UTIs can affect different parts of your urinary tract. Show These include:
Most UTIs can be easily treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of a UTISymptoms of a UTI include:
UTI symptoms may be difficult to spot in people with dementia. Symptoms of a UTI in childrenChildren with UTIs may also:
If you have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, you can also get treatment from a sexual health clinic. Find a sexual health clinic Causes of UTIsUTIs are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection. Causes of UTIs include:
Diagnosing a UTIYour GP will ask you about your symptoms. You may need to give a urine sample to confirm you have a UTI. A urine test helps to rule out other conditions that might be causing your symptoms. Men are sometimes offered a painless swab test to check for other conditions. This is where a cotton bud is wiped on the tip of the penis and sent for testing. It won't hurt but may feel uncomfortable. Treating UTIsYour GP may prescribe antibiotics to treat a UTI. Once you start treatment, the symptoms should start to clear up within 5 days in adults and 2 days in children. It's important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. Some people with a severe UTI may be referred to hospital for treatment and tests. You may need to stay for a few days. Hospital treatment is more likely for men and children with a UTI. Treating recurring UTIsIf your UTI comes back any time after treatment, you'll usually be prescribed a longer course of antibiotics. If you keep getting UTIs and regularly need treatment, your GP may give you a repeat prescription for antibiotics. Things you can do yourselfMild UTIs often pass within a few days. To help ease pain while your symptoms clear up:
It may also help to avoid having sex until you feel better. You cannot pass a UTI on to your partner but sex may be uncomfortable. Consult with your GP about taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin if you have a Kidney infection (Pyelonephritis). Preventing UTIsThere are some things you can do to try to prevent a UTI. Natural remediesThere is very little evidence that drinking cranberry juice or using probiotics reduces your chance of getting UTIs. Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE The urinary system is the body's drainage system for removing wastes and extra water. It includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body. You may have a UTI if you notice: People of any age or sex can get UTIs. But about four times as many women get UTIs as men. You're also at higher risk if you have diabetes, need a tube to drain your bladder, or have a spinal cord injury. If you think you have a UTI it is important to see your doctor. Your doctor can tell if you have a UTI with a
urine test. Treatment is with antibiotics. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Start Here
How do I check myself for a UTI?You can buy a home urinary tract infection (UTI) test kit. They are available without a prescription at a drugstore or online. The home test kit contains specially treated test strips. You hold them in your urine stream or dip them in a sample of your urine.
Can a UTI go away on its own?“Yes, a UTI could go away on its own, but some infections are different than others,” he says. “And if left untreated, it may linger longer.” UTIs are classified into two main categories: uncomplicated, also known as cystitis; and complicated, which may be catheter-associated or happen during pregnancy.
How do females get a UTI?It's pretty easy to get a urinary tract infection. Bacteria that live in the vagina, genital, and anal areas may enter the urethra, travel to the bladder, and cause an infection. This can happen during sexual activity when bacteria from your partner's genitals, anus, fingers, or sex toys gets pushed into your urethra.
What does UTI pain feel like?The irritation can cause pain in your lower abdomen pelvic area and even lower back, and will usually make you feel like urinating more often. Burning or pain when urinating is the most common symptom. You may even feel a strong urge or need to urinate but only get a few drops.
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