Comprehensive Guide to Urinary Tract Infections

Frequent bathroom runs, the constant urge to go, or that burning feeling when you pee. Ugh! These could all be signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which women commonly experience. Whether this is all new to you or you've had your share of infections, here is a guide to help you make sense of urinary tract infections.

What exactly is a UTI?

So, let's start with a quick anatomy lesson: your urinary system has two parts. The upper part includes your kidneys and ureters (the narrow tubes that carry your urine from the kidney to the bladder). The lower part comprises your bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine outside your body). Bacteria enter your system and often cause an infection in your bladder (cystitis).

The bacteria can also affect one or both of your kidneys, resulting in a much more serious infection (pyelonephritis). This infection requires immediate attention since it can lead to awful complications.

What symptoms should I look out for?

Besides spending too much time in the bathroom, common signs of a UTI may include:

·   Pain or burning feeling while urinating

·   Feeling like you need to urinate even though your bladder is empty

·   Urinating often

·   Having dark red or pink-colored urine - a sign that you have blood in your urine

·   Feeling pressure or cramping in your lower abdomen

You should also be aware of other symptoms that may signal that the infection has moved up into your kidneys:

·      Feeling tired or sick

·      Chills and shaking

·      Night sweats

·      Nausea and vomiting

·      Pain in your side, back, or groin

·      A fever above 101°F

·      Mental changes or confusion

Call your healthcare provider right away if you think you have an infection.

Is it True that Women are more likely to get Urinary Tract Infections?

Sadly yes. Women are 30 times more likely to get a UTI compared to men. Blame it on the fact that your urethra is shorter and closer to your anus. This gives bacteria easier access to your bladder.

Are there any other Risk Factors for UTIs?

Yes, other conditions that may increase the likelihood of infection include:

·   Having a previous UTI

·   Sexual activity

·   Changes in the bacteria inside the vagina (like during menopause or when using a spermicide)

·   Age (older adults more likely to get UTIs)

·   Obesity

·   Pregnancy

So how are these Infections Treated?

The good news is that most urinary tract infections are easily treated. You will provide a sample of your urine so your doctor can check for white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria.

This test, along with extra lab analysis, will help your provider identify the bacteria causing your infection and determine the best antibiotic to treat it.

Even when your symptoms improve, keep taking your medicine. Stopping your treatment too soon may not kill off all the bacteria or cause your infection to come back after a short time.

You can also try using a warm heating pad for your belly pain or aching back. Also, be sure to drink lots of water. Increasing your water intake will flush out the germs and speed your healing.

Ok so, how can I prevent UTIs?

Even if you are careful with your hygiene habits, UTIs can still happen. So here are a few tips to prevent these troublesome infections:

Stay hydrated- Drink plenty of water to flush bacteria out of your urinary tract. Women who drank an additional 1.5 liters of water daily decreased repeated bladder infections by 50 percent and needed fewer antibiotic treatments.

Practice good hygiene. Wash the skin in your intimate area thoroughly and wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. This is essential to keep germs from getting into your urethra.

Dump the Feminine Hygiene Products- Feminine sprays, wipes, and powder can cause irritation and give bacteria a chance to creep into your system, so avoid using them.

Gotta Go? Go!Bacteria grows when urine stays in the bladder too long, so empty your bladder often. Also, pee after sex to flush away germs that might have entered your urethra.

Optimal Urinary Health

Chances are, you will experience a UTI sometime in your lifetime. But by understanding basic anatomy and practicing good hygiene, you can help your urinary system stay healthy and infection-free.

Janelle King is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Public Health. She has written articles for Sisters from AARP, The Body: The HIV/AIDS Resource, Modern Fertility, among many others, and featured in Women's Day Magazine. You can find her writing about reproductive health and wellness in her blog The Nurse Notein her spare time. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @thenursenote.