Most of us, at some stage in our lives, will have experienced a burning sensation during urination.
That burning feeling when you pee is a telltale sign of a urinary tract infection, or UTI. While UTIs are extremely common, they are inconvenient and can be very uncomfortable. As well as causing a nasty burning sensation during urination, they can cause pelvic pain and frequent urination.
What is a UTI?
A UTI happens when bacteria grow inside the urethra, bladder or kidneys. UTIs are far more common in women than men, as women have a much shorter urethra than men, allowing bacteria to travel to the bladder more easily.
Seeing your doctor as soon as you notice the signs of a UTI is important, as treatment can relieve the symptoms and prevent complications like a kidney infection.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
The growth of bacteria causes a number of symptoms, including:
- A burning sensation during urination
- Needing to pee more frequently
- Needing to pee, even when your bladder is empty
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in your urine.
If the bacteria spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream, symptoms may also include:
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain in the middle of the back (kidney inflammation).What causes UTIs?There are several common risk factors that can cause a UTI. In men, they can be caused bacterial entry into the urethra, an enlarged prostate, a weakened immune system, or the use of a catheter. In women, as well as bacteria and immune suppression, UTIs are commonly caused by sexual activity, voiding dysfunctions (conditions that make it hard to empty your bladder), and menopause. How is a UTI diagnosed and treated?Your doctor can diagnose a UTI with a simple urine sample, which is examined for signs of infection.If an infection is found, a short course of antibiotics will be prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs, your doctor may do a urine culture to see which type of bacteria are causing the UTIs and prescribe the most effective type of antibiotic.Can UTIs be prevented?There are several things you can do to help reduce the chances of bacteria entering the urethra and causing a UTI.
- Empty your bladder whenever you have the urge
- Drink more water
- Practice good bathroom hygiene
- Wear cotton underwear
- Pee after sex.
Don’t suffer in silence
UTIs can cause many unpleasant symptoms, including a burning sensation during urination. Don’t suffer in silence – talk to your doctor as prompt treatment will not only address the symptoms but can prevent a more serious infection from developing.