A urinary tract infection, or UTI, occurs when bacteria infect any part of your urinary system – the bladder, kidneys, urethra and ureters. Even while anyone can have a UTI, women are more likely to get one.
It might hurt and create discomfort if a UTI affects your bladder or urethra. Luckily, with appropriate antibiotic therapy, these symptoms usually go away in a few days. It can become a more serious health problem if the infection moves to your kidneys and gets into your blood.
What does the urinary tract do?
Your body actively expels urine through the urinary tract. It comprises a bladder, a urethra (a tube at the bottom of the bladder that allows urine to exit the body), two ureters (muscular tubes linking your kidneys to your bladder), and two kidneys.
UTIs come in a variety of forms, including:
● The most prevalent lower urinary tract infection that affects the bladder is cystitis.
● Infection of the urethra is called urethritis.
● Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection.
● More often than upper UTIs, which affect the kidneys and ureters.
● Lower UTIs affect the bladder and urethra.
● Adverse upper urinary tract infections (UTIs) can damage kidneys or spread to the bloodstream if left untreated.
Who can get a UTI?
Males and females alike might be affected by UTIs. However, because the urethra, the opening to the urinary system, is shorter in women, they are more vulnerable to UTIs. Bacteria can enter faster because of it. E. Coli bacteria are frequently found in the rectum, which is close to the urethra.
Over 50% of women may experience recurrent UTIs, and 20–30% will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime.
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), including older age, spinal cord injuries, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, and pregnancy, among others.
Urinary Tract Infections: What Causes Them?
Since bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to grow, they typically cause a urinary tract infection. The following are some of the things that can increase your chance of getting a urinary tract infection:
● Engaging in sexual activity
● Hygiene problems may arise from improperly wiping after using the loo from front to back.
● Disorders that block the urinary path, such as an enlarged prostate and kidney stones
● Using a spermicide-coated condom or contraceptive diaphragm
● Immune system weakness due to chemotherapy or diseases like HIV or diabetes.
● Making use of a catheter
● Having trouble passing gas in your bladder
● Menopause due to decreased oestrogen levels in the urine
● Recent surgery on the urinary tract
Women are more prone to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) because their urethra is shorter, allowing bacteria a shorter distance to travel to the bladder, and it’s closer to the anus.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
While symptoms of urinary tract infections are not always evident, when they are, the following are typical markers of a UTI:
● Having a stinging or burning feeling in your urine
● Having frequent urges to urinate
● Observing urine that is murky, dark, or has a strong smell
● waking up multiple times at night to go to the toilet
● Discovering blood in the urine
● Feeling an ache beneath your ribs in your lower abdomen or back
● Being unable to pass more than small volumes of urine
Kidney and ureter infections are known as upper urinary tract infections. These symptoms may manifest as these infections.
● Feeling hot and shaky or having a high temperature (38C/100.4F or above)
● Having chills and shivering
● Feeling nauseous and throwing up
● Feeling perplexed
● Exhibiting indications of restlessness and agitation
You can Book an Appointment with Top Gynaecologists in London to develop a treatment plan for you.
How can urinary tract infections be diagnosed?
If you suspect a urinary tract infection, contact your private gynaecologist in London to discuss your symptoms and medical history and undergo a thorough physical examination. Your doctor might recommend antibiotics and guide your unique issue. They may also suggest waiting 48 hours before starting antibiotics, allowing time to see if your symptoms improve.
Confirmation of a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) involves:
● Analysing a urine sample to detect bacteria and white blood cells.
● Cultivating a urine culture in a lab to identify harmful bacteria and determine the most effective medication.
For those experiencing recurrent UTIs, additional tests may be necessary to explore the underlying cause:
● Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans to generate images of your urinary tract.
● Cystoscopy involves the insertion of a long, thin tube with a camera into your urethra and through to your bladder.
If tests or scans are required, promptly schedule an appointment at Top Gynaecologists Clinic. They can swiftly arrange further diagnostics and, if necessary, develop a comprehensive treatment plan to help you regain optimal health as soon as possible.
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are usually treated with a brief course of medications. Men, women who are pregnant, and those who have more severe symptoms may require a somewhat longer course of treatment than women, who typically take antibiotic capsules or pills for three days.
After three to five days of medication, symptoms typically get better. Nevertheless, even if you begin to feel better, you must complete the recommended antibiotic treatment.
Additionally, your doctor might go over measures to stop recurrent UTIs. It could consist of:
● Urging as soon as you sense the desire to urinate.
● Maintaining adequate hydration by consuming drinks.
● To remove any bacteria that may have entered your urethra, urinate after sexual activity.
● Avoiding condoms that contain spermicidal lubricant or contraceptive diaphragms.
● Wiping after using the restroom from front to back.
● Steer clear of talcum powder, soap, and bubble baths around your genitalia.
● Selecting cotton pants instead of nylon or other synthetic materials.
● Avoid wearing tight clothing, as this can retain moisture and encourage the growth of bacteria.
Further treatments, such as low-dose antibiotics for six months, may be suggested for individuals having frequent UTIs.
● Taking an antibiotic in one dose following intercourse.
● Applying an oestrogen-containing vaginal lotion if you’ve experienced menopause.
Expert gynaecologists, especially those with experience managing UTIs, can assist when these infections become frequent and impact your quality of life. They will collaborate with you to create a tailored treatment plan, ensuring you receive care from the best professionals.
