Urinary tract infections are something most women are well-versed in, not to say men cannot have them. Due to the anatomy of the renal system in women, women are more prone to UTIs.
In this condition, bacteria make their way into the urinary tract. The infection may then be present anywhere in the tract; from the kidneys to the bladder, all organs are susceptible.
The symptoms of UTIs include a burning sensation during urination. It is not only painful but an extreme source of discomfort as well. Moreover, it increases the urge to frequently urinate. People do not feel as if they have emptied their bladder even after making several rounds to the loo.
It also increases the pain in the pelvic region. There are also changes in the appearance of urine; it becomes cloudy and is accompanied by a strong odor. There might also be the presence of some blood in the urine. Some UTIs might also then require antibiotics to resolve, meriting a visit to your Urologist in Karachi.
Recurrent UTIs
Getting UTI once is bad enough, having recurrent episodes of painful infections can take a significant toll on your health. There are various reasons for you to have repeated episodes of UTIs. These include:
Bathroom practice
What happens in the loo might also be the reason for the recurring nightmare. Women’s urethra is shorter than that of men, so once bacteria is in, there is not much left to do except attack.
Moreover, their urethra is also closer to the anus, where the bacteria might be present in greater amounts.
The way you clean them might be the reason for the repeated UTIs. When you clean from back to front, you usher in the bacteria. It is therefore important to clean properly and from front to back. Drying properly is also important.
Genetic
Another factor that is beyond your control is genetics. Women who have mothers and sisters with a history of UTIs are more likely to have bouts of UTIs.
Health condition
Some health conditions can also increase the risk of UTIs. Some people have urinary tract shaped in a certain way that increases the risk for frequent urinary tract infections. Furthermore, kidney and bladder stones also increase the risk of regular UTIs.
Lowered immunity
People with poor immunity are also more likely to have UTIs, and naturally, recurrent episodes. Moreover, people who are diabetic are also more likely to have repeated UTIs.
Menopause
Women who are menopausal are more likely to have recurrent UTIs. This is because of the changes in the body that occur after menopause. The good bacteria in the vagina decrease with age. This allows the bad bacteria to run unchanged.
Furthermore, with age as well, the bladder is less able to contract, so it is harder to discharge it completely. Therefore, allowing the bacteria to harbor.
Sexual activity
People who are sexually active are more likely to have recurring UTIs, especially women. There are very many sources of bacteria during sexual intercourse; whether it be the genitals, limbs, or whatever accessories that you may be using.
Furthermore, some contraceptives may also be behind the increased UTIs. When you use spermicide, you then kill off the good bacteria, which keep in check the bad bacteria. Hence, the lack of the former allows the latter to flourish. Similarly, using condoms and diaphragms also increases the chances of UTIs.
Treating recurrent UTIs
You can improve your chances of not getting UTIs. These include:
Fluids: Taking plenty of fluids to prevent the dreaded infections. It will also then help you pee frequently, allowing the exit of the bacteria.
Sex-related care: Women should pee after sex, so to immediately push out the bacteria. There are other birth control options that you can explore if the physical ones are behind the infections.
Antibiotics: Your urologist in Lahore might also decide to give you antibiotics for the infection.