Why Urinary Tract Infection Is Common In Female? See This

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Though it can affect both men and women, women are more likely to get UTIs than men because of their shorter urethras.

For this reason, females will be the focus of this article. 

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. While it can affect both men and women, statistics show that women are twice as likely to get a UTI than men due to having shorter urethras in comparison to males’.

This makes them more susceptible for contracting infections such as cystitis or kidney stones which may lead to renal failure if untreated properly.

Though UTIs are not life-threatening, it can become a serious issue if left untreated because the infection can spread from the bladder to the kidneys. Once this occurs, removing the bacteria becomes more difficult which places one at risk for getting another UTI or contracting sepsis. 

It is important to note that anyone who has a history of UTIs should be aware of the symptoms in case one reoccurs. If you believe that you are at risk or have already contracted a UTI, here are some home remedies to help cure it naturally without the need for antibiotics.

Possible Symptoms of a UTI

There is no set symptom for detecting a UTI since each individual may experience different forms of discomfort. However, there are some uncommon symptoms that may be an indicator of a UTI.

• Extreme pain when urinating. This is due to the inflammation of the bladder, especially during urination or for first time after not urinating for a long period of time.
• Cloudy urine or changes in odor.
• A burning sensation during urination.
• Feeling of pressure or pain around the bladder area.
• Pressing on the abdomen, above your pubic bone may cause pain in the lower back for women with a UTI.

There are also some common symptoms that everyone must be aware of before diagnosing themselves as having a UTI.

• Change in urination habits such as urinating rarely, more frequently than usual, or having a sudden urge to go even if you haven’t had anything to drink beforehand.
• Painful and/or difficult urination that may also cause blood in the urine.
• Fever and chills for those who have contracted a higher level of the infection.
• Malaise, fatigue, and body weakness if septicemia has occurred.  

In case of a UTI, what you need to do is drink more water and cranberry juice that will flush out the bacteria and treat the infection at its onset. Cranberries contain antibacterial agents which can help in preventing the bacteria from multiplying.

Ways to Prevent UTIs

If you already have a history of UTIs, it is important that you take the necessary measures in order to prevent reoccurrence of the infection. To do this, there are certain lifestyle habits that can help you avoid contracting another one.

• Drink lots of water everyday and stay hydrated. Also, avoid caffeine and alcohol because it dehydrates you which will make your bladder weak.
• Avoid bubble baths which can cause irritation of the bladder due to the chemicals present in them.
• Urinate before and after intercourse to flush out any bacteria that may enter while engaging in sexual activities or while wearing a diaphragm.
• Wipe properly after urination to avoid infection. Avoid the use of scented or colored toilet paper since certain chemicals may irritate your bladder.
• Change underwear at least once a day to ensure proper hygiene and cleanliness of the genital area especially if you are not able to shower that often.
• Keep your vaginal area dry and clean.
• Do not douche since it can destroy the good bacteria around the genital area which balances the pH levels and protects you from infections.
• Exercise regularly to promote overall health and wellness which will help your body fight infections more effectively.

As you experience the symptoms, visit a doctor right away to get professional treatment for this kind of infection. The earlier you get the right treatment, the better your chances of recovering from it without experiencing any permanent damage to your urinary tract.

Why urinary tract infection is common in females?

UTI is more common in women than in men. Other reasons why it is so common in women are:

1. The female anatomy and the short course of the urethra compared to the male one which makes it easier for bacteria to enter and reach the bladder.
2. Because of hormonal changes, pregnant women and menstruating women have a weaker immune system making them more susceptible to infections.
3. Women are more likely to get UTI because of bacteria present in the rectum which is transferred during bowel movements to the urethra.
4. Some women have smaller bladders which causes incomplete emptying when they urinate often giving bacteria a chance to multiply and cause infection.
5. – Women are also more likely to suffer from sexual intercourse with a person who has an STD which can cause UTI.

However, it doesn’t mean that men can’t get UTIs as well.

Men are more likely to get UTI if they have a history of prostate problems, have had their prostate removed, have kidney stones or have experienced prolonged catheterization. Also, they are more likely to contract an infection if they have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Treatment of urinary tract infection

If you think that you might have contracted a UTI it is best to see your doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. There are cases when the symptoms are mild and can be treated at home by drinking lots of water, getting plenty of rest, and taking painkillers. However, you shouldn’t treat it at home if your symptoms are severe since it might lead to complications which will make the condition worse.

There are other UTI treatments available besides antibiotics for example:

– Cranberry Juice or other natural remedies that help flush out bacteria from the bladder.

– A procedure called bladder instillation which doctors use to wash out the bacteria from your bladder.

– Antispasmodic drugs, antihistamines, or painkillers can be used as well for symptomatic relief since they help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with UTI.

If you have recurring UTIs or if your symptoms don’t improve with home remedies or other treatments, be sure to go see a doctor so that they can prescribe you proper medication and check-ups.