A burning trench, a sudden urgency. This sense that something as natural as passing urine has become a challenge for many women (sometimes a few men). The first encounter with a urinary tract infection comes without warning and it really leaves without living its mark. Doctors have long observed that while the infection itself is commonplace, the misery it causes is out of proportion to its size.
Symptoms, causes, and cure for UTI
What is urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is one of those common illnesses that can turn your daily life upside down. Something as routine as passing urine suddenly feels like a trial. For most, it begins in the bladder or the narrow urethra, but if ignored, the infection may creep higher into the kidneys, where it can become far more serious.
Also read | Symptoms, causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs), home remedies to prevent this painful condition
When can UTI occur
A UTI can strike at almost any stage of life. Many women first encounter it in their twenties, often soon after marriage or childbirth. Some get it during pregnancy or later, when menopause alters the body’s balance. Elderly parents may also suffer its discomfort, while little children, still learning the art of toilet habits, may deal with fever or irritability without being able to say what hurts.
Where does UTI begin
UTI usually begins in a place that seems harmless, the skin or rectum. From there, bacteria manage to travel up the urethra and settle in the bladder, thriving in the warmth and moisture. If left unchecked, the infection creeps higher, reaching the kidneys. What began as a stinging nuisance in the bathroom can suddenly become a reason for hospital admission.
Why does UTI occur
The reason women are more prone to UTI has to do with the fact that the female urethra is shorter and lies close to the rectum, giving bacteria an easier doorway. Additionally, hormonal changes in youth, in pregnancy, in menopause, add to the risk. Sexual activity can sometimes act as a trigger too. Men are not entirely free of it either; an enlarged prostate or structural issues can slow the flow of urine, allowing bacteria to settle and multiply.
Also read | 9 UTI facts that could save your health
Which
Doctors distinguish between two main forms. The first, cystitis, is a bladder infection, painful but usually manageable. The second, pyelonephritis, is a kidney infection, less common yet far more serious, often demanding prompt medical attention.
The body gives clear signals. A sharp burning while urinating, the urgency to return to the restroom multiple times, or seeing blood in urine, are signs of a bladder infection. If fever, chills, back pain, or nausea appear, the infection may have reached the kidneys.
How to prevent UTI
You can prevent UTI with simple habits. Drinking plenty of water, passing urine after intimacy, choosing showers over long baths, avoiding perfumed sprays and douches, and maintaining front-to-back cleaning are small measures that yield large protection. Parents are urged to teach these lessons early to children.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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