Darrick Robles They are uncomfortable and annoying: A strong urge to urinate and a burning sensation when urinating are two symptoms of urinary tract infections that affect millions of people every year. According to the WHO, every second woman will suffer from a urinary tract infection or a bladder infection at least once in her life. Our guide provides answers to the most frequently asked questions from our patients.
What is a urinary tract infection – and how is it different from cystitis?
UTIs are infections that can affect the bladder , kidneys , and/or associated urinary tract . Cystitis affects the bladder and is therefore also called lower urinary tract infection . Doctors often speak of a urinary tract infection , since it is often not just the bladder that is affected.
Can only women get a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection?
Men and children can also get urinary tract infections, but women are most commonly affected. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 50 percent of all women will develop a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms that indicate a urinary tract infection are:
- Pain when urinating (this is usually described as a burning, stabbing pain)
- frequent urination
- frequent urination
- strong smelling or cloudy urine
- abdominal pain
“Fatigue often occurs alongside these symptoms with a UTI, and some people may also have blood in their urine,” says Dr. Rhianna McClymont, Physician at Med-Healths.
What causes urinary tract infections?
“There are many different bacteria that can cause a UTI,” explains Dr. McClymont. “Bacteria enter the urinary tract via the urethra and then ascend to the bladder, where they cause infection. Women suffer from it more often because their urethra is shorter and the bacteria move up into the bladder more quickly,” says Dr. McClymont. The bacteria can enter the urethra after intercourse or when wiping after using the toilet. Other causes of a UTI can include use of a contraceptive diaphragm , spermicide-coated condoms , or a compromised immune system .
How is a urinary tract infection or bladder infection diagnosed?
In women, a urine test is done to determine if a urinary tract infection is present. It can also rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as a sexually transmitted infection. Swabs are often used in men to check for other diseases.
How are urinary tract infections treated?
Most urinary tract infections can be treated well with antibiotics. However, in severe cases, inpatient treatment in the hospital may sometimes be necessary.
To relieve the pain until the symptoms subside, you can place a hot water bottle on your stomach, back or between your thighs. Try to get rest and drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the bacteria faster. Bladder and kidney teas can also have anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects.
When does a bladder infection or urinary tract infection subside?
Mild UTIs that are quickly treated with antibiotics usually last only a few days. However, sometimes they come back – a condition known as recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI). Although there are few studies on rUTI, it was found that 27% of women aged 17-39 years had a new UTI within 6 months of the first UTI, and another 3% had a third within that 6 month Times.
Why do urinary tract infections keep coming back?
Some women are genetically predisposed to recurrent UTIs, and if your mother or sister suffered from it, chances are you did too. The risks vary by age. A recent study found that the risk of recurrence can range from 16% to 36% in premenopausal women and as high as 55% in postmenopausal women.
Are there risk factors for urinary tract infections?
Sexual intercourse is one of the most common risk factors before menopause, as it is thought to lead to an increase in the number of bacteria in the bladder. That’s why experts recommend urinating after sex to flush out the bacteria.
The use of chemical birth control pills, also called spermicides, can also lead to UTIs in younger women. These drugs kill beneficial bacteria in the vagina, giving harmful bacteria a bigger surface to attack.
After menopause, the number of beneficial bacteria in the vagina decreases, and this is a completely natural process. In addition, the bladder contracts less than it used to, making it more difficult to empty it completely.
How can urinary tract infections be prevented and symptoms alleviated?
There are several tips you can use to protect yourself from urinary tract infections:
- Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
- Shower instead of taking a bath.
- Women should take care to wipe themselves “from front to back” when using the toilet.
“There’s no clear evidence that cranberry juice can actually help, but drinking never hurts, so you can try it for yourself to see if it helps with your symptoms,” says Dr. McClymont.
D-Mannose is a type of sugar taken daily as a pill or powder that can relieve symptoms. Some research has shown that this sugar can help in women (though not during pregnancy).
Can urinary tract infections be dangerous?
Most urinary tract infections only affect the lower part of the urethra. Bladder infections are usually not a cause for great concern. If a urinary tract infection like this is left untreated, the bacteria can sometimes migrate to one or both kidneys. This can lead to a kidney infection, which may require immediate medical attention .
“Watch out for warning signs such as a very high fever, feeling unwell, weakness, chills and pain in the back or flanks – these can indicate a kidney infection,” explains Dr. McClymont.
It is important that you seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. If therapy is started promptly, a kidney infection can be treated well with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can damage the kidneys or the bacteria can enter the bloodstream.
Should I go to the doctor?
If your symptoms last for several days or come back after treatment, you should seek medical help. You should speak to a doctor, especially if you have blood in your urine, abdominal pain or fever . The same applies if you have never had a bladder infection or UTI, or if you are pregnant.
