A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any part of the urinary system. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract.
According to Dr. Rose Gitonga a gynaecologist in Nairobi, the urinary tract is comprised of the bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra.
Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection in the body and account for around 8.1 million visits to health care providers each year.
“Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that have spread to your urinary system including the bladder — the organ that collects and stores urine, ureters — the tubes that lead from the kidneys to the bladder and urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body” She said.
Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men, due to anatomical differences; the urethra is shorter in women than in men, and it is closer to the anus, making it more likely that bacteria are transferred to the bladder.
Causes
According to Rose, Urinary tract infections are caused when microbes manage to get past the body’s natural defenses.
“The vast majority of UTI cases are caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli, usually found in the digestive system. Chlamydia and Mycoplasma bacteria can infect the urethra but not the bladder. People of any age and sex can develop a UTI, however, some people are more at risk than others.
It’s thought the bacteria can spread to the urethra via the anus. For example, if toilet paper touches your anus and then touches your genitals, the bacteria can multiply and move through your urinary tract, causing infection of your, urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis), ureters (ureteritis) which consists of the tubes that run from the bladder to the kidneys.” Rose said.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a UTI are similar to those of many other conditions and don’t necessarily mean you have an infection.
Dr. Rose Gitonga said that the symptoms of an infection in upper urinary tract (kidney and ureters) are different from symptoms of infection in the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra).
However, in some cases you may notice the symptoms of both, as one can spread to the other.
Symptoms of a lower UTI can include Urethral Syndrome, which includes needing to urinate more often, a constant, dull pain in the pubic region, and pain when urinating (dysuria), cloudy urine or blood in urine (haematuria), urine that smells unusually unpleasant, back pain and general sense of feeling unwell.
Symptoms of an upper UTI can include, a high temperature (fever), uncontrollable shivering, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting or even diarrhea.
“With an upper UTI you may also notice pain in your side, back or groin. The pain can range from moderate to severe, and it is often worse when you’re urinating.” Said Rose.
Treatment
According to Rose, your treatment will depend on whether your infection is in the upper or lower urinary tract.
“Both types of urinary tract (UTI) infection can usually be treated at home using a course of antibiotics. If an upper UTI is more serious or you are also at increased risk of complications, you’ll need hospital treatment.” She advised.
Often, symptoms clear up within a few days of treatment. But you may need to continue antibiotics for a week or more. Take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed.
Prevention
Its always necessary to be cautious before you contact the infection.
“Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.” Said Rose.
“Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.” She added.
It is also vital to empty your bladder soon after intercourse. Also, drinking a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
“Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra. Change your birth control method. Diaphragms, or unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms, can all contribute to bacterial growth.” She advised.