What Is A Urinary Tract Infection?
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect your urethra (a disease known as urethritis), kidneys (a condition known as pyelonephritis), or bladder (a condition called cystitis). Bacteria are not usually seen in the urine. Urine is a result of our kidneys’ filtering function. Urine is produced when our kidneys eliminate waste items and excess water from our blood. Bacteria can enter the urinary system outside the body, having infections and inflammation. The expert team of GetcareMd doctors is available virtually 24/7 to assist with all your medical needs.
Urinary Tract
The urinary tract has the following parts:
• Kidneys: These little organs are placed on the back of your body, slightly above your hips. They act as filters in your body, eliminating waste and water from your blood in the form of urine.
• Ureters: Ureters are narrow tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
• Bladder: A sac-like receptacle that holds pee before it exits the body.
• Urethra: This tube transports urine from your bladder to the outside of your body.
Symptoms of A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection causes the lining of the urinary tract to become red and irritated (inflammation), which may produce some of the following symptoms:
- Pain in the flank, abdominal, or pelvic region.
- Pain in the lower pelvis.
- Urine frequency
- Dysuria (painful urination) with blood in the pee
- Pee with an abnormal hue (cloudy urine) and a strong or bad odor.
- Pain when having sex
- Penis ache.
- Lower back pain or flank (side of the body) discomfort
- Fatigue.
- Fever and chills (temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Vomiting.
Diagnosis and Tests
To identify a urinary tract infection, a GetcareMd expert doctor will do the following tests and then provide a Doctor’s prescription online:
• Urinalysis: This test will look for red blood cells, white blood cells, and germs in the urine. The presence of white and red blood cells in your urine might suggest an illness.
• Urine culture: A urine culture identifies the type of bacteria present in your urine. This is an important test since it aids in determining the best therapy.
Management and Treatment
You will need to treat a urinary tract infection. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria and fight infection. Antibiotics are typically used to treat urinary tract infections. Your healthcare provider will pick a drug that best treats the particular bacteria that’s causing your infection. Some commonly used antibiotics can include:
- Nitrofurantoin.
- Sulfonamides.
- Amoxicillin.
- Cephalosporin.
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
- Doxycycline.
- Quinolones.
Don’t stop taking the antibiotic only because your symptoms have subsided and you’re feeling better. If the infection is not completely treated with the entire course of antibiotics, it may reoccur.
If you have a history of repeated urinary tract infections, you may be prescribed antibiotics to take at the first sign of symptoms. To avoid infection you may be prescribed antibiotics to take every day, every other day, or after sexual intercourse.
Prevention
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) may typically be avoided by making lifestyle modifications. These suggestions may include:
- Good personal hygiene: You may typically avoid UTIs by adopting good personal hygiene. Women must change pads and tampons timely as well as avoid using feminine deodorants.
- Increase your water intake, a minimum of 6-8 glasses is recommended. Avoid alcoholic beverages, citrus juices, caffeinated beverages, and spicy meals.
- Urinate right before and right after intercourse. This may aid in the removal of any microorganisms introduced during intercourse. You may also use warm water to clean the genital area before having sex. Don’t douche as it is harmful.
- Changing your method of contraception. Some women are more likely to acquire a UTI if they use a diaphragm for birth control. Consult your doctor about alternate methods of birth control.
- Using a water-based lubricant during sex: If you have vaginal dryness and use a lubricant during sex, use a water-based lubricant. If you have recurrent UTIs, you should also avoid spermicide.
- Changing your clothes: Wearing loose-fitting clothing will help keep you dry and prevent germs from forming in your urinary system. You may also use cotton underwear. This will keep more moisture from accumulating around your urethra.
Writer’s Note: If you experience recurring UTIs and have already gone through menopause, speak with your healthcare physician. Over-the-counter supplements are also available for UTIs. Before beginning any supplements, consult with your healthcare physician to see whether these are a suitable fit for you