URINARY TRACT INFECTION – SYMPTOMS, CAUSES & WAYS TO PREVENT

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a very common and indeed both unpleasant and painful condition in women of all ages. It is estimated that 50–60% of all women experience a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. It is also common for women who have had a urinary tract infection before to have recurrent infections.

If you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it may be a good idea to seek medical help as soon as possible, but there are also a number of things you can do to prevent urinary tract infections or help relieve the symptoms if you have already been affected.

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URINARY TRACT INFECTION THROUGH HISTORY

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a disease that has existed for thousands of years and has mainly affected women's health and well-being. Historically, the treatment of UTI has been very different from what it is today.

In ancient Egypt, urine was considered an important diagnostic tool to identify diseases. Doctors would look at the urine and determine which disease a person had based on its color and smell. To treat urinary tract infection, they recommended drinking a mixture of water, milk, and honey. This was considered effective due to the antibacterial properties of honey

During the Middle Ages, it was believed that UTI was caused by an excess of black bile in the body, and treatment usually involved leeches *ugh* or copper to draw the bile out of the body.

It was not until the Renaissance that it was discovered that bacteria were the main cause of urinary tract infection and that treatment with antibiotics was most effective.

During the 20th century, effective antibiotics were developed to treat urinary tract infection, which made the disease more manageable and less dangerous. Today, antibiotics are usually recommended for urinary tract infection, but there is also a lot you can do to prevent this incredibly uncomfortable condition that women of all ages suffer from.

CAUSE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Urinary tract infection is usually caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract. The most common bacteria causing UTI are Escherichia coli (E.coli), which normally live in the intestines and around the anus.

Urinary tract infection can occur when bacteria spread from the anus to the urinary tract through the urethra, and women are also at greater risk of developing urinary tract infection than men because women have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Urinary tract infection is really not fun, but it is important to remember that UTI is common and treatable. If you experience any of the symptoms below, it is of course important to seek care. With urinary tract infection, you may also need to take care of yourself with a little extra love and care ♥

Below are some of the most common symptoms of urinary tract infection:

Pain or a burning sensation when you urinate

This is extremely uncomfortable and it can feel like you are urinating barbed wire but don't forget that it is your amazing body ♥ telling you that something needs to be addressed

Urinate often

Having to urinate often can be annoying, but it also means that your body is trying to get rid of the infection

Pressure or pain in the abdomen

This can feel uncomfortable, but remember that it is because your body is fighting the infection and working hard

Blood in the urine

If there is blood in the urine, you should always contact your doctor as it may be a sign of a more serious urinary tract infection.

Fever and chills

Fever can be a sign of a more serious infection and is your body's natural defense against infection. If you develop a fever in connection with a urinary tract infection, you should always see a doctor.

FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Hormonal changes, such as menopause, menstrual cycle, and pregnancy, can make some women more susceptible to UTIs.
Urine that remains in the urinary tract due to a blockage or narrowing, giving bacteria time to grow and spread.
Weakened immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight infections.
Urinary anatomy, such as a narrow urethra, which can make it harder for the body to expel bacteria.
Sexual activity can increase the risk of bacteria spreading from the anus to the urinary tract.
Some spermicides and certain contraceptives can irritate the urethra and make it easier for bacteria to penetrate the urethra.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION & SEX

Sex can increase the risk of urinary tract infection because bacteria in the area can spread to the urethra during intercourse. Women also have a higher risk of urinary tract infections related to sex because they have shorter urethras than men, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

Increased sexual activity that puts more strain on the urethra can cause a mild infection and similar symptoms, which is why urinary tract infection is sometimes called the "honeymoon disease."

A new sexual partner also means new bacterial flora, which also increases the risk of infection. Urinating after sex can help flush out bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during intercourse.

Urinary tract infections are not contagious, but it is not recommended to have sex during an ongoing UTI as intercourse can increase the infection by spreading more bacteria through the urethra. The bacterial flora in the genital area also changes even if treated with antibiotics, which can make one more susceptible to bacteria that one usually avoids.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION AT 50+

Women going through menopause may have an increased risk of urinary tract infections due to hormonal changes that affect urinary tract health. When estrogen production decreases during menopause, the urinary tract's ability to defend against infections may decrease, which can lead to urinary tract infections.

Other factors that can increase the risk of urinary tract infections during menopause are due to a decreased amount of the "good" vaginal lactobacilli that help protect against infections.

Dry and fragile mucous membranes are also common after menopause, which can affect the tissues in the urinary tract, including the urethra and bladder, making them more susceptible to infections. When the tissues in the urinary tract become thinner and less elastic, the urethra can become irritated and inflamed, which can lead to urinary tract infections.

PREVENT URINARY TRACT INFECTION

There are some things you can do to prevent urinary tract infection.

1. DRINK ENOUGH WATER

By drinking enough water, you can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract, which is an important preventive measure against urinary tract infection. The urinary tract plays an important role in the body and helps remove waste products and excess fluid. When we drink enough water, urine production increases and the urine is diluted, which reduces the risk of bacterial growth and infection.

2. URINATE REGULARLY

Urinating regularly is another important preventive measure against urinary tract infection. When urine stays in the bladder for a long time, bacteria can start to multiply and cause infection. By urinating regularly, you empty the bladder and reduce the risk of bacterial growth. It is also important to empty the bladder completely and not hold back urine, as this can cause bacteria to remain in the bladder and increase the risk of urinary tract infection.

3. WIPE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Yes, you have probably heard this before but it is important. After you have used the toilet, you should wipe from front to back. If you wipe from back to front, there is a risk that intestinal bacteria will enter the vagina, which can lead to urinary tract infection.

4. AVOID IRRITATING PRODUCTS

Using irritating products like perfumed soaps can irritate the urinary tract and disrupt the natural bacterial flora, which acts as a protection against infections. Many women want to use an intimate wash to clean the vagina but it is important to choose the right product. VagiVital V Cleanser is an intimate wash that has the same moisturizing and unique properties as AktivGel but with a little rapeseed oil added. A soap risks drying out the vagina and an oil can bluntly only remove fat-soluble impurities. Although VagiVital V Cleanser is soap-free, it can clean both fat- and water-soluble impurities while moisturizing without disturbing the sensitive pH balance of the genital area.

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5. URINATE AFTER SEX

During sex, bacteria can enter the urethra and cause infection. Urinating immediately after sex can help prevent urinary tract infection as any bacteria that may have entered the urethra are flushed out.

Urinary tract infection can be both painful and uncomfortable but maybe it can help a little to think about how far we have come since the Middle Ages when leeches were used as treatment. If you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it is important to seek medical help, but there are also many things you can do to relieve the symptoms and prevent the infection.

Take care of yourself ♥