One of the most common ailments a person can experience is a urinary tract infection (UTI). These can occur anywhere along your urinary tract, including in your bladder, urethra, or kidneys. While UTIs can affect people for a number of reasons, there are several common causes behind the infection — some controllable and some uncontrollable.
In order to reduce your chance of developing a UTI, it’s important to understand some of these causes and do your part to actively avoid them if you can.
Uncontrollable Factors
Pregnancy
While women who are pregnant do not have a higher risk for developing a UTI, when they do occur, the infection is more likely to travel up to their kidneys. This can present more complications than an infection present in the bladder or urethra.
Diabetes
A combination of high glucose levels, poor circulation, and potentially poorly-emptying bladders can cause those with diabetes to suffer from chronic UTIs.
Controllable Factors
Poor Hygiene
If you don’t keep the area around your urethra clean, bacteria can easily make its way into your system and become an infection. Make sure you:
Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
Shower rather than take baths.
Use fragrance and oil-free products in the genital region.
Keep your genital area clean.
Wear cotton and loose-fitting underwear to keep the area dry.
Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse.
Lack of Water
When you don’t drink enough water, your body is unable to flush out bacteria that has the potential to cause a UTI. To avoid an infection, drink the proper amount of water and use the bathroom often.
Symptoms of a UTI
While symptoms and their severity can vary from person-to-person, there are some symptoms that are frequently reported by those suffering from a urinary tract infection. These are some of the symptoms to watch out for:
Frequent urge to urinate.
Strong-smelling and cloudy urine.
Muscle aches and abdominal pain.
Lower back pain.
Pain or burning when urinating.
If you suspect you may have a UTI, it’s essential to seek medical treatment to prevent the infection from getting worse. At Advance ER, we are here with urgent care and emergency services in the Dallas area.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today!
