Why Am I Prone To Urinary Tract Infections

Signs Of Urinary Tract Infection

In some elderly people, mental changes and confusion may be the only signs of a UTI. Older adults with a UTI are more likely to be tired, shaky, and weak and have muscle aches and abdominal pain.

Symptoms of a UTI in the bladder may include:

• Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
• Pain or burning during urination
• Strong and frequent need to urinate, even right after emptying the bladder
• A mild fever below 101°F in some people

If a UTI spreads to the kidneys, symptoms may include:

• Chills and shaking
• Feeling tired or generally ill
• Fever above 101°F
• Pain in the side, back, or groin
• Flushed, warm, or reddened skin
• Mental changes or confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Very bad abdominal pain in some people

Some people may have bacteria in the bladder or urinary tract, but not feel any symptoms. If a urine test shows that you have bacteria in your urine, but you do not feel any symptoms, you may not need any treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether antibioticsthe medications that treat UTIsare needed.

How Can Urinary Tract Infections Be Prevented

To reduce the likelihood of developing another UTI, a patient may consider the following:

• Drink plenty of water every day.
• Large amounts of vitamin C inhibit the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine. Vitamin C supplements have the same effect.
• Urinate when you feel the need and do not resist the urge to urinate.
• Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.
• Take showers instead of tub baths.
• Cleanse the genital area before/after sexual intercourse.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches.
• Urinate after intercourse

Why Am I More Prone To Cystitis During Peri

Unfortunately, menopause is often associated with a long list of symptoms. Some women get off quite lightly whereas others seem to have a tougher time of it. But why does peri-menopause put us at a greater risk of cystitis?

• Fluctuating oestrogen fluctuating levels of oestrogen are the main cause of most menopausal symptoms. We have oestrogen receptors located all over our body and your urinary tract is no exception! As oestrogen levels gradually fall it can affect the structure and function of your urinary tract, making you more susceptible to infections

• Physical changes a number of physical changes during this stage in womans life can also make you more vulnerable to cystitis and urinary tract infections. As we get older, as a result of having babies and all the hormonal changes that weve had to endure throughout our time, the structure of the vagina and surrounding areas can change. This can impact the structure of the vagina directly but also the bladder and surrounding areas. This can make us more likely to experience problems such as incontinence, which can often make infections more likely. Vaginal atrophy, or dryness, is another big change that many women need to contend with and this is a common contributing factor when it comes to recurrent infections

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How Do I Know If The Treatment Isnt Working

If the treatment isnt working, your symptoms will stay the same, get worse, or you will develop new symptoms. Call your doctor if you have a fever , chills, lower stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. You should also call your doctor if, after taking medicine for 3 days, you still have a burning feeling when you urinate. If you are pregnant, you should also call your doctor if you have any contractions.

Why Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections Are Most Common In Older Women

Urinary tract infections are an aggravation at any age, but theyre most common in older women. For senior women, UTIs can cause serious health problems and may not come with the usual symptoms.

At Alpenglow Gynecology, we help patients of all ages in Littleton, Colorado, treat the uncomfortable symptoms associated with UTIs. Rickie Guida, WHNP-BC and our entire care team are committed to helping older women understand and treat UTIs before they cause lasting damage. We offer a comprehensive line of womens health services to help you feel your best at every age.

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Prevention And Diagnostic Concerns

Doctors recommend similar UTI preventive measures for older adults as for younger adults: Drink plenty of water, urinate before and after sexual activity, use the restroom regularly and always wipe from front to back. Sedentary elderly adults living in assisted living should be encouraged by caregivers to use the restroom frequently.

Treatment of a strong course of antibiotics is also similar to the treatment for younger people, but this assumes that the older patient is otherwise healthy.

Many doctors worry that older adults are over-diagnosed and over-treated for UTIs. That’s because urine testing in elderly patients can be more complex bacterial levels in their urine tends to be higher than normal anyway. Dr. Paul Mulhausen, a Des Moines geriatric physician, told the Inquirer he worries that UTI symptoms might be similar to those of more serious problems medication issues, strokes, internal bleeding or other infections including pneumonia. Extra precautions should be taken to ensure a correct diagnosis, he said.

