Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Have you ever felt a burning sensation when you pee? Or had the urge to go to the bathroom all the time? Maybe you've even noticed a strong odor or cloudy appearance in your urine. If so, you might have experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are a common condition that affects millions of people every year, but they can be uncomfortable and even painful.

In this article, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of UTIs, as well as some tips for prevention. So grab a cup of tea and let's dive in!

Symptoms of UTI

Here are some of the most common UTI symptoms female or symptoms of UTI in women:

• Abdominal pain/ cramps
• Shivering and fever
• Mucus or blood in the urine
• Burning sensation or pain when urinating
• Foul-smelling urine
• The frequent urge to pass urine
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• When bacteria spreads to the kidney, it causes back pain, nausea, and vomiting
• Either you’ll pass less urine or more

If you notice any of the above symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor and get a proper diagnosis in order for a proper treatment.

Symptoms of UTI According to the Parts that are Affected

Here are some of the most common symptoms of UTI in women according to the part affected:

1. Kidneys

If your kidneys are affected, then the condition is termed acute pyelonephritis. A few of the most common symptoms include the following:

• Back pain
• High fever as well as chills
• Nausea
• Continuous vomiting

2. Bladder

If the part of the urinary tract that is affected is your bladder, then the condition is termed cystitis. The common symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain
• Blood found in the urine
• Painful urination
• Lower abdominal pain

3. Urethra

If the part affected is your urethra, the condition is termed urethritis. One may experience various symptoms, such as a burning sensation and an unusual discharge when urinating.

Are UTIs Common in Pregnant Women?

During pregnancy, the urinary tract's anatomy changes. The ureters and bladder may be compressed when the uterus expands, causing the kidneys to enlarge. Pregnancy causes the bladder to be compressed, making it more difficult to empty. When you're pregnant, the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase, weakening your bladder and ureters. Because of the increased protein, hormone, and sugar content in your urine during pregnancy, the acidity in your urine is reduced. Bacteria thrive on abundant sugar. As a result, pregnant women are more likely to suffer from a urinary tract infection (UTI).

You may also like: How to Deal with UTIs During Pregnancy: Prevention, Treatments and Tips

What are the Causes of Urinary Tract Infection?

Here are five possible causes of UTIs:

1. Bowel bacteria

The primary cause of UTIs is the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which are commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and can easily travel to the urinary tract through the urethra.

2. Poor hygiene

Poor hygiene practices, such as not washing hands before and after using the bathroom or sexual activity, can increase the risk of UTIs.

3. Dehydration

Not drinking enough water can lead to concentrated urine, which can irritate the bladder and increase the likelihood of developing a UTI.

4. Sexual activity

Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, making it more susceptible to infections.

5. Certain birth control methods

Certain birth control methods, such as diaphragms and spermicides, can increase the risk of UTIs by promoting bacterial growth.

6. Holding in urine

Holding in urine for long periods of time can increase the risk of UTIs by allowing bacteria to multiply in the bladder.

7. Pregnancy

UTIs are also common during pregnancy as the uterus expands and exerts increased pressure on the bladder. These bodily changes and increase in hormones, blood flow and sugar in the body can increase the risk of a UTI.

It's important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of developing a UTI, they are not always the direct cause. UTIs can also occur without any apparent cause. If you suspect you have a UTI, it's important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Risk Factors Specific to Women Having UTIs

Since UTIs are frequent in women belonging to all age groups, numerous risk factors are associated with this condition. Thus, this eventually makes a woman more vulnerable to UTIs. A few of the risk factors are listed below:

1. Shorter urethra

The female anatomy involves a comparatively shorter urethra than the male anatomy. Therefore, there is a shortened distance that the bacteria has to travel in order to infect various other parts of the tract. Besides, the vulnerability to urine infection during pregnancy is heightened.

2. Sexual activity

Women who are sexually active may turn out to be way more vulnerable to UTIs than women who aren’t active. Apart from that, having multiple sexual partners can also increase your risk of a UTI.

3. Birth control

Women who generally use birth control methods such as diaphragms are usually at a higher risk. Besides, if you have been using spermicidal agents as well, you may be more vulnerable to a urinary tract infection.

4. Menopause

During menopause, there is a decline in the levels of estrogen, which then leads to numerous changes in the female body. Thus, these changes may lead to a UTI.

5. Blockages

Various blockages in your urinary tract may trap urine in parts such as the bladder etc. Thus, yet again, this could result in a urinary tract infection. A few of the common examples include kidney stones as well as enlarged prostate.

6. Weak immune system

Various diseases such as diabetes can eventually weaken the immune system, thus affecting the system’s defence mechanism against germs. This can eventually lead to a UTI.

