WHAT IS A URINARY TRACT INFECTION?

UTI or Urinary tract infection is a common condition caused by the bacteria to grow and invade your urinary tract, causing severe discomfort and even pain. Therefore, you must consult a doctor immediately once you have identified the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Here are some of the things you need to know about UTI causes, especially in women.

The urinary tract is an organ that is located below the bladder. The urinary tract includes the kidneys and urethra, which work together to filter certain types of waste released from your body. When bacteria get into the urinary tract, they break down or tear the urinary tract's immune lining, which results in more frequent urination and infections. This is more common in females than males.

Who is more prone to urinary tract infection? 

Women are considered to be at high risk of getting this condition as it is more common in women than men. A UTI often affects women during their reproductive years and when they are going through their menopause. 

Women are more likely to develop UTI because the bacteria grow better in an acidic environment, which is usually found in the urinary tract. Women are considered to be at higher risk of getting a urinary tract infection is because they often do not use any protection while urinating.

What are some of the signs of urinary tract infection in women? 

Women who have had multiple UTI in the past may develop symptoms like fever, lethargy, muscle pain, headaches, irritability and a constant sensation like there is something stuck in the urinary tract. 

These symptoms result from the bacteria infecting the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. The infection will also affect the kidneys and bladder if not treated timely. UTI can also cause kidney damage if left untreated.

How does UTI develop?

Although most people can avoid UTI through proper hygiene, some may still develop urinary tract infections on their own... However, women are more likely to develop urinary tract infections when they have menopause. People can develop UTI without any symptoms as well.

How are UTIs diagnosed? 

Physicians can diagnose UTI using a urine test. A urine test can determine if bacteria from the urinary tract have infected the urinary tract or not. 

A catheterization procedure can also be done to determine the state of the urinary tract infection. Once diagnosed with UTI, a physician can prescribe various treatments to reduce the problem.