Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause discomfort and make going to the bathroom a hassle. A urinary tract infection will not clear up on its own and must be cured with medicine prescribed by your doctor. It is best to get treated as soon as you suspect a urinary tract infection or you put yourself at risk for other urological related complications.
Description
The urinary system is made up of the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. A urinary tract infection is any type of bacterial infection that begins in the urinary system. The urethra and the bladder make up the lower part of the urinary tract, and although they are the most likely spots for infection, any area may become infected. According to the Mayo Clinic, women are more likely to develop a urinary tract infection than men.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can include a painful or burning sensation while urinating and an increase in the frequency of bathroom visits. Urinary tract infections can cause blood to be present in the urine or make the urine cloudy or discolored.
Causes
UTIs are typically a result of bacteria entering the urinary system through the urethra. One particular bacterium known to cause urinary tract infections is Escherichia coli, which is found in the gastrointestinal tract. The Mayo Clinic says that your urinary tract has defense mechanisms to keep out foreign organisms such as E. coli, but these mechanisms can sometimes fail. When they do, the bacteria can then enter the urinary tract and multiply until a full blown urinary tract infection is present.
Complications
When the infection makes its way to the bladder, this is called cystitis. If the infection remains in the urethra, this is called urethritis. If these types of infections are untreated, your kidneys may eventually become infected. According to the Mayo Clinic, if the kidneys become infected, permanent damage can occur.
Treatment
A urinary tract infection can easily be cured by taking medicine. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics that must be taken for anywhere between three days to two weeks. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that for mild symptoms of a simple bladder infection, men should take antibiotics for seven to 14 days and women should take them for three days. Antibiotics must be taken in their entirety or you may eventually develop an infection that becomes harder to treat.
