A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in the urinary tract, which includes the bladder and urethra. Anyone can have an infection of this type, but it is more common in the case of those who have a vulva.
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection is an infection in the urinary tract, which includes the following:
- The bladder: the organ that collects and stores urine
- The urethra: the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body
There are two types of urinary tract infections: cystitis and urethritis. Cystitis is an infection in the bladder. Urethritis is an infection in the urethra. If left untreated, they can spread and cause a kidney infection. For this reason, urinary tract infections should be taken seriously no matter how common they may be.
What causes urinary tract infections?
Getting these infections is quite easy. Bacteria that live in the vagina, genitals, and areas near the anus can enter the urethra, travel to the bladder and cause an infection. This can happen during sexual activity when bacteria that reside in the genitals, anus, your partner’s fingers or in a sex toy enter the urethra. These infections can also be caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea or other microorganisms.
Although urinary tract infections are not transmitted from one person to another like sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs ), having sex can lead to acquiring these infections or making them worse. You don’t have to have sex to get these infections. Everything that causes bacteria to come into contact with the urethra can cause a urinary tract infection.
The propensity to acquire these infections is greater in the following cases:
- You already had a urinary tract infection.
- Do you have diabetes?
- You suffer from obesity.
- You use spermicide or a diaphragm.
- You have kidney stones or other obstructions in the urinary tract.
Most people are not able to identify the exact cause of the infection because there are many things that can lead to acquiring it.
What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection?
One of the most common symptoms is a frequent and urgent need to urinate. You may have the feeling of wanting to urinate all the time, even if you have just gone to the bathroom. Other symptoms of urinary tract infections include:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Cloudy or smelly urine
- Blood or pus in your urine
- Pain, pressure or cramping in your abdomen, back or sides
If the urinary tract infection goes to the kidneys, symptoms may include the following:
- Pain in the middle of your back (to the right or left of the spine)
- Fever
- Shaking chills
- Sickness
- Vomiting
- Feeling tired
If you have any of these symptoms, tell the nephrologist in Delhi as soon as possible. Kidney infections are serious and should be treated immediately. These symptoms are not always caused by a urinary tract infection. Other infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases or vaginitis can cause frequent and painful urine. Only a nephrologist in Gurgaon can tell you for sure if you have a urinary tract infection.
How are urinary tract infections treated and avoided?
These infections can be diagnosed with a simple urine test, and are treated with antibiotics. The type, dose, and duration of treatment of a urinary tract infection depend on what causes the infection and your medical history.
How do I get tested for a urinary tract infection?
You have to check with a nurse or a doctor to know for sure if you have such an infection. Usually, it begins with a talk with the doctor or nurse in which your medical history and the symptoms you have been analyzed. A simple test called “urinalysis” is also done: all you have to do is urinate in a glass; This is then sent to the laboratory for tests to detect any bacteria or determine if there is any sign of infection.
In addition, the kidney specialist in Delhi may have to test you for a sexually transmitted disease ( STD ) that can cause a urinary tract infection or that has similar symptoms.
Is there a treatment for urinary tract infections?
Most of these infections are easy to treat. Urinary tract infection treatment in Delhi usually includes antibiotics, which end it. If you want, you can also take over-the-counter pain relievers. Antibiotics are usually quick and effective: most symptoms disappear on the first or second day of taking the medication.
In any case, be sure to finish all the indicated treatments, even if the symptoms disappear. If you stop urinary tract infection treatment early, it may remain in the body or come back If the symptoms do not go away after a few days or if you have more serious infections in places such as the prostate or kidney, your doctor for kidney in Delhi may recommend that you have more tests, change the medication.
Where can I get tested or treated for a urinary tract infection?
In the local health center, as well as in many other private clinics and medical offices, tests are performed and treatments are offered for this infection.
How can I avoid a urinary tract infection?
If you ever had a urinary tract infection, you know that once is more than enough. The good news is that they can be avoided. Try these simple tips:
- Drink plenty of fluids (including water).
- Urinate when you feel like it. Do not contain urine.
- Urine before and after having sex.
- Wash the skin around the anus and genitals with hot water and mild soap.
- Use barriers such as condoms and oral latex barriers during sex, especially during sexual contact with the anus.
You should also thoroughly wash everything that has touched or been inserted into your anus (such as a finger, penis or sex toy) before it touches the genitals. If you have a vulva, clean it from front to back after using the bathroom and keep it clean and dry. For this, wear underwear with a cotton crotch and avoid using vaginal showers, talcum powder and spray deodorants in the vagina.
If you have urinary tract infections frequently, take cranberry juice (no sugar, not sugary drink) or cranberry pills as a dietary supplement; Both can help prevent infection. If none of these things help, your nurse or doctor can give you a low-dose antibiotic so you can take it regularly after having sex. It is also a good idea to talk with the best nephrologist in
Delhi to see if there is any other reason why you might be getting urinary tract infections.