7. Catheter

A catheter is a tube most commonly used by people who are not able to urinate on their own. Since these people find it difficult, they may have an increased risk of urinary tract infections.

8. Recent procedure

If you have recently had urinary surgery, you may be at a higher risk of developing a UTI. This is because an exam of your tract involved various medical instruments that eventually contributed to the increased risk.

Complications of a UTI

If a UTI is treated early, one may not have to suffer severe consequences. However, if left untreated, a urinary tract infection may lead to unexpected complications. A few of the complications are listed below.

• You may experience repeated infections of the urinary tract. This is common in women who may suffer from a UTI three or more times in a 6-month span.
• One may have to suffer from chronic kidney damage due to pyelonephritis.
• Pregnant women may have an increased risk of UTI during pregnancy, and this may lead to complications such as the delivery of premature babies.
• If the infection travels up to your kidneys, all the way from the bladder, then you may have to suffer from a life-threatening risk of developing sepsis. This is one of the most dangerous complications of a urinary tract infection.

UTI and Sexual Activity

It is crucial for you to understand that a urinary tract infection is not sexually transmittable. In short, it is not contagious. However, there are numerous risk factors associated when having sex with a person who suffers from a urinary tract infection.

For example, for a female that is suffering from UTI, sex may turn out to be painful and may eventually lead to irritation of the urethra. In fact, applying too much pressure on the inner walls of the vagina may increase the pressure on the already sensitive bladder, thus increasing the pain.

Sex can increase the risk of developing a UTI but introduce harmful bacteria into the sensitive urethra. In fact, any form of genital contact can invite bacteria into the urethra, regardless of the use of a condom. Hence, it is a recommendation that you avoid all kinds of sexual activities until the UTI symptoms are relieved.

Tips to Manage UTI at Home

Here are some home remedies that you can try to manage a urinary tract infection:

• To flush out all the bacteria from your body, you should drink lots of water and other fluids like coconut water, buttermilk, fresh fruit juice, flavored milk, and lemonade.
• If you are holding the urine for a longer time, then the bacteria multiply faster and will harm your kidneys. So, make sure to pee often.
• Intake of probiotics will help in restoring healthy bacteria in your body. For example- yogurt and raw cheese.
• Drinking unsweetened cranberry juice will help prevent the bacteria from entering the body. It is also used as a defense for the body as it will stop the growth of bacteria.
• You must increase your intake of vitamin C. Fresh fruits and vegetables like- kiwi, bell peppers, orange, and lemon are some of the foods rich in vitamin C.
• Cut sugar, refined foods, canned juices, alcohol, and caffeine from your diet.
• Take vitamin C, zinc, and beta carotene supplements with your doctor’s consultation.
• Avoid having physical relationships with your spouse if you are being treated for a UTI.
• Whenever you urinate, make sure you empty your bladder fully.
• Change your underwear and take a shower daily.
• Keep your washrooms clean and tidy and avoid using public washrooms.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and wear loose-fitted breathable garments.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene products like- powder, deodorants, strong soaps, antiseptic creams, etc.
• Always wear cotton and hypoallergenic underwear that is comfortable and feels good on your body.

You may also like: Cranberry Juice For Urine Infection: Myths & Tips

Foods to Consume to Recover Faster from a UTI

Although one may require medical attention to treat a urinary tract infection, you can consider consuming a few of these power-packed foods to help you recover quickly! A few of the foods listed below can help relieve urine infection symptoms in women:

1. Berries

Cranberries, raspberries as well as blueberries can help you recover from a urinary tract infection. This is because they contain substances like proanthocyanidin that prevent the growth of infection-causing organisms residing on the urinary tract lining.

2. High fiber foods

Consider consuming foods such as bananas, nuts as well as oats because these can help in removing harmful bacteria residing in your urinary tract. Apart from that, they can also help in regulating your bowel movements, eventually relieving some pressure off the bladder.

3. Salmon

Omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water fish can indeed prevent inflammation caused due to a UTI. However, if you are a vegetarian, you can consider consuming fish oil supplements as well. Yet again, it is crucial that you seek your doctor before adding anything to your diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, urinary tract infections are a common health issue that affects millions of people every year. They are caused by bacteria and can affect different parts of the urinary system. Symptoms of UTIs include pain during urination, frequent urination, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Treatment for UTIs usually involves antibiotics and pain relievers. However, it is important to practice good hygiene habits and stay hydrated to prevent UTIs.

References

1. Tan CW, Chlebicki MP. (2016). Urinary tract infections in adults. Singapore Med Jorunal

2. Abou Heidar NF, Degheili JA, Yacoubian AA, Khauli RB. (2019). Management of urinary tract infection in women: A practical approach for everyday practice. Urol Ann.