Urinary tract infection, as the name suggests is the infection in our urinary system which mainly comprises of kidneys, the urinary bladder and the urethra. If any of these organs get infected, the infection is termed as urinary tract infection or commonly called as UTI. However, majority people suffer from lower urinary tract infection wherein the infection spreads across the urethra and the bladder. But, a urinary infection restricted only to your urethra and bladder can be extremely painful and also quite annoying.

Urinary tract infection is not a very a serious condition, but if not treated in time the infection may easily lead to a more severe condition. So, if you are not much aware about the infection, here is a detailed note about urinary tract infection.

About urinary tract infection

Urinary tract is the system which not only makes urine abut also carries it out from our body and excretes it through the urethra opening. The entire urinary tract system includes our 2 kidneys, the urinary bladder and urethra, the tube connecting the previous two together. The urinary tract gets infected when it is infused by germs which lead to the infection. In the initial stage of the infection, only the bladder and the urethra get infected. But, with the course of time and no medications, the infection may also spread right into the kidneys. A urinary infection that has spread up to the kidneys is a very severe condition and also causes permanent damage to your kidneys. Thus, it gets extremely important that you take immediate medical help and treat the urinary tract infection rightly.

Causes of urinary tract infection

Germs are the main reason that causes the UTI and the infection starts from the urethra. These germs that lead to a urinary tract infection, reside in your body’s large intestine and can also be tested positive in your stools. When these germs get into your urethra, they can possibly travel up to the urinary bladder or the kidneys and lead to urinary infection.

Women, as compared to men have more risk of getting affected by urinary tract infection. And, the probable reason for this is that women have a smaller urethra than men. Thus, the germs causing the infection tend to travel faster to the bladder or the kidneys in a women’s body in comparison to a man.

Having sex is also one of the major reasons that cause urinary infection. If your partner has UTI, there is high possibility that you will also contract it during sex. One of the best ways to avoid the infection is by peeing after having sex.

Risk factors

• Being a Female: Generally, women are found to be at a greater risk of contracting the infection as compared to that of men.
• Sexually active: Sexually active women should always urinate after sex to prevent the contraction of the infection.
• Birth control diaphragms: Women using a diaphragm as a birth control, may contract the infection more frequently.
• Menopause: The lack of estrogen during menopause can lead to urinary tract infection.
• Urinary tract abnormalities: Many babies are born with abnormalities in the urinary tract. This doesn’t allow them to urinate easily or pushes the urine back into the urethra.
• Suppressed immune system: People suffering from diabetes and other diseases which affect their body immune system are more at risk of conceiving the urinary tract infection.
• Using catheter: Usually people hospitalized due to diseases or surgeries or paralysis use a catheter (a tube) for urinating. Catheters are not usually hygienic and have germs that lead to urinary tract infection.

Symptoms of urinary tract infection

The symptoms of urinary tract infection are very clear and hence, very easy to diagnose. Here are some of the major symptoms which you may check yourself for ensuring whether or not you are suffering from urinary tract infection.

• Burning sensation when you urinate
• Feeling of urinating more frequently, but not excreting much urine when you pee
• Tender or a slight heavy feeling in your belly
• Urine looks cloudy and smells bad
• Pain under your ribs, on one side of your of your back (near your kidneys)
• Fever and chills
• Vomiting and also nausea.

Treatment for urinary tract infection

The treatment for a urinary infection is very simple and not at all painful. Simply drink lots of water all through the day and consume the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Drinking water and fluids help drain out your urinary bladder completely, thus also removing the germs from your body. Make sure you eat the antibiotics regularly and complete the dose. If you fail to continue the regular dosage, there are chances that the infection may relapse. Also, improper treatment can also lead to a severe urinary tract infection which may also infect and damage the kidneys. Thus, follow the given medication and take good care of your health for fast recovery from the infection.

Preventing urinary tract infection

• Drink more water
• Drink cranberry juice or the available cranberry pills
• Urinate as frequently possible
• Urinate after sex
• Wash regularly after urinating

So, now that you are completely aware about urinary tract infection, make sure you take the necessary precautions and avoid getting infected with urinary infection. Also, make sure you clean and disinfect your toilets regularly for avoiding the infection altogether.