Causes And Risk Factors Of Utis
Common risk factors for urinary tract infection in women include:
- Sexual activity: You are at an increased risk for urinary tract infections from intercourse and even your birth control, according to Mann. A diaphragm, spermicide and some vaginal lubricants can change the bacterial makeup of the vagina, leading to increased risk of UTI for some women.
- Immune system suppression: Chronic or acute illnesses can weaken the bodys immune system and defense against bacteria, leaving you vulnerable to a UTI,says Mann.
- Voiding dysfunction: Conditions that make it hard to completely empty the bladder can raise the risk of a urinary tract infection. These include spinal cord injury or neuropathy, a condition that affects nerve function.
- Menopause: Mann explains that during menopause your bodys pH levels change, which alters the vaginas bacterial flora . This change in bacterial makeup increases your risk of UTI.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Utis
Apple cider vinegar is widely known and used for its amazing health benefits, and its a natural remedy for UTIs, too. Its acidifying nature is great at clearing UTIs, and it helps prevent bacteria from spreading, stopping the infection before it reaches the kidneys. Try Braggs organic raw apple cider vinegar. Its gluten-free and contains Mother of Vinegar, a healthy bacteria that occurs naturally as strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules. Its also loaded with vitamins and prebiotics, which relieve and prevent UTIs.
A version of this article first appeared in our print magazine.
A Uti That The Test Isn’t Detecting
One possibility is that you really do have a UTI that’s flying under the radar. One 2017 study in Clinical Microbiology and Infectionfound that one in five women with UTI symptoms had negative results on the standard tests, but almost all these women had UTIs according to the more sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction test.
“Standard urine cultures test for specific types of bacteria, but many women will have infections that are not able to be grown in these cultures,” Rice says. “Another possible reason for a false negative test is that often, the test requires a certain number of bacteria to be grown in culture. For instance, if someone has just urinated prior to leaving a sample and there is not a sufficient quantity of urine built up in the next voided sample, it is possible for a standard urine culture to report negative findings.” A false negative can also occur if you’ve already taken antibiotics, so make sure not to do that.
If you think you might have a UTI that’s not being detected, your doctor may be able to do a PCR laboratory test, Rice says. Dr. Jennifer Linehan, M.D, urologist and associate professor of urology and urologic oncology at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint Johnâs Health Center in Santa Monica, tells Bustle that another type of test called Next-Generation Sequencing is even more accurate.
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Other Ways To Prevent Recurring Utis
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
Diagnosis Of A Urinary Tract Infection
Diagnosis of a urinary tract infection usually begins with a consultation based on the symptoms and a physical examination. It is usual for a doctor to also ask about sexual history, medical history and any instances of previous UTIs.
A sample of urine might be requested in order to confirm a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection. Dipstick analysis may be done first to indicate the presence of bacteria in the urine. This quick test entails dipping a small chemical strip into a urine sample, then looking for certain color changes on the strip which may indicate abnormal levels of blood, sugar or bacteria in the urine. Looking at the urine sample under a microscope can usually confirm the diagnosis, as well as which bacteria has caused the infection.
If an upper urinary tract infection is suspected, a doctor may also recommend blood tests in order to check the infection hasnââ¬â¢t spread to the bloodstream.
People suffering from recurring or chronic urinary tract infections may be given additional tests to determine if there are any obstructions or abnormalities causing the repeat of the condition. Such tests can include:
- An ultrasound scan of the bladder and kidneys, which uses painless soundwaves to generate an image of the urinary tract
- A CT scan or MRI scan for a more detailed analysis of the urinary tract
- A cystoscopy, in which a small camera is inserted through the urethra to see inside the urethra and bladder
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Im Pregnant How Will A Uti Affect My Baby
If you have a UTI and it isnt treated, it may lead to a kidney infection. Kidney infections may cause early labor. Fortunately, asymptomatic bacteriuria and bladder infections are usually found and treated before the kidneys become infected. If your doctor treats a urinary tract infection early and properly, it wont hurt your baby.
Are Cramps A Common Symptom Of A Uti
Cramping pain is a common symptom of a UTI. It may be also felt as a feeling of pressure or soreness. Youll typically feel UTI cramps in your pelvic area or lower back.
Where does this pain come from? The bacteria that cause a UTI can invade the lining of your urinary tract. This, in turn, can lead to inflammation and irritation. Additionally, urine provides a good medium in which these bacteria can continue to multiply.
