Do you often experience urinary tract infections? It could be a urinary tract infection!

Do you also feel like you need to urinate frequently? But when you go to the toilet, do you only go a little? Is it accompanied by a lot of burning and pain? Then there is a good chance that you have a urinary tract infection, which we all know as a UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). This is a common problem for many people, especially women. But don't worry, if you are properly informed about this and get treatment on time, you can recover quickly. Let's talk about this from the beginning.

Simply put, what is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection is when a germ, usually bacteria, enters our urinary system and causes an infection. Just like a wound in our body festering, an infection develops inside the urinary system.

To understand this, let's first learn a little about our urinary system. Think of it as a cleansing system that filters out waste from our body. It has four main parts:

• Kidneys: Two bean-shaped organs located on the back of our bodies, just above the waist. They filter out waste products and excess water from our blood and make urine.
• Ureters: Two thin tubes that carry urine, produced in the kidneys, to the bladder.
• Bladder: An elastic sac like a balloon. It is where urine is temporarily stored until it has accumulated.
• Urethra: The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

Normally, there are no germs inside this urinary system. However, if germs, such as bacteria, enter through the urethra, the infection can spread to the bladder and even the kidneys along the urethra.

It is called by different names depending on where the infection occurs:

• Urinary tract infection: (Urethritis)
• Bladder infection: (Cystitis) (this is the most common)
• Kidney infection: (Pyelonephritis) (This is a slightly more serious condition)

What are the symptoms of a UTI? How do you recognize it?

Although the symptoms of a urinary tract infection vary slightly from person to person, there are some common symptoms that you may experience. See if you have one or more of these.

These symptoms may also be present.

In addition to the main symptoms mentioned above, some people may also experience the following:

• Feeling extremely tired
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• If you are an elderly person, a sudden state of mental confusion

Why do we get UTIs? Who is at higher risk?

About 90% of urinary tract infections are caused by a bacteria called E. coli (Escherichia coli) . This bacteria normally lives in our large intestine (near the rectum). It is not a problem as long as it stays there, but it is when it enters the urinary tract that it causes infection.

There are several reasons why someone might develop a UTI:

• Being a woman: Women are at a much higher risk of developing UTIs than men. This is because women's urethra is shorter than men's and is located closer to the anus. This makes it easier for E. coli bacteria to enter the urinary tract.
• Sexual intercourse: Sexual activity can push bacteria up into the urethra.
• Hygiene: Wiping from back to front after using the toilet can transfer bacteria from the rectum to the urinary tract. The correct method is to always wipe from front to back.
• Holding urine for too long: Holding urine for too long after the bladder is full increases the chance of bacteria growing.
• Other medical conditions: People with diabetes, kidney stones, or other urinary tract obstructions can also develop UTIs frequently.
• Menopause: After menopause, the body's estrogen levels decrease, which can change the protective bacterial environment in the vagina and urinary tract, making you more susceptible to infections.

What kind of tests do you do when you go to a doctor?

When you tell your doctor that you have symptoms of a UTI, he or she will carefully listen to your symptoms and, if necessary, order several tests.

1. Urinalysis: This is the most basic test. A sample of your urine is taken and checked for things like bacteria, white blood cells, and nitrites. The presence of these is a sign of an infection.

2. Urine Culture: Sometimes, especially if the infection is recurring or not responding to medication, this test is done to identify exactly what bacteria is in your urine and to find the best antibiotic to kill it.

If the infection seems complicated or if another problem is suspected, the doctor may also order tests such as an ultrasound scan , CT scan , or cystoscopy (a thin tube with a camera inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder).

How do you treat a UTI?

The best and only way to cure a urinary tract infection is to take antibiotics . Your doctor will assess your condition and prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic.

If you stop, the infection may not be completely cured and may come back. Not only that, but the remaining bacteria may become accustomed to the antibiotic and become resistant to it the next time. Therefore, it is essential to complete the course of medication.

While taking medication, you can do these things to help ease the discomfort:

• Drink plenty of water: Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria out with urine.
• Painkillers: For lower abdominal pain, you can take a painkiller like paracetamol, as advised by your doctor.

Will a UTI get better without medication?

Very minor infections can sometimes be cured by the body's own immune system. But that's risky. In many cases, if left untreated, the infection can worsen and spread to the kidneys. Therefore, if you have symptoms, be sure to see a doctor and get treatment.

When should you go to a hospital (ETU) immediately?

If you have the symptoms of a typical UTI along with the symptoms below, it could be a sign that the infection has spread to the kidneys. In such a case, do not stay at home. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

• High fever
• Feeling cold and shivering
• Severe pain on both sides of the back
• Nausea and vomiting

It is essential to seek immediate medical attention as these can be signs of a serious condition.

How can I prevent UTI from recurring?

"Prevention is better than cure," they say. So it's much better to prevent a UTI than to suffer from it. If you incorporate these simple habits into your life, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing a UTI.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. This is the most important thing.
• Don't hold in your urine when you feel a need to urinate. Urinate as quickly as possible.
• Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Urinate before and after sex. It's also important to stay clean.
• Choose sweat-absorbing fabrics like cotton for underwear. Synthetic materials like nylon can trap sweat and allow bacteria to grow.
• Avoid bubble baths and using perfumes and sprays in the vaginal area. These can change the natural pH of the area and lead to infections.
• Cranberry juice or pills: Some studies have shown that the compounds in cranberries can prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. But talk to your doctor about this.

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