An urinary tract infection typically occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in your lower urinary tract, mostly your bladder. This is also called a bladder infection or cystitis. When it affect the upper urinary tract it is called a kidney infection or pyelonephritis.
These infections are in 80-85% of all cases caused by the E. Coli bacteria of your gut. In 5-10% of all cases this can be caused by a staphylococcus saprophyticus. Rarely these infections are caused due to viral or fungal infections.
Risk factors:
First of all intercourse: in young sexually active women it is estimated that about 75-90% of bladder infections are caused by intercourse. This increased risk is not seen in post-menopausal women.
The second risk factor is female anatomy: women have a high risk for developing a UTI. This is caused by their urethra. It is much shorter in women and is closer to the anus.
The next risk factor is menopause: a woman’s estrogen levels decrease overtime. This leads to a loss of protective vaginal flora which makes you more vulnerable for an UTI.
Other risk factors are: obesity, family history, blockages in your urinary tract, an impaired immune system, diabetes, the use of a catheter and/or recent surgery of your urinary tract.
Symptoms:
Lower UTI: discharge, a burning sensation when peeing, frequent peeing, blood in your urine pelvic pressure and pain in your lower belly.
Upper UTI: Upper back and side (flank) pain, high fever, shaking and chills, nausea and vomiting.
Tips:
– Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. It is recommended to drink at least 6-8 glasses per day.
– Drink cranberry juice. Although studies are not conclusive that cranberry juice prevents UTIs, some show it does.
– Wipe from front to back. Doing so prevents bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
– Other common tips are: Pee right after intercourse, avoid using irritating feminine products, take showers instead of baths, wear cotton underwear and change your underwear daily.
Treatment options:
– Get a medical examination.
– A simple UTI can be treated with one of the following antibiotics: Nitrofurantoin, cephalexin, ceftriaxone, trimethoprim or Fosfomycin.
– In addition your doctor might also prescribe you painkillers to relieve abdominal cramps, back pain and any discomfort you might experience.
– If you are frequently dealing with UTIs your doctor might recommend you to take a low-dose of antibiotics for 6 months, use a single dose of antibiotics after sexual intercourse or start with estrogen therapy if you’re postmenopausal.
– Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. –
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Literature:
1: Mayo Clinic. (2020). Urinary tract infection (UTI).
2: WebMD. (2020). Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
3: NHS. (2020). Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
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