Moreover, Mulhausen believes over-prescription of antibiotics is also concerning. The Centers for Disease Control has warned the medical community against over-prescribing antibiotics because of the building of antibiotic resistance and potential adverse drug reactions. This is especially a concern in an older population that already may take a variety of medications for other ailments.

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Speaking of condoms, while they generally shouldnt boost your UTI risk, ones with a certain ingredient might make you more susceptible than youd like. Some condoms have the spermicide nonoxynol-9, which can cause small abrasions on or around the urethra, says Dweck. Those abrasions give the bacteria easy access to your urethra, which is how you wind up with pee pain. Its not a reason not to use condoms, says Dweck. Just be more careful and look at the ingredient list.

Oh, and you know that tip youve heard about peeing before and after sex? Yup, it really works. Using the bathroom regularly can help flush bacteria out, says Rosenblum. It can be annoying to take a bathroom break before you can commence cuddling, but youll appreciate the gesture later when it doesnt feel like youre peeing actual flames.

There may also be a genetic component to who gets UTIs.

Recent research shows some people have a certain receptor in their bladder wall that allows bacteria to stick more easily, says Rosenblum. Although experts arent sure how common the receptor is or what causes it, theyre hoping for more research into the possibility.

Gender also plays a role guys are less like to get UTIs because dudes’ anatomy makes them especially lucky in that regard.

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What Are Other Possible Causes Of Painful Urination

A painful burning feeling when you urinate is often a sign of a urinary tract infection . However, painful urination can occur even if you dont have an infection. Certain drugs, like some used in cancer chemotherapy, may inflame the bladder. Something pressing against the bladder or a kidney stone stuck near the entrance to the bladder can also cause painful urination.

Painful urination can also be caused by vaginal infection or irritation. You might be sensitive to chemicals in products such as douches, vaginal lubricants, soaps, scented toilet paper, or contraceptive foams or sponges. If it hurts to urinate after youve used these products, youre probably sensitive to them.

Do I Need To See A Doctor

Yes. Painful urination can be a symptom of a more serious problem. You should tell your doctor about your symptoms and how long youve had them. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, such as diabetes mellitus or AIDS, because these could affect your bodys response to infection. Tell your doctor about any known abnormality in your urinary tract, and if you are or might be pregnant. Tell your doctor if youve had any procedures or surgeries on your urinary tract. He or she also need to know if you were recently hospitalized or stayed in a nursing home.

If your doctor thinks your pain may be from vaginal inflammation, he or she may wipe the lining of your vagina with a swab to collect mucus. The mucus will be looked at under a microscope to see if it has yeast or other organisms. If your pain is from an infection in your urethra , your doctor may swab it to test for bacteria. If an infection cant be found, your doctor may suggest other tests.

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Reasons Why You Might Get Recurring Utis

Many women who get a urinary tract infection may get one again at some point in their lives. In fact, one in five women experience recurrent UTIsan infection that occurs two times or more within six months or at least three times in a year. Men can get recurrent UTIs too, but it is not as common and is often due to some type of urinary tract blockage.

Bladder Health For Older Adults

Everyone uses their bladder many times each day, but they may not know what to do to keep their bladder healthy.

Located in the lower abdomen, the bladder is a hollow organ, much like a balloon, that stores urine. It is part of the urinary system, which also includes the kidneys, ureters, and urethra. Urine contains wastes and extra fluid left over after the body takes what it needs from what we eat and drink.

As you get older, the bladder changes. The elastic bladder tissue may toughen and become less stretchy. A less stretchy bladder cannot hold as much urine as before and might make you go to the bathroom more often. The bladder wall and pelvic floor muscles may weaken, making it harder to empty the bladder fully and causing urine to leak.

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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.

What May Cause A Uti After Sex

The urethra is the tube through which urine exits the body from the bladder. In women, this tube is short, making it quicker and easier for bacteria to enter the opening and infiltrate the bladder.

The bacteria that cause a UTI live in the area around the anus, Dr. Yavagal says. Sex can shift bacteria toward the front. From there, its just a short hop up the urethra into the bladder, where it can multiply and cause a UTI.

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Chronic Urinary Tract Infection

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What is a chronic urinary tract infection?

Chronic urinary tract infections are infections of the urinary tract that either dont respond to treatment or keep recurring. They may either continue to affect your urinary tract despite getting the right treatment, or they may recur after treatment.

