Urinary Tract Infections, also widely referred to as UTIs, usually occur among women because of their anatomical structure. By urinary tract one refers to the kidneys, the urethra and the urinary bladder; the culprit which causes this disease is a kind of bacteria found in the urethra. The occurrence of UTI is very common worldwide and it usually tops the chart of infectious diseases; moreover the ones who get it once might end up getting it again so it is wise for women to be aware of what might cause it and take precautions to avoid its occurrence at the very first place.
The Cause of Urinary Tract Infection among Women:
The urinary tract infection can be caused by a number of reasons, the most common among those being the bacterial invasion caused by personal unhygienic activities. The following list enumerates a few of these reasons
Carelessness with Personal Hygiene:
Women should be careful while maintaining personal hygiene since most of these urinary tract infections happen because the bacteria somehow manage to survive near the rectum and vagina. With regular wiping in the wrong direction after the bowel movements, which is wiping from the rectum towards the vagina instead of wiping away from one’s body, helps the bacteria to manage an entrance into the urethra and thereby cause the infection. Women especially should be very careful because the bowels are full of harmful bacteria and their anatomical structure makes it way too easy for the germs to cause an infection.
Not Drinking Enough Water:
Water is very important because it helps in washing away the toxins from the body. So drink lots of water every day in order to flush away the infection at the very first stage itself.
Careless Sexual Intercourse:
It is very important to maintain hygienic standards when it comes to having a regular conjugal life because sexual intercourse may assist the bacteria residing near the vagina to enter the urinary tract and cause an infection by pushing it inside the vaginal tract. Taking a good and thorough shower before going to bed may be rewarding in more ways than one.
Not Using the Toilet too Often:
The urine is stored in the urinary bladder which is made of muscles which expand and contract on the filling and emptying of urine respectively. If one gets into the habit of holding the urine for far too long then the muscles will lose its elasticity and expand. With time this condition can make it difficult to control urination and prevent the urinary bladder from emptying itself completely. Moreover one should refrain from not visiting the toilet at least once every three hours because the urine formed in the bladder will carry germs in it that might be the future cause of urinary tract infections.
No Proper Protection:
Sexual activities call for responsible behavior. One must use a proper form of protection like a trustworthy brand of condom while sexual intercourse. Sometimes diaphragms or spermicides may also be the cause of urinary tract infections.
A Kidney Stone:
The ones who have been suffering from a kidney stone will be at an added risk of getting urinary tract infection because the stone will prevent the complete passage of urine from the urinary bladder.
The Commencement of Menopause:
With the onset of menopause the hormone called estrogen decreases in the body and this lack of estrogen in turn may be the cause behind urinary tract infection.
Diabetes:
The women who suffer from diabetes will find themselves more susceptible to acquire urinary tract infection because this disease makes it difficult for the body to fight infections of all kinds.
Taking Bath in Tubs instead of Showers:
Bathing for hours in a bath tub can worsen the case of urinary tract infection. So opt for regular showers because it does not store the water that has come in contact with the body.
The Presence of a Catheter:
A catheter is used by the people who due to some medical condition are unable to pass urine on their own. When there is a catheter installed the chances of urinary tract infection is high because it makes the urine come in contact with internal organs.
Unhygienic Toilets:
Exercising caution while using public toilets. Always flush before sitting on the toilet seat and make sure that it is dry. Some doctors suggest not to sit completely on a toilet seat no matter how clean it may appear because this is how one comes into direct contact with germs.
How to Identify a Urinary Tract Infection:
Among all the infections that a woman might have she has to be aware of how to indentify an ordinary infection from a urinary tract infection. Following is a list of signs which signal the occurrence of urinary tract infections
There are many signs that indicate urinary tract infection and women should pay heed to them, the most common among these telling signs is the tendency of not being able to urinate in spite of feeling like it.
- Sharp Sting While Urination: Women suffering from urinary tract infection will feel the urge of visiting the toilet even though they will be unable to pass urine. And while passing urine the ones who have contracted urinary tract infection would even feel a sharp burning sensation thereby making it extremely difficult to urinate.
- Color in Urine: If one finds that the urine does not smell right or notices that the color has changed to something of a more cloudy and unclear looking liquid then it is a sure sign of urinary tract infection. If one notices blood while urinating then one should not waste any time and visit a doctor immediately for a speedy treatment.
- Physical aches and Fevers: When one notices frequent aches around the lower abdominal area or falls sick every now and then finds out that these ailments are coupled with a tendency to feel tired and worn out most of the time, one should be pretty sure that the signs all indicate urinary tract infection.
How to Treat Urinary Tract Infection:
There are many home remedies available for the treatment of urinary tract infection but before administering any of these one must visit a good doctor and explain one’s problems to him or her. The doctor would usually cure an ordinary urinary tract infection with a regular dosage of antibiotics.
Urinary tract infection can be tackled with so women do not need to lose their sleep over it. A healthy diet full of vitamins especially vitamin C can be of great advantage. More vitamins translate into more weapons in the body to fight all sorts of infections with. A frequent glass of cranberry juice has been known to miraculously keep all urinary tract infections away so make it a point to sip it from time to time. A healthy and active life full of nutritional foods, proper exercises and hygienic habits will prevent the multiplication of most kinds of germs.
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