A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common type of infection in the urinary system. However, it is more prevalent in women than in men. There are many reasons for urinary infection cases in women. One of them is the anatomical structure. Also, not everyone knows, but UTI in women can be because of heavy use of antibiotics. In any case, some antibiotics before dental surgery are necessary to prevent bacteria from coming into the bloodstream that can promote this kind of infection. Read on to learn more about urinary tract infection in women, symptoms, risk factors, and more.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the body, specifically in the organ that generates urine and discharges it from the body. The organ is called the urinary system that incorporates the ureters, urethra, bladder, and kidneys. Doctors frequently partition urinary tract infections into two forms:
Lower Tract Infections
Cystitis or bladder infection is a common form of urinary tract infection. Bacteria regularly found in the intestine are the main reason for lower urinary tract infections. Also, these microorganisms spread from the rear-end to the bladder and urethra, where they develop, attack the tissue, and cause infection.
Upper Tract Infections
Pyelonephritis or kidney infections are an infection that involves the kidneys and ureters. An upper urinary tract infection typically occurs because microbes travel up from the bladder into the 
kidney. They happen when they travel from different parts of the body through the blood circulatory system and get comfortable with the kidney.
Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur because of the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), frequently found in the digestive system. Furthermore, women are affected much more regularly than men since ladies have short urethras that permit generally simple passage of bacteria into the bladder. Sex can make bacteria spread directly into the bladder. Likewise, the use of contraceptive caps and spermicides might switch the ordinary bacterial environment around the urethra and make infection almost sure.
Risk Factors For Urinary Tract Infections for Women
More than 50% of all women will encounter no less than one UTI during their lifetime, with 20 to 30 percent experiencing intermittent UTIs.
Pregnant women are not more likely to get a UTI than other women. However, if one does happen, it is more bound to go up to the kidneys. This is due to the changes in the body during pregnancy that influence the urinary system.
As a UTI in pregnancy can demonstrate risky for both maternal and baby wellbeing, most pregnant women get a test for the presence of bacteria in their urine. This is still necessary even if there are no symptoms. If there are, a doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent it from spreading.
Individuals of all ages and sex can foster a UTI. In any case, some individuals are more at risk of UTIs than others. Here are the following factors that can increase the risk of getting a UTI:
- sexual intercourse, particularly if more often, intense, and with numerous partners.
- pregnancy
- menopause
- poor personal hygiene
- diabetes
- issues emptying the bladder totally
- kidney stones
- having a urinary catheter
- the blocked flow of urine
- bowel incontinence
- certain types of contraception
- immobility for an extended period
- procedures involving the urinary tract system
- use of tampons and spermicides
- suppressed immune system
- heavy use of antibiotics, which can upset the regular flora of the bowel and urinary system
Signs and Symptoms
The urinary tract infection symptoms may rely upon gender, age, the existence of a catheter, and which area of the urinary tract has been contaminated. The usual symptoms of a UTI incorporate:
- frequent and intense desire to urinate
- a burning sensation or pain when urinating
- cloudy, bleeding, or strong-smelling urine
- muscle aches and stomach pains
- nausea and vomiting
In addition, individuals with catheters may just experience fever as a side effect, making diagnosis more troublesome.
Acute Pyelonephritis
It is a sudden and serious kidney infection. You could likewise encounter upper back and side pain, high fever, chills, shaking, exhaustion, and mental changes if you develop this condition. Acute pyelonephritis is an emergency condition, and you should see your doctor immediately.
Cystitis
A person with a bladder infection could also experience low fever and cramping in the stomach and lower back.
Antibiotics For Urinary Tract Infections
The type of antibiotic used to treat a bacterial UTI frequently relies upon which part of the urinary system is involved. Lower urinary tract infections can typically be treated with oral antibiotics.
While upper urinary tract infections require intravenous antibiotics, which insert directly into your veins.
Once in a while, bacteria foster resistance to antibiotics. To decrease your danger of antibiotic resistance, your doctor will probably place you on a brief treatment course if possible. Treatment usually keeps going for not over a week.
Home Remedies
Although there are no home remedies that can treat a UTI, there are a few things that you can do that can help your prescription work better.
These home remedies include drinking a lot of water that may help your body clear the infection quicker. Though cranberry is a popular treatment, a study on their effect on UTIs is diverse.
In fact, cranberry juice does not treat a UTI whenever it is begun. Nevertheless, a compound in cranberries might help prevent UTIs or certain types of bacteria that can cause a bacterial UTI from connecting to the lining of your bladder. Hence, this might be useful in forestalling future UTIs.
Prevention
There are various approaches you can take to reduce the risk of developing a UTI. These include:
- Drink lots of water and urinate frequently.
- Wipe from front to back after urinating and bowel movement.
- Keep away from alcohol and caffeine that can bother the urethra and bladder.
- Urinate shortly after sex.
- Keep the genital area clean.
- Avoid using any scented items in the genital area.
- Avoid using a spermicide or diaphragm for birth control.
- Wear cotton underwear and baggy apparel to keep the region around the urethra dry.
- Menstrual cups or sanitary pads are preferred to tampons.
People are encouraged to contact a doctor if they have the symptoms of UTIs, particularly if the symptoms indicate a potential kidney infection.
References:
Urinary Tract Infection.
https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html
What to know about E. coli infection.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/68511
Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
Birth Control: Spermicide.
Is That Burning Sensation a Urinary Tract Infection?
