you on a regimen of pericoital antibiotics, for instance, which means whenever they have sex they just take a low-dose antibiotic, Goldman explains, particularly in the young women come to us and say, You know, I noticed that whenever I get a UTI it’s the day after I had sex. He continues, The idea is that if any bacteria get up into the bladder, that one antibiotic kills it and prevents the infection from taking hold.
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What Can A Urologist Do For Erectile Dysfunction
Many men suffer from erectile dysfunction. See our guide on how a Urologist can help you treat your erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is a major sexual health problem affecting more than 30 million men in the United States who cannot maintain normal erections. Its prevalence has been estimated to be as high as 50% in some populations, and its occurrence increases with age.
In addition, erectile dysfunction is associated with other health problems, such as coronary artery disease, depression, urinary tract infections, mental illness, heart disease, low blood sugar, low testosterone, other sexual issues, and osteoporosis.
The prevalence of erectile dysfunction increases with age, with up to half of the men aged 60-70 years affected, along with low testosterone. ED is a common and potentially disabling condition with other underlying conditions that affect the quality of life.
Your primary care doctor will often tell you that sexual dysfunction is common. Many men have sexual problems in their personal life or other condition related to the male reproductive system. There are two types of ED: organic and psychogenic.
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How Are Utis Treated
Your doctor will typically prescribe an oral antibiotic to rid you of the UTI.
Yavagal says if you come down with a UTI frequently, ask your doctor to do a culture one time to be sure this is actually what you have. A chronic bladder condition known as interstitial cystitis is sometimes mistaken for a UTI, she says. You should be especially suspicious if the antibiotics you have taken for your UTIs in the past have not sufficiently helped.
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Youve Got A Cold The Flu Or Allergies
You may be tempted to curse your seasonal sneezes, a cold, or the dreaded flu for making your life even more miserable with a UTI, but these ailments arent the cause. The meds you take to manage symptoms could be.
Though theyre the bomb at keeping your runny or stuffy nose in check, antihistamines and decongestants might make you go less by causing urinary retention. And see No. 6 that may lead to a UTI.
Tips To Avoid Urinary Tract Infection Caused Due To Sexual Intercourse
Urination
Urination before and after intercourse can help you remove bacteria from your tracts as soon as they enter, not allowing them to multiply and grow into an infection. It is one of the many ways to avoid UTI.
Drink plenty of water
Water can help in avoiding growth of bacteria. It also helps in frequent urination which can keep these problems away.
Good hygiene
Practising proper hygiene before and after intercourse can also help in avoiding Urinary tract infections. Make sure you clean your genital areas properly to avoid growth of any bacteria that may have entered.
Birth control
Spermicides can increase the risk of UTIs and should not be the preferred birth control. Use of diaphragm as birth control can also cause UTI. Sticking to safer options or as suggested by your doctor may be the best way to avoid infection.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.
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Can Sex Cause A Uti
Approximately 40-60% of women will experience a UTI in her lifetime, and one in four will experience a repeat infection. When you combine bacteria from the skin around your urinary and vaginal opening with sexual activity and a shorter urethra, unfortunately, this can be the perfect recipe for a UTI. Sex may push bacteria into the urethra where they creep into the bladder and stick around, causing an infection.
Possible Preventive Strategies For Utis
While the research is still out on the preventative strategies below, prospects are promising.
- Probiotics The probiotic strain Lactobacillus, found in fermented milk products, has been shown to prevent urinary tract infections in laboratory testing. Theres also promising research that shows the strains L. rhamnosus gr-1 and L. fermentum rc-14 could prevent UTIs as well.
- Cranberry Juice Cranberries contain polyphenols called proanthocyanidins, which may help prevent E. coli from causing urinary tract infections in women, but data is conflicting about the effectiveness. While a meta-analysis published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine showed a decrease in UTI rates in those who consumed daily cranberry tablets, a subsequent review published in the Cochrane Database found insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of cranberry. The American Urological Association does recommend cranberry extract as a preventive measure for UTIs Ellura is a brand of cranberry extract capsules.
- Diet Adjustment Research has shown that urine with higher pH levels and higher levels of certain metabolites formed by gut microbes are better able to resist recurrent UTIs. Its thought that one can improve these levels through diet. For instance, calcium supplements raise urinary pH levels. In addition, consuming foods rich in antioxidants, like tea and colorful berries, may encourage growth of metabolites.
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Can You Have Sex If You Have A Uti
In general, it is recommended that you avoid having intercourse when you have an active urinary tract infection. When you get an antibiotic prescription, ask your doctor when the right time to resume sexual activity would be. Of course, you can still kiss and have other intimate and emotional connections.
Once you have completed a course of antibiotics and the UTI has cleared away, you should be able to resume sexual activity. But be sure to take the careful steps necessary to prevent the sex from putting you on the road to yet another one.
How Do Utis Affect Pregnancy
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy raise your risk for UTIs. UTIs during pregnancy are more likely to spread to the kidneys.
If you’re pregnant and have symptoms of a UTI, see your doctor or nurse right away. Your doctor will give you an antibiotic that is safe to take during pregnancy.
If left untreated, UTIs could lead to kidney infections and problems during pregnancy, including:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
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Urinary Tract Infection Diet
- Increase intake of water to at least 8 glasses per day. This will help to flush out bacteria, and will reduce pain.
- Eat a light diet consisting of grains, some vegetables, and specific drinks such as cranberry juice.
- Eliminate bladder irritants such as coffee, black tea, and especially alcohol.
- Discontinue all intake of foods high in sugar including sweet vegetables and fruits, sugar, honey.
- Chocolate is a major bladder irritant. Avoid sugary foods like the plague!
- Careful of these foods: Figs, brewers yeast, raisins, avocado, soy sauce, grapes, fava beans, corned beef, nuts, hard cheese, chocolate, apples, peaches, pineapple, cantaloupe, citrus, pickled herring, bananas, yogurt, beer, wine, vinegar, mayonnaise, sour cream, guavas/nectarines.
- Include celery , parsley, and watermelon in your diet.
- Avoid citrus fruits as they produce an alkaline urine that may encourage bacterial growth. Increasing the acid levels inhibits bacterial growth.
How Forward Can Help You Manage Recurring Utis
By providing one-on-one, personalized care, Forward can prescribe medications to treat an existing UTI and put you on the path to fewer infections in the future. As your primary care provider, we focus on prevention and will explore all of your risk factors for urinary tract infections. We will work with you to help you implement lifestyle changes and adopt new habits that may make UTIs less likely to occur in the future.
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Prevention Of Interstitial Cystitis
Since the causes of interstitial cystitis are unclear, and the condition may have multiple causes, there arent any specific steps you can take to avoid IC in the first place.
But once you have IC, there are a number of lifestyle measures that may help reduce your symptoms.
Avoiding foods that cause bladder irritation may help relieve symptoms of interstitial cystitis.
Common bladder-irritating foods include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Carbonated beverages
Since so many foods can contribute to symptoms of interstitial cystitis, you may benefit from an elimination diet, in which you stop eating all potential irritant foods for one to two weeks. If your symptoms improve, you can then gradually reintroduce eliminated foods to see if they trigger any symptoms.
Emotional or mental stress can contribute to IC symptoms, so its important to identify potential sources of stress in your life and avoid or cope with them to the best of your ability.