How To Deal With Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

About UTIs

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in any part of your urinary system, which includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection from microbes. These are organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by fungi and in rare cases by viruses.

Symptoms of UTIs

• A burning feeling when you pee
• A frequent or intense urge to pee, even though little comes out when you do
• Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling pee
• Feeling tired or shaky
• Fever or chills (a sign that the infection may have reached your kidneys)
• Pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen.

Causes of UTIs

Anything that reduces your bladder emptying or irritates the urinary tract can lead to UTIs. Large numbers of bacteria live in the area around the vagina and rectum, and also on your skin. Bacteria may get into the urine from the urethra and travel into the bladder. But no matter how far they go, bacteria in the urinary tract can cause problems.

Body factors

Women who have gone through menopause have a change in the lining of the vagina and lose the protection that estrogen provides, that lowers the chances of getting a UTI. Some women are genetically predisposed to UTIs and have urinary tracts that make it easier for bacteria to cling to them.

Birth control

Women who use diaphragms have also been found to have a higher risk of UTIs when compared to those who use other forms of birth control. Using condoms with spermicidal foam is also known to be linked to greater risk of getting UTIs in women.

Other common causes

Issues such as diabetes also put people at higher risk for UTIs because the body is not able to fight off germs as well. Other conditions that can boost your risk include hormonal changes, multiple sclerosis, and anything that affects urine flow, such as kidney stones.

Preventive Measures

• Empty your bladder often as soon as you feel the need to pee, don’t rush, and be sure you’ve emptied your bladder completely
• Wipe from front to back after you use the toilet
• Drink ample fluids and keep your body hydrated
• Don’t put off urinating when you need to and don’t rush to finish. Holding in urine and not draining your bladder fully can increase your risk of UTIs
• Cranberry juice can help prevent UTIs.

TIPS

Urinary tract infections are a common problem and can be frustrating to deal with. However, staying hydrated, practicing some healthy habits and supplementing your diet with some UTI- fighting ingredients are good ways to lower your risk of getting them. Increasing vitamin C intake may decrease the risk of UTIs by making the urine more acidic, thus killing off infection-causing bacteria.

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