A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, and cause extremely discomforting and painful symptoms. Although UTI can occur in men, it is more common among women. However, one must pay attention to their hygiene and take measures to prevent it in the first place. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Priyanka Suhag, Consultant-Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, shares some of the common ways it spreads and ways to prevent it.
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Common Symptoms Of UTI
Some of the common symptoms of UTI include:
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Pelvic pain
- A feeling of bladder fullness even after emptying
- Fever and chills
- Foul-smelling urine
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or back
Contraction And Transmission Of UTI
UTI is caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli (E.coli) and occurs when E. coli enters the urinary tract from the urethra and spreads to the bladder.
"Women are much more prone to UTIs than men, mainly due to the female lower urinary tract anatomy and its proximity to the reproductive organs," says a study published in the Journal Menopause Review.
According to Dr Suhag, one of the common ways in which UTI spreads includes inadequate cleaning of the genital area after using the restroom. “This allows bacteria to spread from the anus to the urethra, leading to UTI,” she explains, adding, “Delaying urination also allows bacteria to multiply in the urinary tract, making it easier for infections to develop.”
In addition, a compromised immune system due to certain medical conditions or medications can make the body more susceptible to UTI-causing bacteria, whereas sexual intercourse without proper precautions can also introduce bacteria into the urethra, increasing the risk of infection, especially in women, the doctor shares.
Lastly, dehydration and insufficient fluid intake can lead to concentrated urine, which may not effectively flush out bacteria from the urinary tract, increasing the risk of infection.
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How To Prevent UTI From Spreading
Preventing UTIs involves adopting good hygiene practices and lifestyle habits which includes:
- Drinking plenty of water to flush out bacteria from the urinary tract
- Wiping from front to back after using the restroom to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the urethra
- Avoid suppressing the urge to urinate and wear breathable cotton underwear to maintain a dry and healthy genital area
Conclusion
A UTI may often be mistaken for a yeast infection, given their shared symptoms including frequent and painful urination, vaginal itching, and pain. If you aren't sure what you're suffering from, take a urine test. As opposed to a UTI, yeast infection is a fungal infection usually caused by Candida species, primarily affecting the genital area in women, causing itching, burning, and abnormal discharge.