Urinary Tract Infection – Causes, Symptoms & Cure

Urinary Tract Infection or famously known as a UTI is an infection caused in your urinary tract from microbes. The causes of most UTIs include bacteria, fungi and viruses. It is one of the most uncomfortable infections to contract and makes passing urine one of the toughest things to do.

A UTI can be contracted anywhere in your urinary tract from your urethra (lower tract) all the way up to your kidneys (upper tract). UTIs are known to be more serious, the higher up in the tract the infection is contracted. This is among one of the most common infections contracted by humans, and some don’t even know when they have contracted one. India has recorded up to 10 million cases of UTIs last year.

So, what are the causes of an UTI?

Infection of the bladder

This kind of infection is essentially caused by the E. Coli bacteria present in the GI Tract. Mainly, sexual intercourse leads to this, but you don’t necessarily have to be sexually active to contract it.

Infection of the urethra

This occurs when there is either a fungal or bacterial infection in your urethra. The most common way of getting this is using unhygienic and unclean public toilets.

A previous UTI

This is one of the most common ways to get a Urinary Tract Infection. The problem is – getting rid of a UTI is one of the hardest things to do. So the next time you have a UTI make sure you get rid of it entirely so that you don’t have a relapse.

In addition to these major causes, here’s a list of few other things that put you at high risk of contracting a UTI:

1. Diabetes
2. Sexual intercourse (especially if it is very frequent and with multiple partners)
3. Blocked urine flow
4. Pregnancy
5. Use of spermicides and tampons

What are the symptoms of an UTI? 

A few common symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection are

1. A strong and frequent urge to urinate
2. Pain and a terrible burning sensation while urinating
3. Cloudy, bloody or strong smelling urine
4. Nausea and vomiting
5. Muscle aches and abdominal pains
6. some people even get a high fever and require antibiotics to cure it.

How do you take care of it/ What are possible natural remedies? – Treatments & Cure

Water

Water should be made your best friend whilst you’re dealing with a UTI. The magical and ever cleansing properties of water help you get rid of the infection in the fastest manner possible. It has been advised that people suffering from a UTI should drink at least 15 glasses of water per day.

Avoid fluids such as alcohol and caffeine

Liquids with high acidic concentration (low pH) should be kept away during this condition. The high acidic content causes irritation in the bladder and would make the process of urinating even more painful.

Avoid sexual activity

Exposing yourself to external microbes and other sources of infection whilst already having a UTI is extremely dangerous for you. In addition to not curing your condition, you’re making yourself more susceptible to other infections as well.

Wear loose fitting and breathable clothing

This would help to make you feel more comfortable, allow your genitals to breathe and keep the area dry, all of which would help in feeling better and recovering quickly.

Questions from the #NuaCommunity

A few interesting questions asked by the women in our #NuaCommunity were:

Is it recurring?
No it is not. As long as you make sure you drink enough fluids and take adequate medication, you are okay. There is a high chance of a relapse if you don’t.

Is it safe to have sex?
Whilst you can have sex, if your condition is not that severe, you are recommended to urinate almost immediately after to prevent contracting anything else.

Is white-pass common during a UTI?
Yes, white discharge is normal in both men and women. It is normal to see white particles in your urine if you have contracted a Urinary Tract Infection.

To learn more about how you can avoid a Urinary Tract Infection, check out our Top 10 Public Toilet Hacks.