Women’s sexual health - Urinary Tract Infections
Unless if you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past decades in your life, then you must have heard of UTI somehow. UTI, short for Urinary Tract Infections, are a serious, through very prevalent health problem. You may have heard one of your family or friends complain about it, or you may have suspected that you have one yourself. Well, these cases are not isolated. UTI is affecting millions of people year in and year out. However, women are more prone to UTI’s because of how their reproductive organs are so structured.
A UTI occur when an infection occurs in the urethra area due to microorganisms, usually bacteria that is from the digestive tract. When these bacteria cling to the urethra opening and begin to multiply rapidly, that is when you have UTI. Normally, contrary to common belief, urine is sterile and contains salts, fluids, and waste products. It is however, free of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Symptoms Of UTI
To recognize whether of not you are having a UTI, the symptoms may include:
- Even when you have a strong urge to urinate, you’ll see that there is only a small amount of urine that is passed
- You are bothered with the more than usual frequency of urge to urinate
- There is a painful sensation around the area of your bladder or urethra, one that is akin to a , burning feeling, during urination
- If you are a man, you may experience a feeling of fullness in your rectum. However, if you are a women, you may feel a certain uncomfortable pressure just above your pubic bone.
- Your urine look milky or cloudy. Or it may look reddish because there is blood present.
- You feel generally bad, in all of your bodily functions. This can be betrayed by feeling tired, shaky and washed out
- You feel pain even if you are not urinating
- There is pain in your back or side, just below your ribs
- You fell nauseated and have urges to vomit
- If you are experiencing some of these symptoms plus a fever, then it may mean that your infection has already reached your kidneys. Please consult your doctor immediately.
UTI Diagnosis
To prove that you are having a UTI you need to submit a sample of your urine. This is then tested in a laboratory to find out if there is pus and bacteria.
If you are found to have UTI, your specific treatment must be determined by a competent physician. Your treatment would have to vary based on:
Your general health and medical history as well as the extent of the disease in your system. It also depends on your expectations for the treatment of your disease and your opinion or preference of treatment, see to it that you are well consulted about this. Of equal importance also in considering your treatment is your tolerance for certain medications, procedures, or therapies. However, UTIs are generally treated with antibacterial drugs. You may also be prescribed with drugs that are available to relieve your pain. To alleviate the discomfort, a heating pad may be given to you. You will also be recommended to drink plenty of water to help cleanse your urinary tract from bacteria. If you are having urinary tract infections, you must avoid coffee, alcohol, smoking and spicy foods.
Types Of UTI’s
The most common infection of most UTI’s arise from Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. This bacteria normally thrives in the colon. However, there are also microorganisms called Chlamydia and Mycoplasma which may also cause UTI in both sexes. However, these infections in men and women are limited to the urethra and reproductive system. It is then that UTI can be sexually transmitted and when these infections occur, treatment must be given to both partners.
The types of UTI would include the following:
Urethritis is a type of bladder infection that is limited to the urethra only. Cystitis meanwhile, is a bladder infection wherein the bacteria is moving from the urethra to the bladder. The pyelonephritis, on the other hand, is a bladder infection that when not treated promptly, the bacteria will then move up to the urethers and eventually infect the kidneys.
Preventive Measures
Since women are more prone to UTI, these are steps that a woman can take to avoid an infection. Some of these measures are also applicable to men.
- In using toilet papers, wipe from front to back. This will prevent the bacteria around the anus from going into your vagina or urethra.
- No matter how tempting a good soak can be, showers are healthier that tub baths.
- You must cleanse your genital area before having sexual intercourse. The act of penetration can push bacteria at your vaginal orifice into your vagina.
- You must avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and douches or at least limit them.
- You must drink plenty of water every day. Coconut water could also help you.
- You must urinate every time you feel the need to. Do not ever resist an urge to urinate.
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