How does a woman get a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infections are pretty common in women. One can get a urinary tract infection in many ways. However, if you're interested in learning more about "how does a woman get a urinary tract infection ," continue reading as we get into the details.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection caused in any region of the urinary system. The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra are the parts of the urinary system. Most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract, i.e. the bladder and the urethra.

Women are at a higher risk of getting a UTI than men. If an infection only affects the bladder, it may be painful and uncomfortable. A UTI, however, can spread to the kidneys and cause serious health problems.

Bacteria is usually present in the vaginal, anal and genital regions. Bacteria in these regions can enter the urethra (the tube through which we pee), move to the bladder, and cause urinary tract? infections. The bacteria eventually reach the bladder through the urethra, where they grow and develop into a urinary tract infection (UTI). Doctors can classify you as having cystitis (infection of the bladder) or urethritis (infection of the urethra) depending on the location of the infection. Women usually have urinary tract infections more frequently than men because of their shorter urethra.

Which bacteria can cause this infection?

Escherichia coli (a bacteria) is one of the most common causes of a UTI. This bacteria is found frequently in faeces and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There are many different ways for E. Coli to enter a woman's urinary tract, sexual intercourse is one of those ways.

What causes a urinary tract infection??

UTIs are most common in women and affect the bladder and the urethra. Escherichia coli usually causes this type of UTI.? But occasionally, other bacteria can also be the cause for this.

• Infection of the bladder - Although you don't have to be sexually active to get a bladder infection, having sex can definitely cause one. Due to a woman's anatomy, they are at a higher risk of getting bladder infections. The urethra is close to the anus in women. Additionally, the urethral opening is close to the bladder. Hence, it promotes the entry of bacteria around the anus into the urethra and to the bladder.
• Infection of the urethra - This type of UTI can occur when GI bacteria pass from the anus to the urethra. Sexually transmitted infections can also result in infection of the urethra. They include mycoplasma, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes. This is possible because the urethra of women is close to the vagina.

The following actions can result in a UTI in women:

1.Not maintaining proper hygiene:?

When bacteria from the anal region enter the urinary tract, it can result in urinary tract infections. For instance, bacteria can easily enter the urinary tract and infect you even if you wipe well after passing stools.

2. Bacteria transfer through sexual intercourse:

Bacteria may be present in the penis, particularly after vaginal or anal sex. Similarly, bacteria from the vaginal and anal regions can enter your urinary tract through sex, fingering, or even sex toys. Urethritis can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections like mycoplasma, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and herpes.

3. Not drinking enough water:

Drinking plenty of water and fluids can help to guarantee that you urinate frequently and that bacteria are flushed out of your urinary tract before they can infect you!

Risk factors due to Urinary tract infections:?

Women commonly experience UTIs. Throughout their lifetimes, women can easily get a UTI if proper care isn’t taken. Women's UTI risk factors include:

• Female anatomy - As compared to men, women have a shorter urethra. Due to this, bacteria have to travel a shorter distance to reach the bladder which is why it is easier to get a UTI.
• Sexual activity - Being sexually active tends to increase the risk of UTIs. A new sexual partner also increases the risk of getting a UTI.
• Type of birth control method used - The use of diaphragms as a form of birth control may increase the risk of UTIs. Additionally, using spermicidal agents increases the risk of getting one.
• Menopause - A decrease in the amount of estrogen in circulation after menopause affects the urinary tract. These changes may increase the risk of UTIs.

Other complications of getting a UTI may include:?

• Repeated infections are when you get two or more UTIs in a period of six months or three or more in a year. Repeated infections are more common in women than in men.
• A kidney infection due to untreated UTI causes permanent kidney damage.
• Delivering an infant with low birth weight or having a premature delivery because of a pregnancy-related UTI.
• Sepsis is a possibly life-threatening complication of any infection. It could be a risk, particularly if the infection progresses up the urinary tract to the kidneys.

Prevention of urinary tract infections:

• Drink plenty of water - Drinking water helps to dilute the urine. As a result, you urinate more frequently, which allows you to wash bacteria out of your urinary tract before developing any infection.
• Wipe from front to back - Do this after urinating and going to the bathroom. It helps to reduce the transmission of bacteria from the anus to the urethra and vagina.
• Empty your bladder immediately after having sex - Make sure to drink a full glass of water to help flush out bacteria.
• Avoid using irritating feminine products - They can irritate the urethra when used in the genital area. These products are deodorant sprays, douches, and powders.
• Change your birth control method -? Diaphragms, unlubricated condoms or condoms treated with spermicide may promote and increase bacterial growth.

Treatment for Urinary tract infections:

A urinary tract infection needs to be treated. Antibiotics are medications that fight infection by killing bacteria. Generally, a doctor prescribes antibiotics to treat a UTI. Your doctor will choose a medicine that works best for the specific bacteria that is causing the infection.

It's crucial that you take the medication according to your doctor's instructions. Don't stop taking antibiotics just because you feel better and your symptoms have reduced. If the entire course of prescribed antibiotics is not taken correctly to treat the infection, the infection may return.

If you have a history of frequent urinary tract infections, you may be prescribed antibiotics to take at the first indication of symptoms. To avoid a UTI, doctors may prescribe antibiotics to other patients to take daily, every other day, or after sex. If you have a history of frequent UTIs, consult your doctor about the best treatment plan for you.

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