Getting To Know Urinary Tract Infections

Some people may have experienced a feeling of pangs and is often thought to be a condition caused by frequently holding back urine or not drinking enough, is that true? Pain that occurs when trying to, during and after urinating is generally caused by a urinary tract infection (abbreviated as UTI). A UTI is an infection of any part of the urinary tract system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Urinary tract infections generally occur in the urethra and bladder. Infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. After that, bacteria multiply in the bladder. If not treated properly, bacteria can cause infection, even to the kidneys.

The most common cause of urinary tract infections is E.coli / Escherichia coli. This bacteria usually lives in the digestive tract but can infect the urinary tract. Other causes are Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and other Enterococcus or Staphylococcus species.

RISK FACTORS FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Urinary tract infections can be experienced by anyone. But there are several factors that have the potential to increase the risk of developing a urinary tract infection, including:

1. Girls or women more often get UTIs because women's urethra is shorter and the location of the urethra in women is closer to the anus, where the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections are located, so it is easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
2. Sexually active
3. Increasing age
4. After medical procedures or surgery on the urinary tract
5. Long-term/too long use of a urinary catheter
6. Abnormalities in the urinary tract since birth
7. Injury to the nerves around the bladder that prevents urine output
8. Blockage in the urinary tract
9. Weak immune system
10. Menopause
11. Women who use certain types of contraception such as diaphragms or spermicides

SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION

Symptoms caused by urinary tract infections are:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Frequent urination
• Feeling like you need to urinate even though your bladder is empty
• Bloody urine
• Cramping in the groin or lower abdomen (suprapubic pain)

PREVENTION OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Urinary Tract Infections can be prevented by doing the following things:

1. Routinely clean the genital area after defecating or urinating with clean water.
2. Avoid the habit of holding in urination.
3. Drink more water to ensure regular urination, allowing bacteria to exit the urinary tract before infection occurs.
4. When cleaning the genital area after urinating or defecating, do it by wiping from front to back. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra.
5. Changing contraceptives that are free from spermicide.
6. Avoid using feminine cleaning products that have the potential to cause irritation, especially those that contain perfume.
7. If you experience symptoms of pain when urinating or vomiting, immediately consult your doctor to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys or more serious complications occurring.