What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria, usually from the digestive system, enter the urethra and travel up the urinary tract. A UTI is often accompanied by symptoms such as pain when urinating, frequent or urgent urination, cloudy urine, and/or a foul smell. UTI’s are also often accompanied by fever, nausea, and/or back pain. If left untreated, a UTI can cause serious complications, including sepsis, kidney damage, and even death.
What Causes a UTI?
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus, entering the urinary tract from the skin around the urethra. This can happen if you don’t maintain good hygiene, such as wiping from front to back after using the restroom or not changing your tampon frequently.
Sexual activity also increases your risk of developing a UTI, especially when it involves contact with new partners or foreign objects. Sexual lubricants can increase your risk of developing a UTI, and having multiple sexual partners can increase the spread of bacteria.
Other risk factors of developing a UTI include age, as children and older adults are more likely to get them due to the anatomy of their urinary tracts, and a history of urinary tract infections. Women also have a higher risk than men due to their shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel up to the bladder.
Prevention and Treatment
The best way to prevent a UTI is to practice good hygiene, such as using only your own bathroom and wiping from front to back. You should also drink plenty of fluids and urinate right after sexual activity.
If you suspect you have a UTI, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. It’s important to take all of your antibiotics, even after the symptoms have gone away, to prevent the infection from coming back.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend dietary changes if other treatments are not helping. Increasing your intake of vitamins C and D and drinking cranberry juice can help support your urinary system and reduce the risk of developing a UTI.
Conclusion
A urinary tract infection is a painful and potentially dangerous condition caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract from around the urethra or through sexual contact. Good hygiene is key to preventing UTIs, and if you suspect you have one, you should seek medical attention. With the right treatment, you can reduce your risk of developing further complications.