Urinary tract infection

The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection. People of all ages and genders can get UTIs, although women are at a higher risk. Children can also get UTIs, particularly those born with urinary tract abnormalities.

Although the urinary system is intended to force infections out, it is not successful every time. When it fails, bacteria can take hold, resulting in one of these infections of the urinary tract:

• Cystitis (infection of the bladder): Typically caused by E. coli, (a bacteria that’s commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract), this type of UTI can also be caused by sexual intercourse.
• Urethritis (infection of the urethra): When GI bacteria are spread from the anus to the urethra, this type of infection can occur. Sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma can also cause urethritis.

As previously mentioned, UTIs are more common in women, but there are certain risk factors that may put you at higher risk of suffering from a urinary tract infection.

The facts:

• Women who are sexually active are at a higher risk of a UTI than women who aren’t active.
• A new sexual partner increases that risk. Specific types of birth control, such as diaphragms, as well as spermicidal agents put women at a higher risk as well.
• Finally, after menopause women are more vulnerable to infection due to a decline in circulating estrogen.

If you’ve already suffered from one UTI, it’s important that you take precaution to prevent getting another urinary tract infection.

To avoid a second UTI:

• Whenever you feel the need to urinate, empty your bladder immediately. Make sure you empty it completely.
• Wipe from front to back.
• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
• Take showers instead of baths whenever possible.
• Try to avoid feminine hygiene sprays, scented douches and scented bath products that will increase your risk of irritation.
• Clean your genital area before having sex.
• After having sex, urinate to flush away bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
• Wear cotton underwear whenever you can and keep clothing loose. Tight jeans and nylon underwear can trap moisture and create an environment that breeds bacteria.
• If you use a diaphragm, unlubricated condoms or spermicidal jelly for birth control, you should switch to another method. These can increase the growth of bacteria and cause irritation, increasing your chance of getting a UTI.
• While studies cannot prove that drinking cranberry juice prevents UTIs, it is likely not harmful.

There are three types of urinary tract infections: infection of the urethra, kidney and bladder. It's important to know the symptoms of each kind.

If you are experiencing a UTI of the urethra, you may experience:

• A burning sensation when you urinate
• An intense urge to urinate is also common (although often very little urine comes out)
• Cloudy, strange-smelling urine
• Fatigue, fever or chills
• Pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen

Those who suffer from a UTI of the kidney are likely to experience:

• High fever
• Nausea
• Shaking and chills
• Upper back and side pain

Someone suffering from a UTI of the bladder may experience:

• Blood in their urine
• Discharge and burning with urination
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Painful urination
• Pelvic pressure

It’s important you seek medical attention as soon as possible if you believe you’re suffering from a urinary tract infection. A provider will need to take a urine sample from you to test it for the presence of bacteria.

Once a provider has properly diagnosed you with a urinary tract infection, they will give you an antibiotic to kill the bacteria.

It’s important that you complete the prescribed cycle of medication to ensure you kill the bacteria completely.

Tips for healing from a UTI include:

• You should stay extremely hydrated, drinking lots of water, to help flush all the bacteria from your system.
• In some cases, your provider may recommend or prescribe medication to ease the pain.
• Heating pads can also help to alleviate pain.