Urinary Tract Infection

·       A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that occurs in the urinary system. UTIs are most common in women, although they can occur in men as well. They affect people at any age. Common reasons for a UTI are having sex, high blood sugar, menopause, pregnancy, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate or having problems with your body’s ability to fight disease or other sickness. UTIs can be cured with antibiotics. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what antibiotic is right for you. 

Definition 

The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection in any part of the urinary system. People of any age or gender can develop a UTI, but they are more common in women. More than 60% of all women will get at least one UTI in their lifetime and 20% to 40% of those women will have a repeat infection. 

Bacteria lives all over the body and routinely passes through the bladder. Often, the body flushes bacteria out by passing urine, which stops you from developing a UTI. Symptoms of a UTI should never be ignored. It is vital that you talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: 

·       Pain or burning when you pass urine 

·       An urge to go to the bathroom often, even when your bladder is empty 

·       Cloudy, bloody and/or foul-smelling urine

·       Pain in your lower pelvic/bladder region or lower back

There are ways to prevent your chances of getting a UTI. These include: 

·       Drink plenty of fluids (2L/day), to stay well hydrated and to help flush out bacteria. Water is best.

·       Go to the bathroom when you need to and don’t rush to finish. 

·       Keep your genital area clean: uncircumcised men should retract and clean under the foreskin of the penis. 

·       Certain forms of birth control, such as spermicidal foam and diaphragms, are known to increase the risk of UTIs in women. Check with your health care provider about other types of birth control. 

Common reasons for developing a UTI are having sex, high blood sugar, menopause, pregnancy, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate or having problems with your body’s ability to fight disease or other sickness. If you do develop a UTI, it can be treated with antibiotics. Simple UTIs can be treated with a 3-5 day course of antibiotics. Complicated UTIs may need a longer course of antibiotics. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.