Your urinary tract is the pathway that makes up your urinary system. It includes the following:

• Your kidneys filter your blood and generate body waste in the form of urine.
• Your ureters are tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• Your bladder collects and stores urine.
• Your urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of your body.

A UTI can affect any part of your urinary system. When an infection only affects your bladder, its usually a minor illness that can be easily treated. However, if it spreads to your kidneys, you may suffer from serious health consequences, and may even need to be hospitalized.

Although UTIs can happen to anyone at any age, theyre more prevalent in women. In fact, the

Uti Tests And Diagnosis

If you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection, go to the doctor. You’ll give a urine sample to test for UTI-causing bacteria.

If you get frequent UTIs and your doctor suspects a problem in your urinary tract, they might take a closer look with an ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI scan. They might also use a long, flexible tube called a cystoscope to look inside your urethra and bladder.

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What Is The Treatment For Urinary Tract Infections

Specific treatment for UTIs will be determined by your physician based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Extent of the infection
• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• Expectations for the course of the disease
• Your opinion or preference

Most commonly UTI’s are treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and length of treatment is determined by the specific bacteria and type of infection. Many women can be treated with a short course of antibiotics. Sometimes bladder analgesics such as phenazopyridine can be given to relieve the symptoms of the UTI. While these will not kill the bacteria they can significantly reduce symptoms. Drinking plenty of water to help cleanse the urinary tract of bacteria can be helpful. In cases of asymptomatic bacteriuria, often no treatment necessary or recommended.

How Is Uti In Babies Treated

Once your child shows the symptoms of UTI take your child to a pediatric nephrologist. UTIs are generally treated with antibiotics in liquid form for babies. The duration of medication and its dosage rely on the kind of bacteria that is bringing about the infection and how serious it is. After finishing a course of antibiotics, the kids doctor may redo the urine tests to confirm the infection is cleared. It is significant to ensure that the infection is cleared on the grounds that an incompletely treated UTI can reoccur more severely. Babies younger than 30 days old with UTIs typically need to be hospitalized for treatment.There are several home treatments for the children for recovering fast from UTI and decreasing its discomforts.

• Giving the babies barley water increases the frequency of urination , thereby flushes out the bacteria
• Pineapple fruit or its juice helps to alleviate the pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties
• Cranberry juice with its antiseptic property can help with both preventing and treating the UTI in children

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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.

If You Have Gone Through The Menopause Vaginal Oestrogen May Be An Option

If you have gone through the menopause and had your last natural period , your hormone levels will have dropped. As explained earlier, this leads to changes in the vagina and the urethra that can increase the chances of getting recurrent cystitis, as well as other problems like dryness and painful sex. You can read more about this in the separate leaflet called Vaginal Dryness .

Vaginal oestrogen has been shown to reduce the number of bouts of cystitis in postmenopausal women who get recurrent cystitis. However, it is not as effective as taking antibiotics regularly. It is usually taken as an estradiol tablet that you insert into your vagina at night twice a week or as a ring that releases estradiol continuously and stays in the vagina for three months at a time. It can help even in postmenopausal women who don’t have any of the other vaginal symptoms.

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Urinary Tract Infections Are Fairly Common

There are lots of natural ways you can prevent getting them. One is by using my coffee and baking soda protocol instead of antibiotics. The other includes cleaning up and strengthening your gut microbiome.

I received an email from Wendy about her being prone to UTIs from Tantric sex. Check out her email and my response below.

More Natural Ways To Cure UTI Click Here To Read The Article On My Website

How To Heal Your Gut With The Right Probiotics

HEAL YOURSELF

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Hi Wendy,

I seldom get UTIs anymore. Once I started peeing after sex, making sure we were both showered before sex, using organic coconut, sweet almond and avocado oils instead of chemical-laden lubes, having orgasms from intercourse and becoming more sexually confident they want away.

And I stopped taking antibiotics, eating wheat and minimized my sugar intake which cleaned up and fixed my gut microbiome. We also got checked for parasites. We didnt have any. But it was one more thing to rule out.

You are not prone to UTIs. You likely have a gut and vaginal flora microbiome imbalance and its exacerbated by certain practices.

And heres an article on my site on more natural ways to cure UTI.

If you want to learn of more ways you can clean and heal your gut microbiome, check this out.