In addition to cramps, some other symptoms of a UTI include:
- a painful or burning sensation when you urinate
UTIs are treated with antibiotics. While youll often find that your symptoms begin to get better shortly after starting antibiotics, its important to finish the entire antibiotic course. This helps ensure your infection is completely cleared.
As you recover, you can try the following home remedies to help relieve UTI cramps:
- Use a heating pad: Applying a heating pad to your abdomen or lower back may help to ease cramping.
- Drink water:Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated, but can also help dilute your urine and flush bacteria from your urinary tract.
- Take over-the-counter medications: OTC pain medications like ibuprofen , naproxen , and acetaminophen can help to soothe pain from a UTI.
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How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs are unpleasant enough that most women will try anything to avoid getting one. Mann discusses some simple lifestyle changes that might help you prevent UTIs. These steps help reduce the chance of bacteria entering the urinary tract, which is the main cause of UTIs. Make sure to:
- Empty your bladder more often: Dont hold it when you feel the urge to go. Mann says that you should empty your bladder at least every four hours during the day. And urinating immediately after intercourse can help wash bacteria away from the urethral opening.
- Drink more water: Studies have shown people who drink more water are less likely to have recurrent urinary tract infections. Mann suggests that you drink at least 2 liters of water daily.
- Practice safer wiping and cleaning: Wiping from front to back helps avoid bacterial contamination. Avoid irritating feminine products with dyes, fragrances and parabens. Instead, wash with water whenever possible. And, please, dont ever douche unless otherwise advised to do so by your practitioner, says Mann.
- Try a different birth control: If you have repeated urinary tract infections, you may want to avoid using a diaphragm and spermicide, including spermicidal condoms. Talk to your doctor or clinician about other birth control options that can lower your risk for UTIs.
Your Uretha Is Irritated After Having Sex
“I have many patients with urethritis after intercourse who believe they have UTIs, but when I culture before and after, the cultures are negative,” Rice says. People sometimes even call the UTI-like symptoms you can get from intercourse “honeymoon cystitis.”If this is what you’re dealing with, the symptoms should go away within a few days without antibiotics. “Often, if I prescribe natural supplements and bladder pain relief medications, the symptoms are limited to less than 24 hours,” Rice says. You should still consult your doctor, but don’t be surprised if they advise pain relief rather than antibiotics.
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Seek Medical Attention For Utis
It is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have a UTI particularly if you think you may have a bladder or kidney infection, both of which are very serious conditions. Early treatment of urinary infection can help to prevent infection spreading to the bladder or kidneys.
Your doctor will test your urine to check which micro-organism is present. Urinary tract infections usually respond quickly and well to antibiotics.
What You Need To Know About Urinary Tract Infections In Dogs
Urinary tract infections in dogs, also known as bacterial cystitis, can cause pain and discomfort for your pup. If you suspect your dog has one, its important to get them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Lets take a look at the signs, symptoms, and treatment options if youre a pet parent who thinks your furry friend might be suffering from a urinary tract infection.
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Uti Causing You Back Pain
Tessa Chatham Registered Nurse
Tessa Chatham Registered Nurse
Tessa is a MSN prepared Registered Nurse with 10 years of critical care experience in healthcare. When not practicing clinical nursing, she enjoys academic writing and is passionate about helping those affected by medical aliments live healthy lives.
Treatment Options For Utis
Drinking water and cranberry juice are two common recommendations for lower UTIs. However, research has shown the methods to be inconclusive. Extra liquids make urination easier but do not treat the root cause. Speaking with a doctor is the first step. Doctors will then prescribe antibiotics. As bacteria could stay in the cells of the bladder, removing the infection can be difficult. However, when caught early, antibiotics can be effective.
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Other Risk Factors For Urinary Tract Infection Problems And Symptoms
Especially as women get older, they experience some thinning of the tissues in the vagina and bladder, and when you lose estrogen with menopause, the nerves dont function as well and the muscles dont contract as well, Dr. Rabin explains. All these changes can cause urinary leakage or difficulty emptying the bladder fully. Whats more, the easiest way to get a urinary tract infection is to allow the bladder to have high residual urine, she adds. Its better to empty the bladder completely to let it fill completely.
Being sedentary can magnify these risks because when you sit still, blood doesnt circulate as efficiently to the tissues, which may affect nerve and muscle function around the bladder. Plus, prolonged sitting is associated with reduced core strength and likely less work for the pelvic floor muscles that are used more when someone is standing, Dr. Brubaker notes.
