How to treat and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women and men explains the causes and what happens when the infection spreads to the kidneys. UTIs occur when germs infect the system that carries urine out of the body — the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that connect them. Bladder infections are common and usually not serious if treated promptly. But a serious illness if the infection spreads to the kidneys.
Men are much less likely than women to get UTIs. When it does happen, it’s often related to another underlying medical condition, such as a kidney stone or an enlarged prostate.
UTIs Symptoms
Most UTIs are bladder infections and the symptoms include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- The urge to urinate often
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Urine that is cloudy or foul-smelling
- Some people may have no symptoms
But an untreated bladder infection can spread to the kidneys which can cause damage that will permanently reduce kidney function. If you already have kidney problems, this can raise the risk of kidney failure. There’s also a small chance that the infection may enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs.
Urination, Sex, Period & Abdominal Pains
Signs of this kidney complication include:
- Pain on either side of the lower back
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
UTIs Risk Factors
UTIs are most common in sexually active women. Other factors that may increase your risk include:
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Taking frequent baths
- Holding urine in the bladder for too long
- Kidney stones
UTIs Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing a UTI is usually a simple urine test called a urinalysis. It looks for bacteria and abnormal counts of white and red blood cells. The dipstick test provides quick results. However, a urine analysis is insufficient to diagnose a UTI. Your doctor may also send urine to a lab for a culture to confirm the type of bacteria if it’s a UTI. At-home test kits can help detect a UTI but are not 100% accurate. Hence it’s better to review the results and symptoms with your doctor.
UTIs Treatment
Some UTIs do not require treatment, but prescription antibiotics will almost always cure a UTI. Your healthcare provider may recommend drinking lots of fluids and emptying your bladder frequently to help flush out the bacteria. Kidney infections can often be treated with oral antibiotics, too. However severe kidney infections may require hospital care, including intravenous antibiotics.
Treatment for Recurring UTIs
Some women are prone to getting UTIs over and over again. If you have three or more a year, talk to your doctor about how to prevent or minimize these infections. Your options may include:
- Taking a low dose of antibiotics long-term
- Taking a single antibiotic dose after sex
- Taking antibiotics promptly as self-treatment when symptoms appear
- Vaginal estrogen therapy in peri and post-menopausal women
For some women, using non-antibiotic treatment such as taking cranberry supplements can help prevent UTIs. However, discuss your options with your doctor.
People With Higher UTI Risks
How to treat and prevent urinary tract infections in people with higher UTI risks is explained further below:
Diabetes
People with diabetes are more susceptible to UTIs for several reasons because their immune systems tend to be weaker. Secondly, high blood sugar can spill into the urine and encourage the growth of bacteria. Likewise, nerve damage related to diabetes can prevent the bladder from emptying fully. So if you have diabetes, talk with your doctor at the first sign of a UTI.
Pregnancy
Several factors boost the risk of UTIs during pregnancy, especially a kidney infection. Hormones cause changes in the urinary tract. The uterus may put pressure on the ureters, bladder, or both. This makes it more difficult for urine to pass from the kidneys to the bladder and out. Therefore, untreated UTIs can contribute to preterm labor. So talk to your doctor if you suspect you have an infection.
Menopause
Estrogen has a protective effect on the urinary tract, but levels of this hormone drop off significantly during menopause. Low estrogen levels can make it easier for bacteria to thrive in the vagina or urethra. This is the reason women may be more susceptible to UTIs after menopause.
Hospital Stays
A hospital stay can put you at risk for a UTI, particularly if you need to use a catheter. This is a thin tube inserted through the urethra to carry urine out of the body. Bacteria can enter through the catheter and reach the bladder. This is more often a problem for older adults who require prolonged hospital stays or who live in long-term care facilities.
The Elderly
UTIs are among the most common infections in the elderly. However, the symptoms may not follow the classic pattern. Agitation, delirium, or other behavioral changes may be the only signs of a UTI in elderly men and women. This age group is also more likely to develop serious complications as a result of UTIs.
Infants
Babies occasionally develop UTIs, but can’t tell you what they feel. But, here are some signs to watch for:
- An unexplained fever
- Strange-smelling urine
- Poor appetite or vomiting
- Fussy behavior
Treat a baby’s UTI quickly to prevent kidney damage. Quickly removing a dirty diaper can help prevent bladder infections. And wipe from front to back whenever changing a baby’s diaper.
Children
About 1% of boys and 3% of girls develop UTIs by age 11. This includes some children who repeatedly delay a bathroom trip. Their muscles may not relax enough later to empty the bladder and flush away bacteria. More regular bathroom trips and drinking plenty of liquids may help.
UTIs Prevention
Here are several strategies to reduce the risk of UTIs:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Visit the toilet before and after sex.
- Wipe from front to back.
- Avoid feminine hygiene sprays.
- Take showers instead of baths.
- Drink cranberry juice, but if you don’t like the taste try capsules or tablets
When to See Your Doctor
See your doctor if you have signs of a urinary tract infection. How to treat and prevent urinary infections is simple since UTI is not a medical emergency. However, some people have a higher risk for complications. This includes pregnant women, the elderly, men, and children, as well as people with diabetes, kidney problems, or a weakened immune system.
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