What is Urinary tract infection
The urinary tract is the body's filtering system
for removal of liquid wastes. Because we have a shorter urinary
tract, women are especially susceptible to bacteria that may
invade the urinary tract and multiply -- resulting in infection
known as a urinary tract infection, or UTI.
Although most UTIs are not serious, they can be a painful
nuisance. Approximately 50 percent of all women will have at least
one UTI in her lifetime with many women having several infections
throughout their lifetime. Fortunately, these infections are
easily treated with antibiotics. Some women are more prone to
recurrent UTIs than others and for them it can be a frustrating
battle.
What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?
The most common cause of UTIs are bacteria from the bowel that
live on the skin near the rectum or in the vagina, which can
spread and enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Once these
bacteria enter the urethra, they travel upward, causing infection
in the bladder and sometimes other parts of the urinary tract.
Sexual intercourse is a common cause of urinary tract infections
because the female anatomy can make women more prone to urinary
tract infections. During sexual activity, bacteria in the vaginal
area are sometimes massaged into the urethra.
Women who change sexual partners or begin having sexual
intercourse more frequently may experience bladder or urinary
tract infections more often than women who are celibate or in
monogamous relationships. Although it is rare, some women get a
urinary tract infection every time they have sex.
Another cause of bladder infections or UTI is waiting too long to
urinate. The bladder is a muscle that stretches to hold urine and
contracts when the urine is released. Waiting too long past the
time you first feel the need to urinate can cause the bladder to
stretch beyond its capacity. Over time, this can weaken the
bladder muscle. When the bladder is weakened, it may not empty
completely and some urine is left in the bladder. This may
increase the risk of urinary tract infections or bladder
infections.
Other factors that also may increase a woman's risk of developing
UTI include pregnancy, having urinary tract infections or bladder
infections as a child, menopause, or diabetes.
What Are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract
Infections?
Symptoms of UTI or bladder infection are not easy to miss and
include a strong urge to urinate that cannot be delayed, which is
followed by a sharp pain or burning sensation in the urethra when
the urine is released. Most often very little urine is released
and the urine that is released may be tinged with blood. The urge
to urinate recurs quickly and soreness may occur in the lower
abdomen, back, or sides.
This cycle may repeat itself frequently during the day or
night--most people urinate about six times a day, when the need to
urinate occurs more often a bladder infection should be suspected.
When bacteria enter the ureters and spread to the kidneys,
symptoms such as back pain, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting
may occur, as well as the previous symptoms of lower urinary tract
infection.
Proper diagnosis is vital since these symptoms also can be caused
by other problems such as infections of the vagina or vulva. Only
your physician can make the distinction and make a correct
diagnosis.
How Is a Diagnosis of UTI Made?
The number of bacteria and white blood cells in a urine sample is
the basis for diagnosing urinary tract infections. Urine is
examined under a microscope and cultured in a substance that
promotes the growth of bacteria. A pelvic exam also may be
necessary.
Note: If you have recurrent UTIs and bladder infections, you may
be interested in purchasing an at-home test for UTI, which is
available over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription. The test
consists of a dipstick that changes color when you have a urinary
tract infection. The test detects the presence of nitrite.
Bacteria changes normal nitrates in the urine to nitrite. The
test, which works best on first morning urine, is about 90%
reliable.
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