Signs, Symptoms, Prevention Treatment Urinary Tract Infection
UTI is caused by the spreading of bacteria in the urinary tract. Women are more prone to UTI because the bacteria that pass through the vagina can make its way to the urethra during sexual intercourse. The bacteria multiply into the kidney or bladder, which results to UTI. Poor toilet habits can also cause the infection, as well as pregnancy and prostate enlargement in men.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptoms of UTI are the following:
- The strong, uncontrollable urge to urinate though only a small or no amount of urine comes out
- Painful or burning feeling when urinating
- Blood mixed in the urine
- Soreness in the abdomen, sides and the lower back
- Mild fever
UTI can also lead to kidney infection. Infected persons will experience chills, high fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and lower back pain.
Treatment
You should visit the doctor as soon as the symptoms appear. Some people tend to ignore the symptoms thinking that it will go away. Ignoring the symptoms will only make the infection worse. Luckily, most UTIs can be cured easily by antibiotics. Antibiotics should be taken seven to ten days. To make sure that the infection is eliminated, a urine test should be taken after completing the treatment.
People with UTI are advised to drink lots and water and cranberry juice regularly to cleanse the bladder. Drinks with caffeine and spicy foods should be avoided. Sexual intercourse should also be avoided to let the inflammation disappear totally.
How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):
Women should be very particular about their vaginal hygiene. Sexually active women should always go to the bathroom to urinate and cleanse 15 minutes after sex. Use condoms to avoid contacting bacteria from a partner. Also, avoid doing sexual positions that can irritate the bladder or the urethra.
Women should wipe their vaginas from front to back using clean toilet paper.
The choice of underwear can also help prevent infection. The vagina should be kept as moisture-free as possible. Using panties with cotton crotch will allow the air to circulate in the genitals and keep the area fresh.
