Women’s Urinary Tract Infections are urinary tract infections or the presence of germs in the urine. The reproductive and urinary systems are tightly linked in females. In a ratio of 8:1, women are eight times more susceptible to UTIs than men. It is believed that 25% of all microbial infections in women originate in the urinary system. In addition, 50-60% of women have at least one UTI in their lifetime, with 20-30% experiencing recurrent UTIs. The urinary system is comprised of the bladder, the two kidneys, the ureters, and the urethra.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most widespread sexually transmitted bacterial infection in India and throughout the world, according to scientific study. In contrast, prolonged and untreated infections may cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in the majority of women.
Lower urinary tract infections are the most prevalent. Some women get chronic urinary tract infections, also known as recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs). This may be caused by a number of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, with E. coli being the most common.
Risk factors:
Anyone of any age or gender may get a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, certain people are at a greater risk than others. Inadequate personal hygiene is one of the primary causes of urinary tract infections. This includes both personal and sexual purity. Unsanitary tampon usage is one of the primary causes of urinary tract infections in women. Other causes of UTIs include bowel incontinence, kidney stones that impede urine flow, chemotherapy or HIV infection that weakens the immune system, and diabetes. Pregnant and menopausal women are more prone to developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). In addition to increased sexual activity, the use of contraceptive diaphragms and spermicides may increase the risk of genital tract infections in women. During hospitalisation, the presence of a urinary catheter and the prolonged use of antibiotics (which might disturb the natural flora of the intestines and urinary tract) can also lead to UTIs.
Symptoms:
Although most urinary tract infections are not life-threatening, they may cause permanent damage to the urinary system, particularly upper urinary tract infections and recurrent kidney infections (chronic). Certain rare acute kidney infections may be deadly, particularly if septicaemia (bacteria entering the bloodstream) develops. Depending on age, gender, and which region of the urinary system is affected, the symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) may vary. UTIs are characterised by a strong and frequent need to urinate, urine that is cloudy, bloody, or has a strong odour, pain or burning when urinating, searing pain in the urethra after micturition, lower back pain, nausea & vomiting, and muscle & stomach issues. In addition to fever and side pain, patients with catheters and kidney infections may also have these symptoms.
Diagnosis:
Diagnostic methods vary based on the severity and symptomatology of an illness. In addition to seeing the colour and cleanliness of urine under a microscope, urinalysis also involves observing the urine itself under a microscope. Urine culture is another test used to determine the bacteria responsible for a disease. A physician recommends various antibiotics based on the results of the subsequent tests.
Treatment:
Medications are administered depending on the cause and severity of the disease, as well as the general health of the patient. Recurrent UTI sufferers are recommended to take low-dose antibiotics for six months. If sexual activity causes an infection, a single dose of antibiotic is given after sexual activity. Women after menopause may benefit from vaginal oestrogen treatment. Injections of antibiotics are delivered intravenously to patients with severe UTIs. Before using any medication, doctors must be consulted.
Prevention:
Women may lower their risk of developing UTIs by adopting many measures, the most significant of which is practising basic personal hygiene. Pathogens may enter the urinary system through the urethra via the vaginal and anal routes during sexual intercourse. This has also been recognised as a female UTI risk factor. To prevent sexually transmitted UTIs, one must urinate after sexual activity, clean the genital and anal areas before to and after sexual activity, stay hydrated, and drink sufficient water. All of them help in the elimination of germs from the urinary tract. Utilizing a diaphragm for birth control raises the risk of urinary tract infections. The position of the diaphragm inhibits the bladder from emptying completely, leading in urine and microbe retention. Both vaginal inflammation and the usage of spermicides increase the probability of a sexually transmitted UTI. Therefore, diaphragms and spermicides should not be used as birth control. To reduce the prevalence of vaginal infections, menopausal women may use vaginal oestrogen creams.
People also search
Can frequent UTIs make you infertile?
No, UTIs do not affect a woman’s ability to conceive. In addition, contrary to what you may have read elsewhere on the Internet, a UTI cannot cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or damage your fertility.
Can long term UTI cause infertility?
If the illness persists or recurs often, especially if it affects the upper reproductive system (kidney, uterus, fallopian tubes), it may hinder your ability to conceive. This condition, also known as pelvic inflammatory disease, has the potential to cause severe damage to the fallopian tubes.
Are UTIs common when trying to conceive?
In addition, UTIs are common among women of reproductive age who may be unaware that they are pregnant or who get pregnant while taking antibiotics.
