What is a UTI?

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are one of the most common types of bacterial infection found these days in the human being, although in comparison to men, women suffer most from UTI. Women all around the world experience at least one UTI during their lifespan. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by fungi and in rare cases by viruses.

A UTI can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. The urinary tract is comprising of kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most Urinary tract infections are found in the lower tract of the body i.e. the urethra and bladder. However, UTI can occur in the upper tract too, i.e. the ureters and kidneys and those conditions are mostly very severe.

UTI Symptoms

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection varies, and it depends on what part of the urinary tract is infected. If the UTIs have affected the lower tract then the concern is of the urethra and bladder, symptoms of lower tract urinary infections are:

• burning sensation while urinating
• increased frequency of urination without passing much urine
• urgency of urination
• urine with strong odor
• bloody urine
• cloudy urine

Upper tract Urinary infections are very severe, and they affect the kidneys and ureters. These can be can be life-threatening if bacteria move from the infected kidney into the blood. This condition is called urosepsis, and it causes riskily low blood pressure, shock, and death. Symptoms of an upper tract urinary infections are:

• pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides
• chills
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting

UTI Symptoms in Men

Symptoms of an upper tract urinary infections are quite similar to women. Men can sometimes feel rectal pain during lower tract urinary infection along with the other common symptoms shared by both men and women.

UTI Symptoms in Women

Symptoms of a lower tract urinary infection in women sometimes include pelvic pain along with the other common symptoms. However, the symptoms of upper tract urinary infections are the same in both men and women.

A UTI is painful and unsettling to one’s schedule and life. If someone gets UTIs frequently then, it’s really a tough job to visit the doctor and take antibiotics all the time. To prevent UTI, try to take supplements that work to fight bacteria in your urinary system or you can take UTI prevention pills, after consulting your physician. UTIs are one of the serious and common infection but there are many ways one can help prevent UTIs from occurring in the first place.

 How Do UTI Prevention Pills Work?

UTIs are caused by bacteria that get into the urinary tract. E coli is responsible about 90 percent of the time for UTIs. Under normal circumstances, most people flush out bacteria in the urinary tract by going to the bathroom. When there is a blockage or if you hold in your urine, it can allow bacteria to grow.

A UTI prevention capsule works by fighting bacteria in the urinary tract by flushing out bacteria that can cause UTIs. UTI prevention powder increases your need to go to the bathroom, which also combats bacteria. These products aren’t antibiotics, but they do fight the bacteria and keep it from growing.

Know Why You Get UTIs for Best Prevention Methods

Some people get UTIs after sex, while others have recurrent UTIs due to hormonal changes. Elderly patients often get UTIs due to incontinence or blockage.  If you can learn what is causing your UTIs, you can find more methods of preventing them. But sometimes, UTIs occur without any outside reason.

Staying well-hydrated and urinating immediately and fully are some of the best ways to prevent UTIs. You may need to evaluate your birth control method because spermicidal jelly can increase the risk of UTIs. Avoid food and drink that increase your bladder pH, such as wheat, dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol. Wearing cotton underwear reduces the growth factor of bacteria by increasing breathability.

Recurrent UTIs are frustrating. You should work with your doctor to reduce your risk of UTIs and to avoid antibiotics by preventing UTIs.