Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are extremely unpleasant. Most men and women will experience at least one UTI at some point in their life; however, there are cases of recurrent UTIs. If you suffer from recurrent UTIs, you can develop several infections over the course of your lifetime. UTIs are extremely uncomfortable; not to mention the fact that they are very inconvenient. If you are prone to urinary tract infections, don’t just sit back and wait for one to strike; be proactive and take measures to prevent the development of a UTI. By making changes to your lifestyles can help, as can Uqora, a daily UTI prevention medication.
What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection?
UTIs usually develop when bacteria makes its way into the urinary tract via the urethra. Once the bacteria enter the urinary tract, it travels to the bladder, and once there, it grows. While UTIs are more common in women, men can be susceptible, too. UTIs can infect either the bladder (cystitis) or the urethra (urethritis). The former usually occurs when E. coli makes its way into the bladder. Sexual intercourse is often the cause of this type of infection; however, those who aren’t sexually active can develop this type of infection, too. The latter, urethritis, develops when bacteria from the GI tract pass from the anus into the urethra. This, too, can be caused by sexual intercourse; however, those who are not sexually active can also develop urethritis.
UTI Risk Factors
As mentioned, being sexually active can increase the chances of recurrent urinary tract infections,; particularly for women. During sexual intercourse, bacteria from the rectum can be transported into the vagina, which can then work its way up into the urethra and bladder. There are other factors that can increase the risk of developing this type of infection. Women are more prone to UTIs because of their anatomy. Their urethras are shorter, and it’s situated within close proximity to the anus. The bacteria that are responsible for causing UTIs dwell in the rectum, therefore it is easier for these bacteria to pass into a women’s urethra and spread into the urinary tract. Additionally, hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause can increase the risk of recurrent UTIs.
There are other factors that can contribute to recurrent urinary tract infections, too. For example, it has been found that people who suffer from chronic health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, are at a greater risk of developing these infections because the immune system is weakened. Furthermore, elderly women are more prone to UTIs, which is believed to be linked to the loss of muscle control within the bladder.
Other risk UTI risk factors include:
- Abnormalities within the urinary tract
- Blockage of the urinary tract
- The use of catheters
- Procedures of the urinary tract, such as a PAP smear or surgery
Symptoms of a UTI
Urinary tract infections are marked by a number of symptoms. If you are experiencing one or more of the following, chances are you are suffering from a UTI:
- An intense, persistent need to urinate
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
- Cloudy urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Pain in the pelvic region
UTI Prevention
While antibiotics can cure a UTI, if you develop them regularly, you could become resistant, which will render them ineffective. Prevention is the best way to avoid a UTI. To prevent this type of infection, make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids – particularly water – on a daily basis. When using the bathroom, wipe from front to back. Additionally, fully empty your bladder after intercourse and don’t use obtrusive feminine products, such as douches or powders. Lastly, taking a prevention medication from Uqora can help to reduce your chances of developing a UTI. To find out more about this prevention medication, visit Uqora, or speak to your healthcare provider.
