What is UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
An infection that begins in your urinary system is commonly known as UTT or Urinary Tract Infection. The urinary system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. It is more common to develop an infection in the urethra or bladder, however it can effect any part of the urinary system.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can become infected by this condition; however women are more at risk of developing urinary tract infection due to their anatomy. Women tend to have a shorter urethra, which means there is less distance for the bacteria to travel to reach the bladder. Other factors also add to the increase of UTI in women, including being more sexually active, using certain types of birth control, menopause, kidney stones, diabetes and other illnesses that affect the immune system.
What are the causes of Urinary Tract Infection?
UTT is most commonly caused by the build up of bacteria in the urinary tract. The urinary system is meant to fight off these bacteria, however sometimes the natural defences can fail, at which point the infection multiplies to a full fledged infection.
The Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection
The most common symptoms of urinary tract infection is the frequent urge to urinate and the burning feeling felt in the bladder or urethra, which can become quite painful. Men can sometimes feel that their rectum is full. Women can sometimes feel an uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone. The appearance of the urine may become reddish, cloudy or milky. The appearance of red is a good indication of the presence of blood in the system. If the infection reaches the kidneys, the person may get a fever as well.
Types of UTI
Cystitis, or the infection of the bladder can be caused by Escherichia, also know as E. coli. This type of bacteria is often found in the gastrointestinal tract. Other types of microorganisms that can cause this infection are Chlamydia and Mycoplasma, which can affect both men and women.
Urethritis, or the infection of the urethra is caused by the movement of the gastrointestinal bacteria moving from the anus to the urethra. For women, sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, gonorrhea and Chlamydia can cause Urethritis.
Pyelonephritis, or the infection of the kidney is a serious condition that can be life threatening and is caused by the spreading of the infection from the lower urinary tract to the upper urinary tract.