A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system, your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder, and the urethra. Women are more prone to UTIs than men because their urethra is shorter and simply from a location standpoint. It is more common in older age men. UTIs do not always have symptoms, but when they do, It is painful and can spread to your kidneys if not treated ASAP.
Some Symptoms for men and women:
- Strong urine smell.
- Burning sensation.
- Cloudy urine.
- Urine that appears red color (sign that blood in your urine).
- Women have pelvic pain especially around the pelvic bone.
- Men have pain in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone.
- Using the bathroom often and passing small amounts of urine.
- Seek medical attention if you have ANY of these symptoms.
For men in addition to UTI you may have prostate infection; this includes:
- Fever
- Chills
- Dribbling
- Fatigue
- Pain between your rectum and scrotum.
Causes for men:
- Not drinking enough water
- Recent urinary tract surgery
- Diabetes
- Fecal incontinence
- Being still for long periods of time.
- Engaging in anal intercourse which exposes the urethra to more bacteria
- Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder and increase the risk of UTIs
- Unclean wash cloth
- Unclean toilets seats
- Being uncircumcised
Causes for women:
- Sex (the motion can transfer bacteria)
- Menopause (women estrogen level drops)
- Constipation (stool can work its way toward your vagina)
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Dehydration
- Holding your urine
- Feminine products
- Uncomfortable underwear
- Kidney stones
- Certain personal care products
- Unclean toilets seats
- Unclean wash cloths
- Overweight or obese
- Fecal incontinence
- Catheter use
- Certain types of birth control (diaphragms and spermicidal agents)
Different type of UTIs:
- Kidney: signs are upper back pain, fever, chills, vomiting, and nausea.
- Bladder: signs are pelvic pressure, blood in urine, frequent urination, and lower abdomen discomfort.
- Urethra: signs are discharge and burning with urination.
Ways to prevent UTIs for women and men:
- Change your washcloth daily.
- Clean toilet seats.
- Stay hydrated drink plenty of water and cranberry juice.
- Wear clean and breathable underwear.
- Urinate when you feel the need; don’t hold it.
- Wipe from front to back.
- Keep your private area clean and dry (pat dry).
- Go to your doctor for checkups.
- If you dribble in your underwear, change often.
- Empty your bladder soon after intercourse.
- Women use pH balanced hygiene care (Essence of Nature LLC offers a vaginal wash called “WET” pH balanced)
- Avoid fragrances oil in personal care products.
Do not try to treat UTIs yourself with over the counter medicines, Seek medical attention if you have any problems. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics. Know your body. Ask questions when you go to the doctor. They learn from the patient ; they do not know until you tell them.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/uti-in-men
https://www.sharecare.com/health/urinary-tract-infections/women-more-frequent-urinary-infections
https://www.prevention.com/health/a20433449/8-most-common-causes-of-utis/