HEALTH EDUCATION

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

What it is
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a term given to bacterial infection that can occur in the kidneys, the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), or the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body from the bladder) when bacteria enter the urethra and multiply in the urinary tract.

Infection in the urethra is known as urethritis.

Infection of the bladder is known as cystitis and is the most common UTI.

Kidney infection is a serious condition and requires immediate medical treatment.

Both men and women can get UTIs, but they are most common in sexually active women, diabetics and people with sickle-cell disease.

Symptoms, if they occur, may include:

• burning pain during urination

• the urge to urinate when the bladder is nearly empty

• a frequent urge to urinate, especially at night

• involuntary loss of urine

• lower abdominal pain or back pain

• blood and pus in urine

• fever

How it’s spread
E. coli bacteria, a bacteria normally present in the colon or in fecal matter, is the most common cause of adult UTIs. The bacteria can enter the opening of the urethra from the skin around the anus and multiply in the urinary tract. This can happen during sex play and especially during unprotected anal intercourse.

Sexual intercourse can cause UTI in some women. Using a diaphragm or spermicidal foam for birth control can also increase the risk of infection.

Untreated STIs like chlamydia can also cause UTI.

How it’s treated
Most UTIs can be treated with medications.

How it’s prevented
The most effective way to avoid UTI is to practice thorough personal hygiene. Keeping the area between the rectum and vagina clean (especially following sex) can decrease the risk of UTI in women.

You can also:

• Drink when you are thirsty.

• Urinate as soon as you feel the urge.

• Drink unsweetened cranberry juice.

• Urinate immediately before and after intercourse.

• Avoid using any sexual position that seems to trigger UTIs.

•  Keep the pubic area clean and dry.

•  Use latex or female condoms during vaginal or anal intercourse.

• Use lubricants during vaginal intercourse — especially if the vagina is dry.

What it does
UTIs cause chronic discomfort, and kidney infection can lead to reduced kidney function and even death in severe untreated cases.

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