Tuesday, March 12, 2024

How Does One Get A Urinary Tract Infection

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Diagnosing Uti’s In Cats

How do you get a UTI (urinary tract infection)?

If a cat owner is observing symptoms of a urinary tract infection in their cat they should schedule a visit with their cat’s veterinarian. A urine sample will need to be collected either by the owner at home with the use of special, non-absorbent litter or by the veterinarian. The veterinarian may temporarily keep the cat in the animal hospital until it urinates on its own in some non-absorbable litter or the urine may be obtained by cystocentesis. Cystocentesis is a quick and non-invasive technique to obtain a urine sample through the use of a needle and syringe. Some veterinarians prefer obtaining urine by cystocentesis while others prefer to allow a cat to provide a sample naturally.

Once urine is obtained a urinalysis will be performed. This type of test checks the urine for bacteria, crystals, blood, parasites, abnormal pH levels, abnormal specific gravity levels, glucose, and other things to aid the veterinarian in making a diagnosis. If bacteria is present in the urinalysis a urinary tract infection is diagnosed. Sometimes a urine culture must also be performed to see exactly what type of bacteria is in the infection in order to choose a specific antibiotic.

Does Cranberry Juice Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection

Many people say that cranberry juice can help treat, or even prevent, a UTI. Researchers are currently looking into the topic, but havent found a definitive answer yet. Healthcare providers recommend drinking lots of fluids if you have, or have a history of getting, a UTI. Adding a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice to your diet isnt a proven way to prevent a UTI, but it typically wont hurt you either.

Get Your Prescription Filled Right Away

Once you are done with your appointment and have received a prescription for an antibiotic, its important you get it filled at a pharmacy as soon as possible. The faster you start taking your medication, the faster your UTI will be gone.

If you usually use next-day prescription delivery or a mail order pharmacy, this is one time when you should avoid doing this. These options can cause a delay by anywhere from 1 day to 1 week . Youre better off using a local pharmacy in this case.

If going into the pharmacy is a concern due to COVID-19, many pharmacies have added options to help minimize the amount of time you are inside the building. Some options to ask about at your pharmacy include:

  • Same-day delivery through services like Instacart

  • Using the pharmacys drive-thru pick-up window

  • Curbside pick-up

  • Paying ahead of time through the pharmacys smartphone app to make your time spent at the checkout counter faster

Every pharmacy is different, so make sure to ask your personal pharmacy if these options are available at your location.

Also Check: Is Urinary Incontinence A Normal Part Of Aging

Water Is Your Best Friend

When you first notice burning when you use the restroom, its tempting to reduce your water intake. After all, that will prevent the pain, right?

Wrong.

It seems counter-intuitive, but you need to flush out your system. You should drink plenty of water to help your body remove the E. Coli. Dont overdo it, but drink as much water as possible in those crucial first 24 hours.

How To Prevent Utis When Youre Sexually Active

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

You don’t have to stop having sex to prevent UTIs. Here are some steps you can take to minimize bacteria buildup and reduce your risk of getting UTIs from sex.

  • Urinate before sex and promptly after. This will flush your system and keep bacteria that has entered your urinary tract from gaining a foothold.
  • Clean your genital and anal areas before and after sex.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, then have an extra glass after intercourse. This will help rid your urinary tract of unwanted bacteria.
  • Use a vaginal lubricant. Friction during sex can irritate the urethra.
  • Consider a new form of birth control. If youre prone to UTIs, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm or spermicide as your form of pregnancy prevention. These can introduce bacteria into the area and can kill off healthy bacteria that keep the problem germs in check.

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Why Are Some People Prone To Getting A Uti Every Time They Have Sex

You probably dont get a UTI every time you have sex. But it can feel that way if you come down with UTIs often.

Sex definitely can trigger the condition. In fact, urinary tract infections have been nicknamed “honeymoon cystitis” cystitis is another name for an infection of the bladder because frequent intercourse can lead to the development of a UTI.

Other reasons you might get recurrent UTIs are: having a new partner, having a family history of them, living with diabetes or pelvic organ prolapse, transitioning to menopause , or having difficulty fully emptying your bladder, Yavagal says.

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Condom Use During Sex

Non-lubricated latex condoms may increase friction and irritate the skin during sexual intercourse. This may increase the risk of a UTI.

However, there are many reasons to use condoms. Theyre important for reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections and preventing unwanted pregnancy.

To help prevent friction and skin irritation from condoms, be sure to use enough water-based lubricant during sex.

Avoid using condoms that have been coated with spermicide.

Also Check: Probiotics For Urinary Tract Infection

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

How To Prevent Uti’s In Cats

How do you get a UTI?

The best way to prevent urinary tract infections from occurring in a cat is to ensure the urinary tract opening is kept clean at all times. Regular litter box cleaning and the washing of cat beds will aid in this task. Overweight cats may have trouble cleaning themselves and may need help keeping their urinary tract openings clean with a wet cloth or wipe. Adequate water intake will also help flush the bladder out regularly.

