UTI Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore – UTI – Urinary tract infections are a common condition that can affect people of any gender and any age. The main reason behind their infection is when bacteria enter one’s urinary tract, which leads to uncomfortable symptoms. If you wouldn’t do anything to treat it, then it can result in further complications.
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UTI infections can impact overall health as they can cause pain, discomfort, and disruption to daily life. So it is necessary to understand the nature of UTIs, the risk involved, and the importance of treating the infection on a priority basis. In this article, we will guide you through the UTI symptoms and practical prevention tips, so read this article to the end.
5 key UTI symptoms that should not be ignored.
Frequent Urination
This is one of the common UTI symptoms when you have a more frequent and rapid urge for urination than usual. You will feel like going for urination even if your bladder is empty.
Pain or Burning Sensation
When you have a burning sensation during urination, it is one of the other UTI symptoms. You can have stinging feelings or pain with a burning sensation in the pelvic region or lower abdomen.
Cloudy or Strong-Smelling Urine
If you are having UTI infection, then it can result in color changes and odor. So if it seems like you have cloudy urine, a foul or pungent smell, or tingling with the blood, it must be one of the UTI symptoms.
Lower Abdominal Pain
It is one of the common UTI symptoms of pain in the lower abdominal area. One can feel mild or severe pain and stay after urination.
Fatigue and General Malaise
In some people it has been observed that the people with the UTI infection can face fatigue, a feeling of being unwell, or weakness all over the body. It might result in discomfort, and you will feel less energy.
These common UTI symptoms can lead to serious health conditions if not treated promptly. So consult your health care expert immediately after getting the above-mentioned symptoms.
Causes and Risk Factors Associated with UTIs
Gender
Women are more prone to UTIs as they have a shorter urethra, which enables the bacteria to reach the bladder more easily. Men can also have UTIs, but this is very rare.
Sexual Activity
Sexually intercourse can also allow bacteria to enter the urinary tract and thus increasing the risk of infection in women.
Urinary Tract Abnormalities
Sometimes functional or structural functionality can also lead to UTIs, such as urinary catheterization or kidney stones. These are the most common UTI symptoms.
Poor Hygiene
Sometimes poor hygiene can also result in UTIs and deplorable hygiene in the genital areas, spreading more bacteria and increasing the risk of Urinary tract infections.
Weakened Immune System
Someone with a weakened immune system is at a higher risk of UTIs. Sometimes the immune system can be weakened due to the medication of the immunosuppressant or diabetes. These conditions can make you more susceptible to UTIs.
Hormonal Changes
When a women go through hormonal changes due to menopause or during the pregnancy period, then, it might affect the natural defense mechanism of the urinary tract, which can make it more vulnerable to infections.
Effective UTI Prevention Strategies
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated, as it will help flush out the bacteria from the urinary tract and reduce the risks of UTI. Aim for drinking at least 2-3 liters of water daily.
Practice Good Hygiene
Follow proper hygiene habits, such as wiping out from back to front every time you use the toilet. This will help prevent the bacteria from spreading from the anal area to the urethra.
Urinate Regularly
Avoid holding your urine for an extended period of time as it can result in multiplying bacteria in your urinary tract, increasing the chances of the infection. You should go for urination as and when you feel so.
Empty the Bladder Before and After Intercourse
You should always take care of emptying your bladders before and after intercourse, as it will help flush out the bacteria that might have entered your urethra during intercourse.
Wear Breathable Underwear
You should always use the underwater, made using breathable fabrics such as cotton. This will allow air circulation and reduce the moisture and thus create an unfavorable environment for the growth of the bacteria.
Avoid Irritants
You should avoid using irritant products such as douches, sprays, or powders, as they can disrupt the natural balance of the bacteria in your genital area.
Maintain a Healthy Immune System
To prevent UTIs, you should take care of your immune system. Engage yourself in activities supporting your immune system, such as a balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep, regular exercise, and engaging in some stress management techniques. These will help boost your immune system; thus, with a robust immune system, there are fewer chances of UTI.
Adopting these prevention techniques and incorporating yourself into a hygienic and healthy lifestyle could reduce the risk of UTI and enjoy a healthy life.
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