Definition of Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a condition where there is infection in the organs in the urinary system, namely the ureters, urethra, kidneys, and bladder. Generally, this condition occurs in two organs, the urethra and bladder.

Firstly, we will discuss a little about the urinary tract. The urinary tract itself is divided into two, namely the upper urinary tract and lower urinary tract. The upper urinary tract consists of the kidneys and ureters. While the lower urinary tract consists of the urethra and bladder.

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and develop in the bladder. An infection that occurs and attacks the deepest part is what causes UTIs. If this condition is not treated promptly, the bacteria can cause the infection to reach the kidneys.

UTIs can occur in all people regardless of age and gender. However, compared to men, the condition is more common in women. This is because women have a shorter urethra, making them more susceptible to infection.

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Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

There are several symptoms that occur in this condition. Some of these symptoms cause the lining of the urinary tract to become red and irritated. Some of the symptoms caused by UTIs are as follows:

• The urge to urinate continuously
• Frequent urination
• Pain in the pubic area when urinating
• The urine is darker in color and has a pungent smell
• Body feels tired and shaky
• Hip pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse

The above symptoms are common symptoms in people suffering from UTIs. The other symptoms are different, depending on which organs are affected by the infection. Here are some symptoms of UTIs based on the infected organ:

• Kidneys: Fever, nausea and vomiting, chills, and back pain
• Bladder: There is a feeling of pressure in the lower abdominal area, frequent urination, and bleeding when urinating
• Urethra: Pain when urinating, and discharge from the urethra

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment and Prevention

In general, the treatment of UTIs is to take antibiotics. Antibiotics serve to kill the bacteria, so it can treat infections that occur. For this reason, patients with UTIs are required to finish their antibiotics given by their doctor so UTIs can be resolved properly and appropriately.

If the condition often recurs within a year or more, you can ask your doctor for specific treatment recommendations. There are several treatment options that can be run, such as:

• Patients can take lower doses of antibiotics for a longer period of time. This aims to prevent repeated infections.
• Taking a single dose of antibiotics after sexual intercourse. It aims to prevent common infections.
• Patients can take antibiotics for 1 to 2 days every time they feel symptoms.

UTIs can be prevented by drinking lots of water, thus the bacteria will immediately go down and be rinsed through the urine. Especially for women, UTIs can be prevented by cleaning the intimate parts properly, especially after defecating or urinating.