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What is Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary Tract Infections, also known as UTIs is an infection in the urinary tract that is commonly caused by microbes such as fungi, bacteria, and virus, of which, bacteria is the most common cause. A UTI can occur in any region of the urinary system and is more common in women than men. This condition can be extremely painful and can affect the bladder, kidneys, ureters and the urethra. The consequences of this condition can get serious if the UTI spreads to the kidneys.

What are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection?

The symptoms of urinary tract infection differ depending on the severity of the case. However, a few common symptoms include:

• Foul-smelling urine
• Cloudy, dark or bloody urine
• A frequent urge to urinate more often than usual
• Pain or burning sensation while urinating
• Pressure or cramping in the back or lower abdomen
• Frequent urge to urinate more often
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Pelvic pain in women, primarily in the center of the pelvis and the area around the pubic bone.
• Fever or chills

What are the Causes of UTIs?

A urinary tract infection or UTI often occurs when the urinary tract is infected by microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In most cases of this condition, the bacteria from the gut enters the urinary tract through the urethra and multiplies in the bladder. Listed below are some conditions that may increase the risk of a UTI.

• Difficulty in emptying the bladder completely
• Diabetes
• A weak immune system
• Certain conditions that obstruct the urinary tract. For example, kidney stones
• An enlarged prostate gland in men
• Using a contraceptive diaphragm or condoms that are coated in spermicide.

How Can Urinary Tract Infections be Treated?

Urinary tract infections are often treated with a short, three-day course of antibiotic capsules or tablets. However, in the cases of expectant mothers, men and others with many severe symptoms, a longer course may be prescribed by the doctor. The symptoms of UTI usually pass within three to five days’ post treatment. But, it is essential to complete the course of antibiotics, to have a faster recovery. In addition to the treatment, it is vital that you drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, as it will help you feel better. If your symptoms do not improve despite the treatment, it is essential that you visit a doctor at the earliest.

How Can You Prevent Urinary Tract Infections?

There are several ways in which you can prevent urinary tract infections. A few of them include:

• Drinking plenty of water and urinating frequently
• Keeping the genital area clean
• Avoiding fluids such as alcohol and caffeine as it can irritate the bladder
• Wiping yourself from front to back after urinating
• Avoiding the use of oils in genital areas
• Urinating immediately after sex
• Using menstrual cups or sanitary pads instead of tampons
• Avoiding the utilization of a spermicide or a diaphragm for birth control
• Wearing cotton clothes that are loose, and keeping the area around the urethra dry.
• Avoiding the use of perfumed products in the genital area

Apollo Experience

At Apollo Clinic, we are dedicated to making sure that you are always in the best of health. Therefore, offering you quality services and treatments for a range of medical conditions including urinary tract infections. With a team of highly skilled and experienced urologists, we assure to provide you with the best treatment for UTIs.