Urinary tract infection is one of the most common diseases in women. Learn about the causes, treatment and prevention methods. The urinary tract in the human body consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, as it works to remove salts and waste from the body, and all these organs may be exposed to inflammation. Learn about a urinary tract infection
in women.
Urinary tract infection in women
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection that may affect any member of the urinary tract. Most urinary infections are caused by bacteria called Escherichia coli (E.Coli), where these bacteria live in the intestines, especially in the rectum.
There are several names for urinary infections, such as cystitis, urethritis, and kidney infection, which is the most dangerous.
Women of childbearing age are the most susceptible to urinary tract infection, as their urethra is shorter than that of men, and the opening of the urethra is close to the genital area, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder and cause inflammation in the urinary tract.
It is not surprising to know that about 40% of women suffer from a urinary tract infection at least once in their lives. Married women, during pregnancy and after surgery are the most vulnerable to infection.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection in women
You may feel the following in the event of a urinary tract infection
Pain in the lower abdomen or lower back.
Burning while urinating.
Frequent going to the bathroom and feeling an urgent need to go to the bathroom with small amounts of urine.
Getting up during the night to urinate.
Change in the color and smell of urine.
Presence of blood in the urine.
High temperatures associated with nausea and chills.
Reasons for recurrent urinary tract infection in women
Often there is no apparent reason for the recurrence of infections. But the reason may be
The body has defenses that protect it from infection, and any change that may occur in the body increases the possibility of infection, for example if there are problems in the bladder or kidneys (presence of congenital problems or the presence of stones), then this increases the chances of exposure to a urinary tract infection.
Intercourse is one of the main factors for the occurrence of urine infections.
The women''s body is under the influence of the estrogen hormone, and menopause leads to a decrease in this hormone, which leads to weakness and dryness in the reproductive system and increases the possibility of urinary infections.
Pregnancy increases the possibility of recurrence of infections as a result of changes in the urinary tract throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
Diagnosis of urinary tract infection in women
The doctor may order several tests to diagnose a urinary tract infection in women, such as
A normal urine test, which shows white blood cells, which are evidence of infection.
Urine culture and the result usually appears after three days and shows the type of bacteria and the appropriate antibiotic for it.
The doctor may order other tests, especially if there are recurrent infections, such as ultrasound/ultrasound of the kidneys and ureters, to detect whether there is enlargement and retention of urine, which may indicate the presence of stones.
A cystoscope is an endoscope that is ed into the bladder to view the bladder from the inside, especially if there is blood in the urine.
The doctor may request a x-ray to check on the kidneys and ureters, and to confirm or deny the presence of stones.
Treatment of urinary tract infection in women
The doctor treats urinary tract infection in women as follows
In the case of simple cystitis, it is recommended to take antibiotics for 3-5 days.
If there is a bladder infection with pregnancy or diabetes, it is recommended to take the antibiotic from 7-14 days.
It is important to complete the antibiotic even if you feel better, because not completing the antibiotic leads to a return of the infection and is often stronger.
It is important to go back to the doctor if you do not feel better after 24 hours of starting the antibiotic, or if there is blood in the urine, or if there is a high temperature or pain in the loin or back.
If the infection recurs, it is better to take treatment for the infection and then take a daily preventive dose for several weeks.
Urinary tract infections are painful and uncomfortable, but treatment is often successful and effective.
Methods of prevention of urinary tract infection in women
Urinary tract infection can be prevented by doing the following
Drinking water, 2-3 liters per day helps protect against infections.
Cherry juice and vitamin C increase urine acidity and reduce bacterial growth.
Go to the bathroom to urinate regularly and as soon as you feel the need to urinate.
When urinating, wipe from front to back.
Avoid materials that may irritate the skin, such as using scented materials and vaginal washes.
Go to the bathroom before and after sexual intercourse to urinate.
Regulating blood sugar for people with diabetes.
