UTI, or urinary tract infections, are caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause of UTI is bacteria that enter the urinary tract from outside sources, such as the skin or rectum. In women, the most common source of bacteria is the vagina. Other sources of bacteria that can enter the urinary tract include contaminated food or water, or sexual activity.
Risk Factors of UTI
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing a UTI. Women are more likely to get UTIs than men, and age can be a factor, as older adults are more susceptible to UTIs. Other risk factors include:
• Having a weakened immune system
• Having diabetes or any other condition that affects the immune system
• Having a history of UTIs
• Being pregnant
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Having a urinary tract abnormality
• Not urinating often enough or not fully emptying the bladder
• Having a bladder catheter
• Using certain birth control methods
• Having sexual intercourse
• Having multiple sexual partners
Symptoms of UTI
The most common symptoms of UTI are a frequent and/or painful need to urinate, cloudy or bloody urine, and a burning sensation while urinating. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, fatigue, and fever. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to more serious health problems, such as kidney infection or sepsis.
Treatment of UTI
UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, a UTI can become a more serious health problem. Treatment of a UTI depends on the severity of the infection and the underlying cause. If the infection is mild, it may be treated with a short course of antibiotics. More severe infections may require a longer course of antibiotics and hospitalization. Other treatments may include pain relief, drinking plenty of fluids, and using a heating pad on the abdomen.