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Our urinary system consists of kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The bladder and the urethra are known to be more prone to bacterial infection. An infection in the urinary system is called a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urinary tract infection is more common in women than men and causes severe pain in the bladder part. They mostly affect bladder and urethra in women's body. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat this problem since it's a kind of infection only but situation can be dangerous if it spreads to the kidney.
It is hard to identify urinary tract infections in the first place only since they are mistaken for other adult issues. But signs like frequent urge to urinate, burning sensation, cloudy and dark urine with a very bad smell and severe pelvic pain can indicate the chances of UTI. There are different type of UTIs and each one has different symptoms. Infection in kidneys is called pyelonephritis and causes fever, chills, nausea, vomit and back and flank pain. Infection in bladder is called cystitis and is responsible for causing abdomen uneasiness, pain and blood while urinating and also pressure in pelvic area. This is mostly cause by bacteria called Escherichia coli which are generally found in gastrointestinal tract. Sexual intercourse is the most common reason for developing cystitis. Infection in urethra is called urethritis and causes a burning sensation. Urethritis are generally caused by GI bacteria. These bacteria travels from women's back opening to their urethra and causes infection. Many a times STIs like herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea are responsible for urethritis.
This problem can occur multiple time in one's life (mostly women). Women with multiple sex partners or more sexually active women are at high risk of developing such infection. Certain birth control measures like diaphragms and spermicidal agents further increases the risk. People with abnormalities in their urinary system possess like blockage, stone, prostate or weak immune system have higher risk of UTI then the rest. Urinary tract infections are not life threatening at all if treated properly. However, not evaluating and treating it on time can led to serious complications. Untreated urinary tract infection can even cause permanent kidney damage. These infections are very dangerous for pregnant women and can cause premature birth. It can even causes Sepsis which is said to be the most severe and life threatning form of infection where chemicals of our body are filled in the bloodstream and produce an unbearable burning sensation throughout the body. Sepsis can lead to permanent organ damage or even death.
These types of infection can be prevented easily through a healthy lifestyle. Drinking a lot of water helps in keeping our urinary system active and flushes all the unwanted stuff out of the body. Some said taking cranberry juice regularly in the morning can significantely help in reducing the chances of UTIs. Proper clean-up of the genitals after using washroom can also reduce the risk of UTI. Too much use of foreign bodies on the genitals should be avoided and those areas should be kept dried most of the time. Birth control measures other than diaphragms and spermicidal agents should be used. If these things are done properly, it is very less likely to develop UTI.