Urinary tract infections are mostly caused by bacteria and a common bacteria that often is responsible for such infections is Escherichia coli (E. coli). UTIs are common infections and women are at greater risk of contracting them than men. According to some research, UTIs can affect about 60% of women and 12% of men during their lifetime. Urinary tract infections can cause pain and burning sensation during and after urination, leading to discomfort, and if left untreated it can spread and can affect kidneys as well. Connect with Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital which offers the best medical assistance and 24/7 emergency care and get your UTIs treated. Let’s start with understanding this medical condition.

What Is Urinary Tract Infection?

The urinary system includes kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs infect any part of the urinary system but they are more likely to affect the lower two, which are the bladder and urethra. Urinary tract infections are of various types and are known according to the infected part of your urinary system. Let’s discuss their types in more detail to understand them better.

Types of Urinary Tract Infections include:

Urethritis: In this type of UTI, the urethra becomes the location of infection. The urethra is the tube through which urine exits from the body. Pain, irritation, and burning sensation while urinating are the common symptoms of urethral infections.

Cystitis: Cystitis or bladder infections are the most common and can make someone’s life distressing by causing frequent urge to urinate, abdominal pain, and painful urination. This infection also causes inflammation in the bladder.

Ureteritis: As its name suggests, this type of infection affects the ureters, which are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. This is the least common type of UTI and has symptoms similar to other types of urinary tract infections such as a burning sensation and pain while urinating.

Pyelonephritis: When infections affect the lower part of the urinary system and are left untreated, they travel up to the kidneys through ureters and can affect them, causing pyelonephritis. This type of UTI is severe and can be critical if left untreated. High fever, nausea, and pain in the back (below the ribs) accompanied by symptoms of other UTIs are the common symptoms of pyelonephritis.

Why They Happen: Causes of Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are generally caused by E. coli bacteria which overcome the urinary system’s defence but there are several other factors also that cause UTIs. Here are other main causes:

Poor Hygiene: Maintaining poor hygiene can cause UTI, especially while wiping with toilet paper after using the toilet. UTI-causing bacteria are present in the gastrointestinal tract and can transfer from the anal region to the urethra if wiped improperly from back to front.

Sexual Activity: Sexual intercourse can contribute to developing urinal tract infections as bacteria can transfer from genital parts to the urethra. Women are more at risk because they have shorter urethra.

Blockages: Hindrances like kidney stones can cause blockage in the urinary tract, trapping bacteria inside the urinary system. It increases the risk of urinary tract infections.

Menopause and Pregnancy: During menopause, oestrogen levels drop, which can also be a factor for UTIs as it weakens the muscles of the urethra, making it ideal for bacteria to enter easily. On the other hand, during pregnancy, the increased weight pressurises the bladder, which blocks urine from exiting the body properly, making it an ideal condition for bacteria to grow.

Immunodeficiency: People with compromised immune systems are more likely to get UTIs as their bodies can struggle with bacterial invasion.

Preventions

After understanding all the major causes it becomes easier to take preventive measures. Some of the preventive steps include:

Drink Enough Water: Drinking enough water daily can help in flushing out bacteria from the urinary tract.

Maintain Good Hygiene: Keep the genital region clean and properly wipe the genital area after using the toilet.

Urinate Regularly: Empty your urinary bladder very often to reduce the risk of UTIs. Urinating after sexual intercourse also helps in flushing out the bacteria.

Wear Loose Cloths: Wearing loose cotton underwear allows better air circulation and reduces moisture.

Conclusion

Urinary tract infection is a common medical condition that can be easily managed and prevented by adopting preventive measures. Understanding various causes and factors, whether it is bacterial invasion, poor hygiene, or obstructions, plays a crucial role in seeking early medical attention to prevent further complications. By understanding UTIs and their types comprehensively, individuals can adopt various preventive measures such as drinking enough water, emptying the bladder regularly, and maintaining good hygiene. One can connect with Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital for better treatment and medical attention. They also offer 24/7 emergency care for any emergency.

Disclaimer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. Any such discrepancies should be brought to the blogger's notice for correction.