UTIs, or urinary tract infections, are caused by microbes – typically bacteria but occasionally viruses or fungi – that affect the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. These microbes use the urethra to enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing infection. However, the urinary tract is designed to fight bacteria that invade the system, but it can sometimes fail. When the system fails, these bacteria multiply and can lead to serious infection if you do not consider UTI treatment as soon as possible.
Infection of the Kidneys
Also known as acute pyelonephritis, kidney infections are commonly caused by the Escherichia coli bacteria and others like Proteus and Enterobacter.
Infection of the Urethra
Infections of the urethra, also called urethritis, typically occur when the gastrointestinal bacteria spread to the urethra from the anus. However, it can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea, mycoplasma, or herpes.
Infection of the Bladder
Cystitis is a type of UTI caused by bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract – normally Escherichia coli, although other kinds of bacteria can sometimes be responsible. Cystitis can also be caused by sexual intercourse. However, women’s anatomy is the reason they are at a greater risk of cystitis. The urethra and the anus, and the urethra opening and the bladder, are much closer to each other than in men, making it easier for bacteria to find their way into the urinary tract.
UTIs can lead to serious health complications when left untreated, but if treatment is carried out correctly and on time, they rarely cause difficulties. Some severe symptoms include feeling pain when urinating and pain on your lower back, side, or lower abdomen. The pain can be caused by irritation of the urethra or the bladder’s lining. Another severe symptom of UTIs is the occurrence of a burning sensation when urinating. Other symptoms are;
- A strong urge to urinate
- Frequently urinating while only passing small amounts of urine.
- Cloudy urine, sometimes with traces of blood
- Urine with a pungent smell
When the kidneys are infected, they can spread the problem to your bloodstream, causing a severe health problem that can be life-threatening. When you keep on getting UTIs multiple times a year, they can seriously impact the quality of your life. Repetitive infections of the urinary tract can be caused by the following.
Avoiding the Bathroom After Sexual Intercourse
Engaging in sexual activities can bring about bacteria in your urinary tract system. This is because your partner might be having the bacteria, therefore, introducing it to you. Urinating immediately after sex can also help flush out any bacteria that has been introduced into your body.
Not Urinating Regularly and not Using the Right Procedure When Wiping Up
You should not hold in your urine for longer than necessary. Urinating helps to flush out the bacteria that can be present in the urinary tract.
The correct procedure to follow when wiping up after using the toilet is wiping carefully from the front to the back. If you do not do this, you can introduce rectal bacteria in your urinary tract that can cause UTIs.
Using Douches
Douches are sprays used to wash out the vagina, but they can be a risk to your health. Douches and other feminine sprays used for hygiene purposes can badly irritate your urinary tract and make it more prone to infections. Therefore, it is essential to avoid all these products.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Drinking water and other essential fluids help in flushing out the urinary tract and have been linked to a decreased risk of UTI. The more you take plenty of water, the more your urinary tract is flushed out; hence there is a prevention of bacterial buildup. The recommended amount of water to drink in a day for an individual is six to eight glasses.
Urinary Retention Caused by Constipation
Constipation can cause urinary retention, a common cause of urinary tract problems. This is because the same nerves control the bowel and the bladder next to each other. Therefore, if constipation occurs, it will affect the urinary tract.