SHARES
Every day we release our body waste through urination and defecation. We do it few times a day so it is crucial that we keep our genital parts clean to make sure it can function well. The most common disease that will arise in the genital area is urinary tract infection.
What is urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system which consists of kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Generally the infection will start from the lower urinary tract which is bladder and the urethra.
Where does the infection occur?
The infection normally occurs when the bacteria enter your urinary tract. The bacteria will first travel in urethra and reach the bladder.
What can possibly be the causes for infection?
E.coli is said to be the most common culprit causing UTI.
In fact, it is easier for woman to get infected because woman has a shorter urethra compared with that of a man.
Improper hygiene after sexual activity, improper wiping, urinary tract abnormalities can be causes as well
When women sit on unclean toilets, splashing of water can also lead to infections.
What are the symptoms of UTI?
Symptoms include:
- a burning feeling when urinating
- strong and constant urge to urinate, although only small amount of urine comes out
- urine with cloudy appearance
- urine with bloody colour
- urine with strange and strong smells
- pelvic pain for woman, especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
- fever or chills (sign of the infection is it has reached your kidneys)
What should I do if I suspect I have UTI?
Although it is not certain that having the above symptoms is indicative of an infection, it is advisable to approach a doctor to clarify the doubt. The primary test to find it out will be a urine test. Doctor will collect your urine sample and check if it contains UTI-causing bacteria. Besides that, it is advisable to first wipe your genital area with antiseptic pad and then collect the urine midstream.
What are the treatment options available?
Urinary tract infection is often treated with antibiotic first. The antibiotic is used to kill the bacteria and the symptoms would normally disappear after a few days. However you must finish the prescribed cycle of antibiotic completely.
However, if you have frequent UTI infections, the doctor may recommend a special treatment plan. A special treatment plane will probably be:
- taking a longer period of antibiotic but with a lower dose to prevent repetition of infections
- Self monitoring with urine test kit at home whenever the symptoms occurred.
- Take antibiotic for 1 or 2 days when symptoms occurred.
Can kids get urinary infection?
Other than women, UTI is also common in kids and in this case also, the girl child is at a higher risk when compared to boys.
Are there any home remedies for urinary tract infection?
People often have the belief that drinking cranberry juice can prevent UTI. Although there is some indication that cranberry products, either in juice or tablet form contain infection-fighting properties, there are no affirmative results yet and the researchers are still trying to find out.
Are there any measures to follow to prevent UTI?
In the case of women, it is essential to urinate prior to and after sexual activity. It is also important to wash the vaginal and labial tissues with water prior to and post sexual contact . Make it a point to urinate after any kind of activity that causes pressure on the urinary opening such as
- sexual activity,horseriding or cycling.
- Drink plenty of water always
- Wear cotton undergarments
- Practice good hygiene after urinating or passing stools
Urinary tract infection is a common disease that can happen to any of us. In fact, it is not always essential to have symptoms even you are infected. An annual health screening is necessary to find out if you are healthy. Act now before it is too late, care for yourself and care for others!
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by Kay
A lost guy adopted by GetDoc and wish to grow with them. View all articles by Kay.
