Urine infection or urinary tract infection commonly occurs due to bacteria. It occurs in any part of the urinary system that is – the kidney, the urinary bladder, the ureters and the urethra.
Urine infection happens at any age and sex. But more common in women than men due to the anatomical structure of the urethra.
Symptoms of urine infection
- Burning sensation while passing urine.
- Pain while and after urination.
- Dribbling of urine.
- Cloudy urine
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Strong smell from urine
- Frequent passing of urine
- Fever with chills
- Lower abdominal pain
- Lower back pain
Causes of urine infection
- E Coli bacteria is the most common bacteria found to cause UTI.
- Women are more prone to UTIs. As in women, the urethra is shorter in the structure. Hence bacteria can easily travel to the bladder.
- Poor hygiene practices or using strong irritants to clean genitals can cause UTIs.
- Sexual intercourse is another common cause of urine infection in women. This type of infection is also known as “Honeymoon cystitis”.
- Kidney stones or strictures in the urinary tract can also cause UTIs.
- People with urinary catheters, surgeries and women after delivery are more prone to get such infections.
Investigations
To diagnose UTI your physician may advise urine routine and microscopic test and urine culture test to find out the nature of the bacteria.
Prevention
- Practise good hygiene. Always wipe after urination. While wiping go from front to back. This will help to reduce the risk of bringing anal bacteria towards the urethra.
- Wash and clean the area after sexual intercourse.
- For women, it is always necessary to pee before and after intercourse.
- Using condoms will prevent you and your partner from UTI.
- Drink enough water to flush out bacteria through urine.
- Don’t accumulate your urine. Keep your bladder empty at frequent intervals.
- A healthy diet helps you to boost your immunity and protect yourself from any infections.
Conclusion
You can tackle urine infection easily with proper hygiene practices.
Consult a physician if you observe any of the above symptoms. And get yourself investigated and treated for it.