What do we know about Urinary Tract Infection(UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. Its main etiological agent is Escherichia coli (E.coli). Although urine contains a variety of fluids, salts, and waste products, it does not usually have bacteria in it. When bacteria get into the bladder or kidney and multiply in the urine, they may cause a UTI.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a bladder infection are burning with urination dysuria, frequency of urination, an urge to urinate, without vaginal discharge or significant pain. An upper urinary tract infection may additionally present with flank pain and a fever.
Tips on Prevention of UTI
- Dont hold your urine. Urinate when you feel like you need to.
- Urinate after having sex to help wash away bacteria.
- Wiping from front to back after urinating may actually help in removing the possibility of the vagina and urethra.
- Use enough lubrication during sex. Try using a small amount of KY jelly lubricant before sex if you are a little dry..
- Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria. This will result in urinating more and flushing away the bacteria that may have built up within the urinary tract, as well as hydrating the patient.
- Although some specialist recommend cranberry juice as prevention measure, it is not to be taken the same time with medications that contain warfarin.
- Changes in personal hygiene might be suggested as well.
- Some cases of UTI are attributed to the use of feminie products that may irritate the urethra. Commonly women are advised to avoid using such products which include douches and powders.
- To avoid UTI in newborns, mothers are advised to change soiled diapers as soon as possible.
- Studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risks of UTI in infants.
With these tips, urinary tract infection can be avoided so as to maintain a healthy body.