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If you have lower urinary tract symptoms, your best bet is to see a doctor to find out why. Various medications or health conditions including pelvic organ prolapse, and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinsons disease could be to blame, in which case youd want to treat the cause directly.
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Southern Cross Medical Library
The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. For more articles go to the Medical Library index page.
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Treating Urinary Tract Infections
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.
Penis Pain And Urinary Tract Infection
ByJohn Dugan | Submitted On February 27, 2015
While urinary tract infections are far more common among women, it’s possible for men to suffer the scourge of this condition as well, resulting in penis pain and several other symptoms. Fortunately, when caught early, UTIs are easily treatable and tend not to cause any long-term problems. If left untreated, though, serious health problems can occur as the infection works its way up the urinary tract. It’s important, then, for men to know the symptoms in order to take the appropriate penis care steps to treat such an infection as well as to prevent one. Below, men can learn about the causes, risks, symptoms, treatments and prevention methods for urinary tract infections.
Cause
Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria is present in the urinary tract. This system includes the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. The infection is usually caught and treated when it is present in the lower tract . If left untreated, it can progress to the kidneys and lead to serious problems. Usually, the infection occurs when bacteria enters the tract through the urethra. However, it’s also possible for one to occur if something like a kidney stone or bladder stone is blocking the flow of urine through the rest of the tract.
Risks
Risks factors for UTIs in men include:
– Catheterization
– A history of surgery on the prostate or urinary tract
– Kidney or bladder stones
– Unprotected sex with an infected partner
– Unprotected anal sex
Symptoms
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Whats The Difference Between A Urinary Tract Infection And Bladder Infection
A urinary tract infection is a more general type of infection. There are many parts of your urinary tract. A UTI is a term for an infection that takes place throughout the urinary tract. A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a specific infection. In this infection, bacteria makes its way into the bladder and causes inflammation.
Not all urinary tract infections become bladder infections. Preventing the spread of the infection is one of the most important reasons to treat a UTI quickly when you have symptoms. The infection can spread not only to the bladder, but also into your kidneys, which is a more complicated type of infection than a UTI.
Lower Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
Common symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection include:
- Frequent and urgent need to urinate
- Burning or painful sensation while urinating
- Strong-smelling urine
- Urine that is bloody and/or cloudy in color
- Lower abdominal pain
Good to know: Lower urinary tract infections present similar symptoms in both men and women. However, men may also experience rectal pain, while women may experience pelvic pain.
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Things You Can Do Yourself
To help ease pain:
- takeparacetamolup to 4 times a day to reduce pain and a high temperature for people with a UTI, paracetamol is usually recommended over NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
- you can give childrenliquid paracetamol
- rest and drink enough fluids so you pass pale urine regularly during the day, especially during hot weather
It’s important to follow the instructions on the packet so you know how much paracetamol you or your child can take, and how often.
It may also help to avoid having sex until you feel better.
You cannot pass a UTI on to your partner, but sex may be uncomfortable.
Taking cystitis sachets or cranberry products has not been shown to help ease symptoms of UTIs.
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
If you are a healthy adult man or a woman who is not pregnant, a few days of antibiotic pills will usually cure your urinary tract infection. If you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe a medicine that is safe for you and the baby. Usually, symptoms of the infection go away 1 to 2 days after you start taking the medicine. Its important that you follow your doctors instructions for taking the medicine, even if you start to feel better. Skipping pills could make the treatment less effective.
Your doctor may also suggest a medicine to numb your urinary tract and make you feel better while the antibiotic starts to work. The medicine makes your urine turn bright orange, so dont be alarmed by the color when you urinate.
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How To Prevent A Silent Uti
I was so grateful my newfound knowledge was helping me improve my life. But I wasnt satisfied with early detection. I wanted to find a way to prevent UTIs, Mashunkashey added. So, I kept pressing my doctor and I guess I finally asked the right question because I learned that taking vitamin C at bedtime can prevent bacteria from building up in the system. The doctor explained that C allows healthy acid to rest in the bladder overnight so that the harmful acid in urine cant take hold. I started taking 1,000 mg each night and I havent had a single flare-up in years.
Vitamin Cnot only helps ward off UTIs, it can also outsmart stress. So say Canadian researchers in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. They gave 52 people who were deficient in vitamin C a daily dose of 500 mg and tracked their moods for eight days. The results? Study subjects experienced a 71 percent drop in symptoms including fatigue, sadness, and irritability, as well as a 51 percent decrease in anxiety. According to the study authors, vitamin C plays a crucial role in balancing the brain chemicals that rule our emotional response to stress.