Are you suffering from chronic UTIs? Don’t worry; UTIs are quite common. If infection occurs two or more times in six months, it is considered recurrent. According to Mayo Clinic, UTI is a universal term that entails three different types of infections.
- Cystitis: infection in the bladder
- Urethritis: infection in the urethra
- Pyelonephritis: kidney infection
Causes of recurrent UTIs
The possible causes of a recurring UTI are
Urethra infections (Urethritis)
An infection in the urethra can be caused by bacteria such as E.coli. In rare cases, these bacteria can be a result of a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). Bacteria can also move from the anus to the urethra and cause an infection.
Bladder infection (Cystitis)
This type of UTI is also caused by bacteria E.coli, which is found in the gastrointestinal tract. Every woman is at risk of getting a bladder infection due to their anatomy, which is the short distance between the urethra and the anus as well as the urethral opening to the bladder.
Symptoms of recurring UTIs
- A strong need to pee regularly
- Cloudy urine
- Urine with a strong smell
- A burning sensation while peeing
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Red, pink or brown-colored urine
Risk factors
Lifestyle
Women who use diaphragms for birth control are at a higher risk. Diaphragms push against the urethra, making it tougher to empty your bladder. Additionally, some products, for instance, vaginal douches, spermicides, and some antibiotics that cause a change in the bacterial makeup of the vagina, can play a role in recurrent UTIs.
Anatomy
Women are at higher risk of getting UTIs than men. The urethra in a woman is short, meaning that bacteria travels faster to the bladder and can multiply quickly, causing an infection.
Menopause
Menopause causes hormonal alterations in vaginal bacteria. After menopause, the urinary tract becomes more susceptible to infections due to the weakening in circulating estrogen.
Other risk factors for UTIs are;
- Re-using catheters
- A current urinary procedure
- Weak immune system
- Urinary tract anomalies
- Obstruction in the urinary tract
- Complications of UTIs
- Thinning of the urethra in men
- More risk in expectant women delivering low birth weight or premature infants
- Untreated kidney infections can lead to permanent kidney damage
- Untreated kidney infections can also lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening complication.
Prevention
Above all else: Drink plenty of water. Water helps dilute your urine and makes sure that you urinate more often, enabling bacteria to be flushed out of your urinary tract before infection begins.
Women in particular should be careful to wipe from front to back after using the restroom, to prevent bacteria from spreading from the anus to the vagina and urethra.
Change your lifestyle; start by changing your birth control methods. Spermicide-treated or unlubricated condoms, diaphragms can contribute to bacterial multiplication. Additionally, try to avoid using irritating feminine products such as powders and douches in your genital areas.
Treatment
UTIs may be treated with long term or short term antibiotics. However, people with recurring UTI need preventive antibiotics depending on the occurrence as well as the causes of the infection.
UTIs triggered by menopause can be treated by vaginal estrogen therapy.
Wrapping Up – Get Quality Medical Supplies
The most critical part of preventing a recurring UTI is taking practical steps to be in control of your wellbeing, and you should see a doctor whenever you think you have a UTI. For safe and high quality medical supplies, visit Medical Supply Depot today.
