Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs) are a common health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. However, few people recognize the main signs and circumstances that contribute to the occurrence of these infections.
Eminent urologist Dr. Saket Narnoli discusses the main Causes of urinary tract infections and gives some tips on how to avoid it and what to do in case of the occurrence of the disease.
Understanding Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection can therefore be described as the state at which the body parts that take part in one’s urinary system for instance; the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra have been invaded by bacteria. Sometimes because of their virility they can bear with ease through the physiological barriers of the body and, as such, can invade the body causing infection.
Main Causes of UTI
Bacterial Invasion
UTI causes are mostly-resulted from-intrusion of bacteria that are normally found in the intestines. These bacteria however have the tendency to transit from the anus to the urethra hence causing infection. His is often the case in women because the urethra is relatively short and bacteria is easily introduced into the bladder.
Sexual Activity
Sexual intercourse is a certain common reason for UTI behavioral risk factor because during this activity bacteria can be introduced to the urethra. In this regard, it was argued that women are more vulnerable to the disease than men due to their structure. A practicing of other forms of birth control such as the use of diaphragms or spermicidal agents also leads to the development of UTIs.
Poor Hygiene
Bacteria can also gather around the urethral opening if personal hygiene is not properly administered and can be one of the main reasons for urine infections. This is extremely pertinent in women especially when they are in their periods and pads or tampons may not be changed regularly. Males are also vulnerable in as much as they do not clean the genital area appropriately.
Urinary Stasis
Urinary retention is defined as the inability to empty the bladder to the required extent. This may occur as a result of; Benign prostate hyperplasia, particularly in the elder male folks, peripheral neuropathy of the bladder or it could be a side effect of some medications and therapies. If urine stays in the bladder for a long time this forms a good terrain for bacteria to breed.
Catheter Use
Immobilised patients, especially those who need catheters, are prone to getting urinary tract infection. Those that have catheters run the risk of being exposed to bacteria and in the process have bacteria introduced into the urinary tract, the longer the catheter usage the higher the risk of an occurrence of an infection. This is particularly dangerous and one has to ensure clean procedures and change catheters as frequently as is possible.
Common Symptoms of UTIs
There is, therefore, a need for one to be able to identify these symptoms in order to be in a position to seek more advanced health care in case of a suspected main cause of UTI. Common symptoms include:
- Increased and sudden desire to pass urine
- Burning sensation or irritation while urinating
- The conditions that characterised include passing of frequent small amounts of urine.
- Foul smelling urine or the change in colour of the urine
- Hematuria or, the presence of blood in the urine
- Abdominal pain in women
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a Urologist professional like Dr. Saket Narnoli for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Risk Factors for UTIs
Several Factors leading to urine infections. These include:
1.Gender
Women are more vulnerable to develop UTI causes than men because of the short urethra through which the bacteria can easily enter into the bladder. Males can also get UTIs which is more so in old age when they are diagnosed with prostate challenges.
2.Sexual Activity
The above age sexual practices such as the frequency of sexual intercourse or sexual activity, sexual partner, and new sexual partners contribute to contracting UTIs. Also, the use of diaphragms and spermicidal agents tend to raise this risk.
3.Age
The elderly population are particularly vulnerable to developing UTI risk factors because of their possible weaker immunity, their ability to have difficulty holding their bladder and requirement for catheterization.
4.Menopause
This is usually occasioned by hormonal changes that occur in postmenopausal women which makes the urinary tract vulnerable to infections.
Preventing UTIs
It was ascertained that prevention was vital in the case of UTI causes. Here are some tips recommended by Dr. Saket Narnoli.
1.Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important as this will lead to frequent urination and the urine will be diluted hence acting as a washout for the bacteria.
2.Practise Good Hygiene
Practice genital cleanliness; clean the genitals , and wear fresh underpants and tampons to decrease UTI risk factors.
3.Urinate After Sexual Activity
As a rule, pathogens can enter the urinary system; therefore, it is advisable to urinate after some sexually energetic behavior.
Conclusion
That is why the UTI causes and risk factors were analysed in this paper as understanding them may contribute to the prevention and control of the disease. Anyone who has signs of a UTI should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Dr. Saket Narnoli is a best urologist who singles out the significance of timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid the development of severe urinary pathologies.
