What is a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of the urinary system. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. These are the structures that urine passes through before being eliminated from the body.
Common symptoms of urinary tract infection include:
- Sexual intercourse (especially if more frequent, intense and with multiple or new partners)
- Strong and frequent urge to urinate
- Cloudy, bloody or strong smelling urine
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle aches and abdominal pains.
The following factors can increase the likelihood of developing a UTI:
- Sexual intercourse (especially if more frequent, intense and with multiple or new partners)
- Diabetes
- Poor personal hygiene
- Problems emptying the bladder completely
- Having a urinary catheter
- Bowel incontinence
- Blocked flow of urine
- Kidney stones
- Pregnancy
- Procedures involving the urinary tract
- Suppressed immune system
- Heavy use of antibiotics (which can disrupt the natural flora of the bowel and urinary tract).
There are several measures that can be taken in order to reduce the risk of developing a UTI:
- Sexual intercourse (especially if more frequent, intense and with multiple or new partners)
- Drink lots of water and urinate frequently
- Avoid fluids such as alcohol and caffeine that can irritate the bladder
- Urinate shortly after sex
- Wipe from front to back after urinating and bowel movement
- Keep the genital area clean
- Showers are preferred to baths. Avoid using oils
- Sanitary pads or menstrual cups are preferred to tampons
- Avoid using a diaphragm or spermicide for birth control
- Avoid using any perfumed products in the genital area
- Wear cotton underwear and loose fitting clothing to keep the area around the urethra dry.