Read Also: Drugs To Control Urinary Incontinence

And It Won’t Hurt To Try These

Like many women, you may have memorized the following age-old advice for preventing UTIs:

  • Wipe from front to back.

  • Urinate before and after sex.

  • Drink lots of water.

  • Avoid tight underpants and jeans.

These suggestions are directed at flushing the bladder and keeping E. coli from spreading into the urinary tract. Although studies have failed to show that they prevent either primary or recurrent UTIs, there’s no harm in trying them, Dr. Gupta says. “They can’t hurt, and if they help, you’re ahead of the game.”

Why We Dont Know What Causes Most Utis

First, over time the percentages of UTIs caused by particular pathogens change as specific organisms become more prevalent. And new UTI-causing pathogens are identified frequently.

Second, the data just doesnt exist.

It is quite common practice not to conduct a lab culture test of a urine sample in the case of a first UTI, or in the case of a UTI that is not considered to be a recurrence.

It is also quite common practice not to conduct a lab test in the case of recurrent UTIs. People in this situation are frequently prescribed antibiotics or have their prescription called into their pharmacy, without lab testing.

When a lab test is conducted, it follows a standard procedure that has been proven to be extremely flawed. In reality, standard testing fails to detect up to 50% of UTIs. Some sources even suggest its possible that current UTI testing methods can only detect around 1% of potential urinary pathogens.

That means even standard testing labs can be a little iffy on what causes a urinary tract infection. Well go into this issue in detail in our UTI testing section.

Without accurate testing it is impossible to identify which pathogen is causing a UTI. Thats a significant amount of missing information, and as youll soon discover, a huge contributor to the global problem of recurrent UTI.

As for the information we do have, lets put it in perspective

And why is this important?

There is no single antibiotic that cures all types of UTIs.

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Can Urinary Tract Infections Be Prevented

These steps may help reduce the chance of getting UTIs:

  • Drink plenty of water every day.
  • Drink cranberry juice. Large amounts of vitamin C limit the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine. Vitamin C supplements have the same effect.
  • Urinate when you feel the need. Do not wait.
  • Females, wipe from front to back to keep bacteria around the anus from going in the vagina or urethra.
  • Take showers instead of tub baths.
  • Clean the genital area before and after sex, and urinate shortly after sex.
  • Women should not use feminine hygiene sprays or scented douches.
  • Cotton underwear and loose fitting clothes help keep the area around the urethra dry. Tight clothes and nylon underwear trap moisture. This can help bacteria grow.
  • Repeated bouts of urinary tract infections can be treated with small doses of regular antibiotics.

Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have about UTIs.

What Treatments Are Available

UTI health teaching (cebuano)

Antibiotics are by far the most popular therapy for urinary infections if your doctor believes you require them. Constantly take all of your recommended medications, even if you start to feel better. Drink lots of fluids to aid in the removal of germs from the body. The doctor may also recommend pain relievers for you. You could benefit from a heating pad.

Cranberry juice is frequently touted as a means of preventing or treating UTIs. The tannin in the red berry may inhibit E. coli bacteria, the most frequent cause of urinary tract infections, from adhering to the lining of your bladder, which can lead to infection

If your illness doesnt react to therapy or if you always get infections, your doctor may conduct the right procedure to look for illness or injury in your urinary tract:

  • Ultrasound: Sound waves are used to produce a picture of the interior organs in this exam. This test is performed on top of your flesh, is harmless, and usually does not require any preparations.
  • Cystoscopy: This test employs a specific device with a lens and a bright light to see the inside of the bladder through the urethra.
  • CT scan: A CT scan is yet another imaging exam that is a sort of X-ray that takes dimensions of the organ . This technique is much more accurate than standard X-rays.
  • Recommended Reading: Cystex Urinary Pain Relief Side Effects

    What Are The Symptoms Of A Urinary Tract Infection

    These are the most common symptoms of a UTI:

    • Frequent urination
    • Pain or burning when passing urine
    • Fever
    • Urine looks dark, cloudy, or reddish in color
    • Urine smells bad
    • Feeling pain even when not urinating
    • Tiredness
    • Pain in the back or side, below the ribs
    • Nausea and/or vomiting
    • Despite an strong urge to urinate, only a small amount of urine is passed
    • Women may feel an uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone

    The symptoms of UTI may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see a health care provider for a diagnosis.

    Urinary Infections In Children

    A urinary infection in a child needs to be investigated as it may indicate a more serious condition.

    The most common urinary system condition is urinary reflux. With this condition, the bladder valve isnt working properly and allows urine to flow back to the kidneys, increasing the risk of a kidney infection.

    Urinary reflux and the associated infections can scar or permanently damage the kidney, and can also lead to:

    • high blood pressure
    • toxaemia in pregnancy
    • kidney failure.

    Urinary reflux tends to run in families, so its important to screen children as early as possible if a close relative is known to have the problem.

