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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

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What Is UTI?

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection in any part of the urinary system. This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower part of the urinary tract, the bladder, and the urethra. You can keep getting UTI’s if left untreated.

If left untreated, a UTI can lead to more serious health problems like kidney diseases and bladder infections (cystitis). It can even cause life-threatening medical conditions like sepsis and kidney damage.

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a woman feeling uncomfortable from having uti

UTI Symptoms

UTI symptoms can differ from person to person. But, in general, they involve:

  • – A strong urge to urinate that doesn’t go away. This feeling is often intense and persistent.
  • – A burning sensation when urinating. It can feel sharp and painful.
  • – Passing frequent, small amounts of urine. You might feel like you need to go all the time, but not much comes out.
  • – Urine that looks cloudy, sometimes with a strong smell. It might also appear reddish or cranberry-coloured, a sign of blood.
  • – Pelvic pain in women, especially in the centre of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone.
  • – Constant aches or intermittent cramps in the lower abdomen. This can range from mild to severe and might feel sharp or dull.

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and get you feeling better faster.

Causes

Urinary tract infections are primarily caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, these defences can fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract.

The most common type of bacteria that causes UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is normally found in the intestines. Other bacteria can also cause UTIs, but E. coli is the most frequent offender. They usually enter the urethra during bathroom visits or sexual activity.

  • – Sexual intercourse can push bacteria into the urethra, especially in women.
  • – Certain contraceptives, like diaphragms or spermicides, can increase UTI risk.
  • – Menopause brings changes in the urinary tract that make women more vulnerable to infections.
  • – Urinary catheters can introduce bacteria into the urinary system.
  • – Kidney stones or other obstructions can trap urine in the bladder, increasing infection risk.
  • – A weakened immune system can’t fight off infections as effectively, leading to UTIs.
  • – Underlying conditions like diabetes, urinary retention, enlarged prostate, and neurological disorders can also be risk factors.

Types of UTI

  1. 1. Cystitis:
    This is a bladder infection. It’s the most common type of UTI. Symptoms can include a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, and cloudy urine.
  2. 2. Urethritis:
    This infection affects the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It can cause a burning sensation while urinating and discharge.
  3. 3. Pyelonephritis:
    This is a kidney infection. It’s more serious and can cause back pain, fever, and nausea, in addition to typical UTI symptoms.

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