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What Are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

Eli Salvo
By Eli Salvo. Updated: January 16, 2017
What Are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a common condition, especially in women, whose urinary tract is much shorter than men's. Often, bacteria coming from the vaginal area reach the urinary tract. Various conditions can cause this type of infection, which tend to be bacterial, but can sometimes also be caused by a virus, fungus or even parasite. In OneHowTo.com, we explain the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, making it easy for you to detect one and fight it before it leads to complications.

Steps to follow:
1

The direct causes of urinary tract infections can vary, but knowing how to recognize them is key to prevent the frequency of appearance. Among the most common conditions that provoke an infection are:

  • The transfer of bacteria from the anus to the urinary tract, normally due to an improper wiping technique. After going to the bathroom, it is important to always wipe yourself from front to back, and not the other way around.
  • Drinking too little water is one of the main triggers of this condition, as frequent urination favours the regular elimination of bacteria from the urinary tract.
  • Sexual activity also increases the frequency of urinary tract infections in women, especially when products like spermicides or scented lube are used. Moreover, practices like anal sex followed by vaginal sex will increase the transmission of fecal bacteria to the front part of the vaginal area.
  • Sometimes, urinary obstructions can be caused by kidney stones, tumors and stretching of the urinary tract can also cause urinary infections.
  • Other conditions like pregnancy or a weakened immune system can make you more vulnerable to urinary infections.
What Are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection - Step 1
Image: wikipedia.org
2

It is relatively normal for women to develop urinary tract infections. If, however, if the condition appears 3 or more times a year, it is important to visit your gynaecologist to determine the specific cause of the infection and to obtain an adequate treatment to kill the recurring bacteria once and for all.

3

The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection are:

  • Frequent and urgent urges to urinate.
  • Very small quantities of urine upon urination, despite frequent urges
  • Pain, burning or stinging upon urination
  • In the case of women, pain during sexual intercourse
  • Cloudy appearance of urine
  • In the event that the infection has spread to the kidneys, pain in the side of the back.
  • In some cases, blood in urine
  • Severe urinary infections are also accompanied by fever, vomitting and nausea.
4

Seeing a specialist is fundamental to detect the exact cause of the bacteria, virus, fungus or parasite that is responsible for the infection. Your specialist will prescribe the appropriate medication, and it is important to follow the treatment as prescribed. If you find blood in your urine, are vomiting, have fever or have pain in your sides, it is important to seek emergency medical attention.

However, there are certain ways to cope with a UTI you can try in order to relieve the symptoms such as eating cranberries.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to What Are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.

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What Are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection
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