Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)? Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Are you experiencing pain when you urinate? You might have a urinary tract infection. Urinary Tract Infection, or UTI, is a common infection and is easily curable through antibiotics. After a thorough diagnosis, you can consult your doctor for an online UTI treatment.

Research shows that about 10 out of 35 women and 3 out of 35 men experience the medical condition[4]. This blog discusses the disease’s causes, symptoms, and common treatments.

What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

Urinary Tract Infection, or a UTI, is a medical condition that infects the urinary system. Kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters are all susceptible to infection. However, UTI commonly occurs in the lower urinary tract involving the urethra and the bladder.

Bladder infection or cystitis occurs when bacteria enter the bladder. Another prevalent UTI infection is called pyelonephritis which infects the kidney. The third type of UTI infection is called urethritis, resulting in pained urination or discharge.[5]

Women are more prone to UTIs as compared to men. Some experts also indicate that women have a high chance of getting the infection repeatedly for consecutive years. At the same time, men have a one to two percent chance of getting the infection in a lifetime.[4]

Bacteria accumulation in the bladder is painful. However, if left untreated, the issue spreads to the kidneys causing severe health problems. Hence, if you experience the slightest symptoms, you should visit a doctor or sign up for an online UTI treatment.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

It is essential to know about the common symptoms of the disease to get the proper treatment. Here are some of the common symptoms observed in UTI-affected patients.[2]

In Adults

A burning sensation during urination, medically known as dysuria
Urge to pee more frequently than usual
Bloodied, strong-smelling, and cloudy urine
Lower abdomen and lower back pain
A high temperature or low temperature under 36 degrees Celsius
Excessive urination

In Children

Children can also develop the infection. Therefore, many clinics allow online UTI treatment for children as well. However, the best approach is to clarify the infection through an in-person visit.

High body temperature
Younger children and babies refuse to eat or feed, appearing generally ill
Frequent bed wets

In Older People

The symptoms of UTI in older people are similar to the ones in younger people. But there are some differences.

Behavioral changes
Uncontrollable urination
Shivers, often called rigors

What Causes UTI?

Some key reasons for the infection to occur include wiping in the wrong direction. Experts say UTI is most likely to occur in women who wipe from front to back[6]. The urethra, a tube that takes the urine outside the body, is very close to the anus. Hence, sometimes the bacteria from the large intestine can make their way to the anus and into the urethra. Therefore, resulting in UTI.

The bacteria first infects the bladder. If left untreated, the infection spreads. Since female urethras are shorter than males, they are more prone to infection. Moreover, sexual intercourse can also infect the urinary tract.

Genetic factors also increase the possibility of UTI [1] as some women have urethra shapes, which are more prone to infections. Additionally, females who have diabetes also attain the condition increasingly because of a weak immune system.

Additional factors which result in infections include hormonal changes, strokes, kidney stones, and anything which affects urine flow.[1]

How To Diagnose A UTI?

There are several online UTI treatments available. However, in-person visits are necessary as the MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans are performed to verify the infection [2]. Sometimes, cystoscopes, long and flexible tubes, are also used to examine the bladder and urethra.

However, the most common approach to detect the infection is by conducting urine tests. Since these tests can not be carried out in virtual sessions, you’ll have to go to the doctor during the diagnosis phase.

UTI Preventions

Since the infection is recurrent, it is essential to know the prevention of the infection.

Empty the bladder. Most people urinate in a rush and don’t empty their bladder, which results in a re-infection.
Increase your water intake.
Practice wiping from front to back after using the bathroom.
Try to prefer showers over baths.
Clean the genital organs before sexual intercourse.
Post-sex urination flushes out the bacteria which may have entered the urethra.
If you use unlubricated condoms or diaphragms, switch to other methods.
Wear loose-fitted clothes and cotton fabric underwear to keep the genital area dry. Tight clothes and nylon underwear retain moisture making favorable environments for bacterial growth.
Avoid using hygiene sprays and scented bath products as they increase irritation.
You can also conduct in-home urinary tests to know whether you have the infection.

Treating UTI

The doctors prescribe different medicines according to the intensity of the infection. Therefore, the medications vary from patient to patient. However, most commonly, the following treatments are prescribed in physical and online UTI treatments.

Usually, antibiotics are used to cure the infection. However, doctors advise you to continue the medication even after you feel improvement. Once the healing begins, you can consult your doctor for further procedures. Ensure to increase your water intake during the treatment. Some patients also find heating pads soothing.

Some experts say that cranberry juice is a natural remedy to prevent infection [3]. The red berry has properties that flush out the bacteria from the bladder, which remains inside otherwise. However, there are limited studies to back this claim.

Experts are devising UTI vaccines to boost the body’s immunity. Some hormone replacement therapies are also available.

How Is a Simple UTI Different from A Complicated One?

UTIs can have different complexities. Therefore, it is essential to get an authentic online doctor consultation rather than self-medication.

An uncomplicated UTI requires a 3-day medication course before the improvement starts. However, you must continue the course after the improvement to ensure that the UTI is entirely treated because a semi-treated infection can reinvade easily. In comparison, complicated UTIs require more prolonged medication and intravenous courses.

Conclusion

UTI, or Urinary Tract Infection, is a common infection in America. Since the symptoms are vivid from the early stages, most people get diagnosed when the infection is only in the bladders. In case of negligence, the infections also spread to the kidneys requiring complicated treatments.

Online UTI treatments are available. However, since tests like CT, MRI, and ultrasounds are required to ensure the intensity of the infection, you must visit the doctor in person. It is also essential to continue the medication even when the symptoms improve. Consuming more fluids is necessary to keep the body hydrated.

FAQs

1. Can I get UTI treatment online?

Yes, you can get UTI treatment online. The doctor may diagnose your symptoms from the comfort of your home. If necessary, they may request a visit to the clinic for samples and scans as well.