It is estimated that worldwide, 150 million cases of urinary tract infection (UTIs) are detected annually. Studies show that about 40% of women, at some point in their lives, will suffer from a urinary tract infection. But know that men, children or babies can also manifest this infection.

What is a urinary tract infection?

It is the presence of bacteria in the urinary system. This infection can develop in the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) or kidneys (pyelonephritis), and this is a very common medical complaint.
In the vast majority of cases, microorganisms reach the urinary tract from the outside, through the urethra. The female urethra, being anatomically close to the anus and much shorter than the male urethra, makes urinary tract infections more common in women.

What are the main symptoms of this infection?

  • Pain/burning when urinating;
  • Frequent need to urinate and in small amounts;
  • Changes in the color and smell of urine;
  • Pain in the lower abdomen;
  • Fever;
  • Back painç
  • Nausea and vomiting.

Is a urinary tract infection sexually transmitted?

It is not. However, it is important to know the true cause of the infection, since some sexually transmitted diseases present symptoms similar to those of urinary tract infection.

When should you seek medical help?

  • If the symptomatology remains for more than 2 days;
  • If you present these symptoms for the first time;
  • If you are pregnant;
  • If you are in a post-operative situation (you had surgery recently);
  • If you see blood in your urine.

Remember that in some more serious cases you should call 111 immediately. In particular, if you haven’t urinated all day, have a high fever, feel confused or have difficulty speaking.

What treatments are usually indicated?

  • Analgesics (such as paracetamol);
  • Antibiotics, always according to medical prescription.

You should also take some extra care, such as increasing your fluid intake and paying special attention to intimate hygiene.

What are the main measures to prevent urinary tract infection?

  • Drink a lot of water;
  • Urinate frequently and whenever you feel like it;
  • Urinating after sexual intercourse;
  • For women, after urinating or evacuating, always wipe from front to back, thus avoiding possible contamination coming from the anus;
  • Avoid applying perfumed products in the genital region;
  • Prefer cotton underwear, and never too tight.

Any doubt or symptom you may be experiencing deserves our attention. Know that at the Oval Medical Center our doctors will be available to help you.
Take care of yourself, your urinary system will thank you!

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