The urinary system consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. If any of these organs are affected, it leads to urinary tract infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They usually occur in the bladder or urethra, but more serious infections involve the kidneys. Urinary tract infections are the second most common infection in the United States. Around 60% of all women will experience some symptoms in their lifetime, and 20% to 30% of those women will get it again. That results in 10 million doctor visits each year.
A bladder infection may cause pelvic pain, increased urge to urinate, burning pain with urination, and blood in the urine. A kidney infection may cause back pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Pain can occur during urination or sexual intercourse. Symptoms may include bladder spasm, cloudy urine, dark urine, blood sense of incomplete bladder emptying, vaginal irritation, whole-body fatigue, and fever.
The best way to manage urinary tract infections is to prevent them! Preventing urinary tract infections is important, especially for women. There many behavioral changes that allow you to limit your chance of developing urinary tract infections.
Here are some tips:
Wipe from front to back after urinating or after a bowel movement.
The rectum is a source of bacteria and in women is close to the urethra. Wiping from front to back ensures that bacteria do not spread from the anus to the urethra.
Stay well hydrated.
Drinking adequate amounts of water daily will ensure that you urinate often to flush out any bacteria that may be present in the urinary tract.
Urinate when you have to. Holding in your urine can encourage bacterial growth. It’s important to empty your bladder every 3-4 hours.
Wash your genital area before sex and urinate after sex.
Urinating after sex will flush out any bacteria that was introduced during intercourse.
Avoid douching and scented feminine products. These can alter the pH in your vagina leading to an overgrowth of bacteria that can cause UTIs, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis.
Change your birth control. Some types of birth control can increase your risk of developing a UTI such as the diaphragm and spermicides. Talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
Avoiding tight-fitting clothing and use cotton underwear.
This will prevent extra moisture from getting trapped around your urethra.
Consult with a doctor if you notice pelvic pain, lower abdominal pain, pain with urination, blood in the urine or dark-colored urine, and increased urge to urinate. Urinary tract infections should not be left untreated as they must spread to the bladder and one or both kidneys, which leads to acute kidney injury. People who are diabetic or who already have kidney problems are at a higher risk.
For more information, please call AMA Medical Center at (781) 581-6181 or contact us online. Schedule your consultations with the best doctors in Lynn, MA!
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