We’ve all heard of UTIs but not many of us know what these actually are. Urinary Tract Infections are very common and widespread. A lot of women, especially, have to deal with things like dirty public washrooms, which can lead to UTIs and other infections.
If you have ever wondered what a UTI is or worried about the burning sensation while peeing, you should learn more about what these are and how we can avoid them.
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What are UTIs?
According to Kajal Sangwan, the Health and Wellness advisor at Pee Safe, “A urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection that can affect any part of the urinary system including kidneys, ureters, bladders and urethra.”
UTIs are most often caused by bacteria and germs that get into the bladder, which is why this kind of infection is also called a ‘bladder infection.’ If left untreated, it can further pass from the kidney to the blood and lead to low blood pressure, and in some cases, even prove to be fatal to life over time.
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Women are more susceptible
According to a study published in the Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, “around 50–60% of women will develop UTIs in their lifetimes”. The sad truth is that women are more susceptible to UTIs.
There are many different reasons why people get UTIs. People have half-baked information about these infections, which leads to a lot of misunderstandings as well.
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Reasons behind UTIs
The internet has told people that having sex is the biggest reason behind women getting UTIs. Being sexually active is a risk factor for sure, but it is not the only one.
According to Kajal Sangwan, other risk factors are “birth control techniques including spermicidal agents, menopause, urinary tract abnormalities or other blockages, a suppressed immune system, and most importantly, lack of personal hygiene.”
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What are the symptoms?
There are some specific symptoms that point towards UTIs, especially in women. If you’re worried that you’re getting a UTI, keep an eye out for some specific things.
Dr Manjiri Mehta, Consultant Gynaecologist at Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, Mumbai, says: “The common symptoms of UTIs are burning sensation and pain while passing urine, or at the end of it. Other common symptoms are local irritation and increase in frequency of passing urine. This also may be associated with fever and chills.”
Pelvic pain in women or blood in the urine can also be a symptom of UTIs.
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What are the remedies?
Even though UTIs are painful and common, you don’t need to worry much about it. It is very common amongst women, but cures are also readily available. “UTI can be treated with antibiotics or other medication, depending on the type of infection,” says Sangwan.
Basic hygiene is the best defence against this condition, though! However, it is also important to take some other precautions. Women should also pass urine immediately after sexual intercourse. This helps with keeping UTIs at bay.
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Another important thing to do is to keep a check on the kind of underwear you use. It is also super important to wipe the seat of the lavatory, especially if you are using a public restroom!
Hydration can also help with getting rid of the UTIs. Dr Mehta adds: “Precautions to take when you already have a UTI are to follow doctors’ advice thoroughly, take prescribed antibiotics in time and complete the course as prescribed. Wear loose, clean and cotton underclothes. Keeping diabetes in check, if you have it, will limit the infection to a great extent.”
All you have to do is take some precautions so that you don’t have to go to the doctor or live in pain. There are many ways you can stay safe from urinary tract infections, so follow them to live your best life.
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