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I Have A Urinary Tract Infection

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Condom Use During Sex

How do I know if I have a urinary tract infection?

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.

What Is The Urinary Tract

The urinary tract makes and stores urine, one of the body’s liquid waste products. The urinary tract includes the following parts:

  • Kidneys: These small organs are located on back of your body, just above the hips. They are the filters of your body removing waste and water from your blood. This waste becomes urine.
  • Ureters: The ureters are thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to your bladder.
  • Bladder: A sac-like container, the bladder stores your urine before it leaves the body.
  • Urethra: This tube carries the urine from your bladder to the outside of the body.

How Common Are Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are very common, occurring in 1 out of 5 women sometime in their lifetime. Though UTIs are common in women, they can also happen to men, older adults and children. One to 2% of children develop urinary tract infections. Each year, 8 million to 10 million visits to doctors are for urinary tract infections.

Read Also: What Are The Symptoms Of A Severe Urinary Tract Infection

Do I Have A Urinary Tract Infection Or Something Else

If you have pain or discomfort when you urinate, its possible that you have a urinary tract infection. But what you may not realize is that other conditions can cause similar symptoms. And since these conditions have different treatments, its important to know what the actual underlying problem is.

Here we discuss what a urinary tract infection is, how its treated, and other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection often called a UTI is an infection of any part of your urinary system. This includes your:

  • Kidneys
  • Ureters
  • Bladder
  • Urethra

UTIs can be classified as involving the upper tract or the lower tract . Since infections usually come into the urethra from the outside, most infections involve the lower tract. UTIs can affect people of all ages, and they tend to be more common in women. In fact, some studies have shown that women are eight times more likely than men to develop a UTI.

The most common cause of a UTI is a bacteria called Escherichia coli , which causes more than 80% of infections outside of the hospital. Other types of bacteria and certain types of fungi and viruses can also cause UTIs.

What Is The Prognosis For A Person With A Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections typically respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be uncomfortable before you start treatment, but once your healthcare provider identifies the type of bacteria and prescribes the right antibiotic medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. Its important to keep taking your medication for the entire amount of time your healthcare provider prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms arent improving, your provider may test to see if its an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more complicated infections to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics or alternative treatments.

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Condom Use During Sex:

Unlubricated latex condoms can irritate womenâs skin and increase friction during intercourse. This can increase the risk of infection. However, condoms are important for reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Be sure to use enough water-based lubricant to help prevent friction and skin irritation caused by the condom.

Are Some Women More At Risk For Utis

Yes. You may be at greater risk for a UTI if you:1,5

  • Are sexually active. Sexual activity can move germs that cause UTIs from other areas, such as the vagina, to the urethra.
  • Use a diaphragm for birth control or use spermicides with a diaphragm or with condoms. Spermicides can kill good bacteria that protect you from UTIs.
  • Are pregnant. Pregnancy hormones can change the bacteria in the urinary tract, making UTIs more likely. Also, many pregnant women have trouble completely emptying the bladder, because the uterus with the developing baby sits on top of the bladder during pregnancy. Leftover urine with bacteria in it can cause a UTI.
  • Have gone through menopause. After menopause, loss of the hormone estrogen causes vaginal tissue to become thin and dry. This can make it easier for harmful bacteria to grow and cause a UTI.
  • Have diabetes, which can lower your immune system and cause nerve damage that makes it hard to completely empty your bladder
  • Have any condition, like a kidney stone, that may block the flow of urine between your kidneys and bladder
  • Have or recently had a catheter in place. A catheter is a thin tube put through the urethra into the bladder. Catheters drain urine when you cannot pass urine on your own, such as during surgery.

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About The Urinary Tract

The urinary tract is where our bodies make and get rid of urine. It’s made up of:

  • the kidneys two bean-shaped organs, about the size of your fists, that make urine out of waste materials from the blood
  • the ureters tubes that run from the kidney to the bladder
  • the bladder where urine is stored until we go to the toilet
  • the urethra the tube from the bladder through which urine leaves the body

Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection

Do I Have A UTI? | 9 Possible Causes of A Urinary Tract Infection | Health

Intense burning and pain while urination is the main symptoms of urinary tract infection. Symptoms of urinary tract infection and kidney stones are almost the same. The color of urine becomes cloudy and urine frequency increases. The patient also has mild to moderate fever in case of UTIs.

