UTIs, an ailment that disproportionately affects women, occurs when the bladder, urethra, or kidneys are infected. According to recent studies, approximately half of the female population will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, while only 10 percent of the male population will experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
What causes UTIs?
Once bacteria enter the urethra, the organ that transports urine outside of the body, the early stages of UTI commence. Sometimes, bacteria can multiply in the urethra, causing urethritis. More commonly, the bacteria is likely to travel through the urethra to the bladder, causing cystitis. Less commonly, it is transferred to one or more of the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis.
But how do the bacteria enter the urethra in the first place? Sometimes, bacteria can be transmitted from improper restroom hygiene. When women wipe from back to front, there’s a greater likelihood that bacteria will be spread to the urethra. Sexual activity can also lead to UTIs because of the short distance between the urethra and the vagina.
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing a urinary tract infection. These include having a compromised immune system, using spermicides and/or diaphragms as birth control, and going through menopause.
Symptoms of a UTI
The main symptoms of a UTI include feeling as if you need to urinate frequently and experiencing a burning sensation when you do urinate. Your urine might have a strong or unusual odor and can be cloudy or reddish.
The symptoms will vary, depending on which organ is infected.
The bladder
Bladder infections typically cause pain or pressure in the lower abdomen and pelvic region. Urine can be darker than usual and may even be contaminated by blood.
In the case of a UTI, urinating can be painful, and the urge to urinate may not subside.
The urethra
With urethritis, the most prominent symptom is a burning sensation when you use the bathroom. Irritation to the urethra can also cause unusual discharge.
The kidneys
The symptoms associated with kidney infections tend to be more severe. These infections also tend to be more dangerous and inflict greater harm on the body.
Kidney infections are characterized by pain in the patient’s sides and lower back. Sufferers might develop a fever and related symptoms, such as chills. In cases of severe infections, one may experience nausea and vomiting.
You should consult a physician immediately if you experience any combination of these symptoms.
How to treat a UTI
When it comes to urinary tract infections, prevention is half the battle. You can stop UTIs before they start by following some simple guidelines.
Get antibiotics from your doctor
If you’ve already contracted a UTI, be sure to visit your doctor right away. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are a common UTI treatment. They typically clear-up symptoms right away. Don’t forget to follow your doctor’s specific instructions and take the full course of treatment.
Take the right health supplements
Several health supplements on the market can help fight or prevent UTIs.
The healthy body contains “good bacteria.” When the supply of healthy bacteria reduces, bad bacteria strains are more likely to flourish. Probiotics, particularly lactobacillus, keep the body stocked with good bacteria. This decreases the number of opportunities for UTI-causing bacteria to make their way to the urethra.
Taking vitamin C supplements, in particular, can make the urine more acidic. This spiking acidity limits the growth of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract, keeping your natural flora in ship-shape.
Drink more water and cranberry juice
Upping your water intake is an easy way to both prevent and battle a UTI. The water helps to flush bacteria out of your system. It also dilutes your urine, which can reduce the burning sensation that some infections cause.
If you’ve ever experienced a UTI, you’ve likely encountered the age-old advice of “drink more cranberry juice.” For those who are unfamiliar with its UTI-fighting properties, cranberry juice contains Vitamin C, which makes your urine more acidic. It also contains a sugar called D-mannose. Some researchers believe that this substance wards off bacteria that can adhere to the cells of your urinary tract.
Overall, cranberry juice encourages bacteria to flush out of your system with ease.
Urinate frequently
Urinating also flushes bacteria out of your urinary tract. The longer urine remains in your body, the more bacteria builds-up. Frequent urination prevents these build-ups.
Wipe properly
One of the most common causes of UTIs is improper wiping methods, i.e. wiping from back to front. Because the distances between the anus and urethra and vagina and urethra are short, wiping from back to front makes it more likely that you’ll spread harmful bacteria to your urinary tract. With this in mind, always wipe from front to back.
Practice safe sexual hygiene
STIs can lead to urinary tract infections. To avoid STI-related UTIs, be sure to use protection and get tested frequently if you’re sexually active.
After sex, emptying your bladder thoroughly can assure no harmful bacteria travels to the urethra. By urinating, you can flush any existing bacteria from your system, before it has a chance to multiply and make you sick.
Final thoughts
While a UTI is inconvenient and can be horribly unpleasant, there are everyday measures you can take to dodge this infection’s raging side effects. With the proper wiping technique, good hydration, and daily supplement intake, your urinary tract will thank you.