    Recommended Reading: How To Cure Urinary Retention

    Key Points About Urinary Tract Infections

    • Urinary tract infections are a common health problem that affects millions of people each year. These infections can affect any part of the urinary tract.
    • Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the colon.
    • The most common symptoms of UTIs include changes in urination such as frequency, pain, or burning urine looks dark, cloudy, or red and smells bad back or side pain nausea/vomiting and fever.
    • Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Other treatments may include pain relievers, and drinking plenty of water to help wash bacteria out of the urinary tract.
    • Other things that can be done may help reduce the likelihood of developing UTIs.

    Other Ways To Prevent Recurring Utis

    Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating Urinary Tract Infections

    If you have more than 3 UTIs in 1 year, or 2 UTIs in 6 months, there are other things that may help prevent UTIs.

    There is some evidence that women under 65 years old who keep getting UTIs may find it helpful to take:

    • a supplement called D-mannose this is not recommended for pregnant women
    • cranberry products, such as juice or tablets

    Speak to your doctor before taking any of these during pregnancy.

    Be aware that D-mannose and cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar.

    Page last reviewed: 18 November 2020 Next review due: 18 November 2023

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    Why Am I Getting Urinary Tract Infections

    Ever since I started having sex I get urinary tract infections a lot. Does that mean there could be something else wrong? Mandy*

    If you have burning or pain when you pee, it could be a number of things. One possibility is a urinary tract infection , but others include a sexually transmitted disease , such as chlamydia, or chemical irritation from a spermicide . Its hard to tell the difference without seeing a doctor or .

    Urinary tract infections tend to be more common in girls who have sex. Often, they happen because bacteria entered the urethra .

    Follow these steps to help decrease your chances of getting UTIs:

    • Don’t touch your vagina with anything that has been in contact with your anus . This includes condoms, toilet paper, fingers, etc. Do not go from anal to vaginal sex.
    • Wipe front to back after going to the bathroom.
    • Pee right before and after sex.
    • Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.

    STDs can cause symptoms similar to those of a UTI, such as burning, vaginal discharge, belly pain, and irregular bleeding.

    Many times, though, STDs have few symptoms, which is why it is important for anyone who has had sex to be tested at least once a year. And always use condoms with any type of sex to help prevent STDs.

    In any case, the best thing to do is get checked out ASAP by a health care provider who can look for the reason you’re having symptoms. It’s really important to get the right diagnosis and treatment!

    *Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

    What Causes Utis: Stages Of Infection

  • Urethra is contaminated by a pathogen which colonizes before moving towards the bladder.
  • Pathogen penetrates and colonizes bladder, causing an inflammatory response and damage to the bladder lining. If left untreated, a chronic bladder infection can form.
  • Pathogen ascends via the ureters to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis
  • Toxins produced by colonization of the kidneys cause acute kidney damage
  • In severe cases, bacteria crosses the cell barrier to enter the blood, otherwise known as bacteraemia or sepsis
  • You can begin to feel symptoms at any stage of this process. While symptoms tend to escalate as the infection ascends your urinary tract, your symptoms may differ from the next person.

    Explore our expert video series to learn more about how bacteria colonize and lead to an infection.

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    Which Antibiotic Gets Rid Of A Uti Fastest

    The antibiotic you will be prescribed will depend on a few factors, such as how often you get UTIs, your medication allergies, and other medical conditions you have. No matter which one your provider chooses, though, know that they all work well.

    • is a first choice because it works very well and can treat a UTI in as little as 3 days when taken twice a day. Some providers might choose to have you take it a few days longer than that to be sure your infection is totally gone. Unfortunately, Bactrim is a sulfa drug, and many people are allergic to it.

    • is another first choice for UTIs, but it has to be taken a bit longer than Bactrim. You have to take Macrobid twice a day for a minimum of 5 days for UTIs, but many providers will have you take it for a week to be sure you are all better.

    • remains a fan favorite because it works in as little as 3 days and only has to be taken once a day. But it does carry some serious risks like tendon ruptures and heart problems. It also tends to cause bacterial resistance more often than the previously mentioned antibiotics.

    Can I Treat A Uti At Home

    Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

    Many UTIs are self-limiting, meaning they will eventually resolve without specific treatment. In these cases, your body can successfully conquer the infection on its own.

    If you have recurrent UTIs, your symptoms may come and go, but that doesnt necessarily mean your body is completely clearing the infection each time. If you suspect this is true of your own UTIs, youll be interested to read our section explaining chronic UTI vs. recurrent UTI.

    Despite many UTIs being self-limiting, antibiotics are prescribed to most females who show up at a doctor with confirmed symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

    While antibiotics generally help relieve symptoms, they are not always necessary and may come with side effects.

    Non-antibiotic options, including natural remedies, are often seen as an alternative to antibiotics. The evidence for the effectiveness of many, but not all of these, is weak. Check out what does work in our run down on popular natural remedies for UTIs.

    Because UTIs are not always self-limiting, and because they are painful and can escalate quickly, it is usually recommended that you visit a doctor as soon as possible and discuss your options for safe treatment.

    If your symptoms are escalating, dont sit around drinking cranberry juice and baking soda. Get to a doctor. Bacteria can multiply fast and a kidney infection is not something you want to have to deal with.

    One thing you can safely do at home after seeing a doctor, is relieve the symptoms of a UTI.

    Also Check: Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis Test

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