  • Burning urination or burning micturition
  • High Fever with chills and rigors
  • Pain while urinating
  • Pain in the lower abdomen, flank, and back
  • Frequent urination
  • Using someone elses or undergarments

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Complications Of Urinary Tract Infections

Delayed treatment for UTIs can lead to complications. Most UTIs cause no lasting damage if they are treated quickly. But if left untreated, UTIs can lead to complications that include:

  • Recurring infections
  • Narrowing of the urethra in men
  • A potentially life-threatening infection called sepsis, especially when kidneys are infected

Help Us Help You Get The Treatment You Need

Because of coronavirus , it can be hard to know what to do if you’re unwell. It’s important to get medical help if you think you need it.

  • For help from a GP use your GP surgery’s website, use an online service or app, or call the surgery.
  • For urgent medical help use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111 if you’re unable to get help online.
  • For life-threatening emergencies call 999 for an ambulance.

If you’re advised to go to hospital, it’s important to go.

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How Do You Get Urinary Tract Infections

The design of the human body makes it so it isnt hard to get a bacterial UTI, because the infection comes from outside, through the urethra. Bacteria in the genital area can enter the urethra and the urinary tract, either because wiping after going to the bathroom, sexual activity, or unsanitary conditions. Once the bacteria have entered the urethra, the body tries fight them off, but sometimes the bacteria multiply and cause an infection.

In the case of a fungal infection, usually the fungus gets to the urinary tract through the blood stream. Those who develop this type of infection are usually ill with a disease that has compromised their immune system, such as AIDS.

In general, women get more UTIs than do men and this increases with age. Statistics show that many women get more than one. Almost 20% of women who have had one UTI will go on to have a second. Of this 20%, 30% of those will have a third, and in turn, 80% of these women will have more.

Eating Diet & Nutrition

Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection in Bangalore

Experts dont think eating, diet, and nutrition play a role in preventing or treating bladder infections. If you have any type of UTI, talk with a health care professional about how much to drink each day to help prevent or relieve your infection.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and other components of the National Institutes of Health conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.

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What Symptoms Are Associated With A Uti

Urinary tract infections dont always have symptoms, and the symptoms can depend on where the infection is.

Some common symptoms associated with a lower tract UTI include:

  • Pain or burning during urination

  • Frequent and urgent urination

  • Pain in the pelvic area

  • Waking at night to urinate

  • Blood in the urine

When the upper tract is involved, symptoms can include:

  • Pain in your back or side

  • Fevers and chills

  • Nausea or vomiting

Older Adults Should Have Other Symptoms Too

When your loved ones doctor suspects a UTI, be sure to mention whether these symptoms are also present:

  • Fever over 100.5 °F
  • Worsening urinary frequency or urgency
  • Sudden pain with urination
  • Tenderness in the lower abdomen, above the pubic bone

Having at least two of the symptoms above, along with a positive urine culture, will confirm a UTI.

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Can Urinary Tract Infections Be Prevented Or Avoided

There are many lifestyle choices that can help you prevent UTIs. These are some of the things you can do to protect yourself from them:

  • Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria. For some people, drinking cranberry juice may also help prevent urinary tract infections. However, if youre taking warfarin, check with your doctor before using cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections. Your doctor may need to adjust your warfarin dose or you may need to have more frequent blood tests.
  • Dont hold your urine. Urinate when you feel like you need to. Some children dont go to the bathroom often enough. If your child does this, teach him or her to go to the bathroom several times each day.
  • Wipe from front to back after bowel movements. Teach your child to wipe correctly.
  • Urinate after having sex to help wash away bacteria.
  • Use enough lubrication during sex. Try using a small amount of lubricant before sex if youre a little dry.
  • If you get urinary tract infections often, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm as a birth control method. Ask your doctor about other birth control choices.
  • Avoid taking or giving your child bubble baths.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing , and dress your child in loose-fitting clothing.
  • If you are uncircumcised, wash the foreskin regularly. If you have an uncircumcised boy, teach him how to wash his foreskin.

What Other Conditions Cause Similar Symptoms

The FYI on UTIs: All you need to know to treat and prevent urinary tract infections | GMA Digital

Although UTIs are very common, its important to know that other conditions can cause similar symptoms to a UTI.

Some of these more common conditions include:

  • Sexually transmitted infections: Gonorrhea , chlamydia , and mycoplasma are common causes of sexually transmitted infections. They can cause painful urination and are sometimes associated with discharge from the urethra. These infections require specific antibiotics in order to be treated.

