URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) or bladder infections is an infection in the urinary tract, a part of your body which consists of the ureters, kidneys, bladder and urethra. The kidneys clean the blood of toxins, liquids and waste which is then carried to the bladder through a small tube called the ureter which is then disposed of through the urethra.

Generally you become infected with UTI when bacteria enters through the urethra and starts to multiply in the bladder and the urine becomes infected. Normally urine is sterile and free of any bacteria but can become infected through sexual intercourse, not being clean, introducing foreign objects to the urethra (see Catheter-Associated UTI), an enlarged prostate, or from STD such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea.

Many people in the world have or have had UTI within their lifetime and more than half of all women will be infected with a UTI. Women are most at risk of becoming infected with a UTI because of their shorter urethra, and sexual intercource pushing the bacteria into the urethra.

Symptoms

• A need to urinate frequently
• A slight burning sensation while urinating
• A pain in the bladder area
• A slight fever

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing and treating a Urinary Tract Infection is a simple and painless procedure. Doctors can take urine samples to look for the infection and will probably prescribe antibiotics preemptively because of the commonness of UTI. As with all medication, it's very important that you take it as directed. Making sure you have completed your antibiotic regiment is very important in ensuring that the infection will not return.