Oren Zarif
If you have urinary tract infection symptoms, it’s important to get them checked out quickly. They can cause damage to your kidneys, if left untreated, and they can also be very serious for pregnant women or children. You can also get a UTI if you’re ill with an illness that causes your immune system to be weak, such as AIDS.
Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
Pain or burning when urinating is the most common symptom of a urinary tract infection. This happens because the bladder and urethra become irritated, making them swollen and very painful. This can make you feel like you have to urinate more often, or even leak urine from time to time.
Your doctor can help you to find out if you have a urinary tract infection by testing your urine. A sample of your urine will be taken in the doctor’s office and sent to a lab to check for bacteria and other signs of infection.
You may be given antibiotics to stop the infection getting worse or to treat any symptoms you have. Antibiotics usually work quickly and can cure a UTI in about 1 to 2 days. It’s important to take them as prescribed by your doctor, or the infection can come back and be more difficult to treat.
Change your urination habits to prevent infection
Your body is designed to keep bacteria out, but sometimes they can get in and grow. Bacteria can get into the urethra or the bladder when you wipe after using the bathroom, when you’re sexually active, or when your urinary tract isn’t clean.
The most common cause of a urinary tract infection is bacteria, but viruses and fungi can also cause it. Generally, bacterial infections are much more likely to happen in women than in men, due to the female anatomy.
Women tend to get a lot of UTIs because they have shorter urethras than men do, so it’s easier for bacteria to travel from the genital area to the bladder. Pregnancy and menopause also increase a woman’s chances of developing a UTI, since hormones change and can make it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
A swollen and inflamed bladder or urethra is one of the most common urinary tract infection symptoms, and this can cause you to urinate more often, or to leak a little urine when you urinate. You can also experience lower back or pelvic pain, and you might need to use a catheter if you have an infection.
Changing your urination habits can also reduce your risk of getting a urinary tract infection, as it’s important to empty the bladder regularly. Drinking plenty of fluids can encourage this, but also remember to urinate after sex, as that can help flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse.
Avoiding certain foods and drinks that irritate the bladder can also help. These include alcohol, citrus juices, caffeinated drinks and spicy food. You can also try eating more fruits and vegetables.