  • Vaginitis:Vaginal infections can cause symptoms in the vagina and/or vulva, like burning, itching, or discharge. Although they dont involve the urinary tract, these symptoms can sometimes feel similar to the burning or discomfort associated with a UTI. Common causes of vaginitis include bacteria , yeast , and trichomonas. Skin conditions, like contact dermatitis or lichen planus, can also cause vaginitis. Because the treatment for all of these is different, its important to know what is causing your symptoms.

Some less common conditions that can have similar symptoms to a UTI include:

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How Do I Know If I Have Uti

There are broadly two types of UTIs:

  • Cystitis: This is the infection of the bladder and it is the most common form of this infection. The symptoms of this infection are restricted to the lower urinary tract.
  • If you have the following symptoms, it may mean that you are having a lower urinary tract infection-

    • Frequent urge to pee
    • Foul-smelling urine
    • Pelvic or rectal pain

    2. Pyelonephritis: This is when the infection has spread to the upper urinary tract and the symptoms include having fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting among others. If this is the case then you should consider consulting with a medical professional immediately.

    However, it is important to remember that some of the common symptoms associated with UTIs- such as burning sensation while peeing, also overlap with pelvic inflammatory disease . This is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and cervix.

    This is why it is important to distinguish between the two and get necessary checks done to eliminate the possibility.

    Prevention Of Urinary Tract Infection

    There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting a UTI:

    • Drink plenty of water and other liquids to help flush out bacteria.
    • Urinate frequently, or about every two to three hours.
    • For women: Wipe from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement.
    • Urinate before and soon after having sexual intercourse.
    • Avoid synthetic underwear, tight pants, and lingering in wet gym clothes or a bathing suit. Though none of this can cause a UTI, these habits can increase the spread of bacteria.
    • Avoid vaginal deodorants, douches, powders, and other potentially irritating feminine products.
    • Use a method of birth control other than a diaphragm, spermicide, or unlubricated condoms.

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    How To Feel Better

    If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:

    • Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
    • Do not share your antibiotics with others.
    • Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.

    Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

    How Should You Sleep With A Uti

    Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection

    Use an incontinence pad or wear incontinence pants. These can lessen the concern of urinating in your sleep or give you the option of not getting out of bed to urinate. Use a hot water bottle or heating pad to warm your abdomen to minimize bladder discomfort or pressure. Completely empty your bladder before bed.

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    How Can I Prevent Recurrent Uti Naturally

    Without further ado, here are the top 6 home remedies to fight UTI.Drink plenty of fluids. Hydration status has been linked to the risk of urinary tract infection . … Increase vitamin C intake. … Drink unsweetened cranberry juice. … Take a probiotic. … Practice these healthy habits. … Try these natural supplements.

    Who Gets Urinary Tract Infections

    Anyone can get a urinary tract infection, but they are more common in women. This is because the urethra in females is shorter and closer to the anus, where E. coli bacteria are common. Older adults also are at higher risk for developing cystitis. This increased risk may be due to incomplete emptying of the bladder. There are several medical conditions that can be related to this, including an enlarged prostate or a bladder prolapse .

    If you get frequent urinary tract infections, your healthcare provider may do tests to check for other health problems such as diabetes or an abnormal urinary systemthat may be contributing to your infections. People with frequent UTIs are occasionally given low-dose antibiotics for a period of time to prevent the infection from coming back. This cautious approach to treating frequent UTIs is because your body can develop a resistance to the antibiotic and you can get other types of infections, such as C. diff colitis. This practice is used very infrequently.

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    Ways To Prevent Urinary Tract Infection

    According to a study, post-menopausal women can reduce their chances of getting UTIs by applying low doses of topical estrogen creams. 3. Use the Lavatory as Often as Needed If you feel the urge to use the bathroom, dont hesitate to go. Keeping urine in your bladder for too long creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth.

    Treating Urinary Tract Infections

    Do I Have A UTI/Urinary Tract Infection? | DxTx

    Your recommended treatment plan by your GP will depend on whether your infection is in the upper or lower urinary tract.

    Both types of urinary tract infection can usually be treated at home using a course of antibiotics.

    If an upper UTI is more serious or there is increased risk of complications, you may need hospital treatment.

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    Can You Pee Out A Uti

    Although a UTI makes it hurt to pee, drinking lots of water and peeing frequently will eventually make peeing less painful and help speed recovery. Hence, focus on staying well hydrated. If you are dealing with a relatively mild case of UTI, it will probably get cleared within a day or two of water therapy.

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