Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) - What Are The Causes, Symptoms And Risk Factors?

As a lady, one thing you are always conscious about is infection. You don't want to face its ugly effects. However the caution should also be taken by males. One of these infections to be very careful about are UTIs .You must have heard of urinary tract Infections. What are they? What are their Symotoms and causes? What are the risk factors that can make me more susceptible? How can it be treated? This article provides reliable answers these question.

UTIs, What are they?

A UTI is an infections are caused by microbes—organisms too small to be seen without a microscope. Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs but can also be caused by fungi or viruses.. Normally, bacteria that enter the urinary tract are quickly removed by the body before they cause symptoms. But sometimes bacteria overcome the body’s natural defenses and cause infection.

UTIs are the second most common type of infection in humans. The National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) reports that UTIs account for over eight million doctor visits annually.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in any part of the urinary tract.  A bladder infection is known as cystitis and a kidney infection is known as pyelonephritis. Kidney infections are much less common — but often more serious — than bladder infections. Women tend to get more bladder infections than men. This is probably because women have shorter urethras, so it is easier for the germs to move up to their bladders. Having sex can make it easier for germs to get into a woman's urethra.

How do they come about?

 The bladder serves as a storage container for urine, which is then emptied by urinating through the urethra, a tube that connects the bladder to the skin. The urethra connects to the end of the penis in a male and connects to an area above the vagina in a female.

Normal urine is sterile and contains no bacteria. Usually, germs get into your system from the external through your urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body. The germs that usually cause these infections live in your large intestine and are found in your stool. If these germs get inside your urethra, they can travel up into your bladder and kidneys and cause an infection.

 Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

Symptoms of UTI depends on the part of the urinary tract that is infected.

Lower UTIs are infections of the urethra and bladder. Their symptoms include:

• burning with urination
• increased frequency of urination with scanty amounts of urine being passed
• bloody urine
• cloudy urine
• urine that looks like cola or tea
• strong odor to urine
• pelvic pain (women)
• rectal pain (men)

Upper UTIs are infections of the kidneys. These are potentially life threatening, if bacteria move from the infected kidney into the blood. This condition is called sepsis. Sepsis can cause dangerously low blood pressures, shock, and death. Symptoms of upper UTI include:

• pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides
• chills
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting

You may be more likely to get an infection if you have diabetes or you are pregnant. The chance that you will get a bladder infection is higher if you have any problem that blocks the flow of urine from your bladder. Examples include having kidney stones or an enlarged prostate gland.
 
Women who are pregnant and have symptoms of UTI should see their doctor right away. UTIs during pregnancy can cause premature delivery and high blood pressure. UTIs during pregnancy are also more likely to spread to the kidneys.

Factors That Can Increase Chances of Urinary Tract Infections

Anything that reduces bladder emptying or irritates the urinary tract can cause UTIs. Many factors can put someone at risk.

• OBSTRUCTIONS: Blockages that make it difficult to empty the bladder can cause a UTI. Obstructions can be caused by an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and certain forms of cancer.

• GENDER: Women are more likely to get UTIs. This is because their urethras are shorter. UTIs in men are less common and more serious. 

• SEXUAL ACTIVITY: Pressure on the urinary tract during sex can move bacteria from the colon into the bladder. Most women have bacteria in their urine after intercourse. However, the body usually can get rid of these pathogens within 24hours. Bowel bacteria may have properties that allow them to stick to the bladder.

• BATHROOM HYGIENE: Wiping from back to front after going to the bathroom can lead to a UTI. This motion drags bacteria from the rectal area towards the urethra.

• SPERMICIDES: Spermicides can increase UTI risk. They may cause skin irritation in some women. This increases the risk of bacteria entering into the bladder.

• CONDOMS: Latex condoms can cause increased friction during intercourse. They may also irritate the skin. This may increase the risk of UTI in some individuals. However, condoms are important for reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

• DIAPHRAGMS: Diaphragms may put pressure on the urethra. This can decrease bladder emptying. Some studies have seen a higher UTI risk in women who use diaphragms.

• DIABETES: Diabetes may make patients more susceptible to UTI.

• LOSS OF ESTROGEN: After menopause, a loss of estrogen changes the normal bacteria in the vagina. This can increase the risk of UTI.

• PROLONGED USE OF BLADDER CATHETERS: Catheters are used when someone cannot urinate normally. These thin, flexible tubes are inserted into the bladder. They allow urine to drain into a container. Long-term catheter use can increase the risk of UTI. They may make it easier for bacteria to get into the bladder. Treatment for a catheter-associated UTI may require removal of the device. 

 READ ALSO; Urinary Tract Infections: things you never expect would increase your risk of infection.