Urinary tract infection “Toilet infection in women” Causes: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) commonly known as toilet infections in Nigeria are most often caused by bacteria (germs) that enter the bladder, kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra, which are part of your tract. urinary.
UTIs are also called bladder infections and are common, especially in women.
If you are a woman, your chances of getting a urinary tract infection are high. Some experts rank the lifetime risk of getting one as high as 1 in 2, and many women have repeated infections, sometimes for years.
Women get UTIs more often because a woman’s urethra (the tube from the bladder to where urine leaves the body) is shorter than a man’s. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
As the world celebrates World Bath Day today, November 19, here is everything you need to know about this dreaded disease.
Symptoms Urinary tract infection “Toilet infection in women”
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Need to urinate frequently, but does not come out much when you go
- Pressure in the lower abdomen
- Urine that smells bad or looks milky or cloudy
- Blood in the urine. This is more common in younger women. If you see blood in your urine, tell a doctor or nurse immediately.
- Feeling tired, shaky, confused, or weak. This is more common in older women.
- Have a fever, which may mean that the infection has reached the kidneys.
Causes of Urinary tract infection “Toilet infection in women”
UTIs are caused by a bacterium called E. coli, which is found in the digestive tract of humans but reaches the urinary tract. Women get this organism when they use dirty public toilets or wipe their anus from back to front.
E. coli enters through the urethra and begins to multiply in the bladder. The defense system designed to keep microbes at bay fails and bacteria take hold and become a full-blown infection, and if the infection is not treated, it can continue to infect your kidneys.
Second, some women are more likely to get UTIs because of their genes. The shape of your urinary tract makes other people more likely to get infected. Additionally, women with diabetes and other conditions such as multiple sclerosis may be at higher risk because their weakened immune systems make them less able to fight infection.
Types of Urinary tract infection “Toilet infection in women”
An infection can occur in different parts of your urinary tract. Each type has a different name, depending on its location.
- Cystitis (bladder): Occurs when the bladder becomes inflamed due to a bacterial infection. You may feel like you need to urinate a lot or it may hurt when you urinate. You may also have pain in your lower abdomen and cloudy or bloody urine.
- Pyelonephritis (kidneys) – This is the most dangerous form of urinary tract infection, as it can lead to permanent kidney damage and death. The condition can be acute or chronic, depending on the frequency of reinfection. It can cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper back or side.
- Urethritis (urethra) – Urethritis is commonly caused by bacteria, causing inflammation and irritation of the urethra. This can cause discharge and burning when urinating.
UTI tests and diagnosis for Urinary tract infection “Toilet infection in women”
If you suspect you have a urinary tract infection, see your doctor. Give a urine sample to test for the bacteria that cause UTIs.
If you have frequent UTIs and your doctor suspects a problem with your urinary tract, they may take a closer look with an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. They can also use a long, flexible tube called a cystoscope to look inside the urethra and bladder.
Treatment for Urinary tract infection “Toilet infection in women”
Urinary or toilet infections are treated with medications that kill the bacteria that cause the infection. It is important that your doctor prescribes these medications for you. The most commonly used medications to treat toilet bowl infection in Nigeria are tablets that are normally taken for 3 days. More complicated infections are treated for about 7 to 10 days or more with antibiotics, depending on the bacteria causing the infection, the medicine used, and your medical history.
You can also try some home remedies.
Prevention of Urinary tract infection “Toilet infection in women”
There are many preventative steps you can take to prevent it from happening again.
- Urinate as soon as you feel the need, as holding your urine encourages bacteria to stay in the body and multiply.
- Always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
- Drink plenty of water, up to 6-8 glasses a day to stimulate frequent urination, which helps flush bacteria from the urethra.
- Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, scented douches, and scented or strong bath soaps, as they will only increase irritation.
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- Keep your genital area dry by wearing cotton underwear and loose fitting clothing. Do not wear tight jeans or nylon underwear; They can trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
- Practice good sexual hygiene by cleaning your genitals and urinating before having sex and also urinating after sex.
- Drink unsweetened cranberry juice as cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract and thus prevent infection. Cranberry also has antioxidants with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
- Take probiotics to promote a healthy balance of bacteria in your body. Common sources of probiotics include probiotic yogurt or probiotic supplements. Probiotics work by preventing harmful bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, have antibacterial properties, and lower the pH of the urine.
