Infections that affect any part of the urinary tract are called urinary tract infections. When it affects the lower urinary tract, a bladder infection called "cystitis" occurs, and when it affects the upper urinary tract, a kidney infection called "pyelonephritis" occurs.
It is one of the most frequently consulted infectious diseases to the doctor!
It is often encountered in sexually active women between the ages of 20-40. 90% of the disease is caused by “E. A bacterium called "coli" is responsible.
Cystitis usually causes pain during urination, burning sensation, frequent urination and sudden urge to urinate, bleeding in the urine, cloudy and foul-smelling urine, pain in the groin and a feeling of pressure in the genital area. While causing complaints such as; In addition to these complaints, pyelonephritis causes complaints such as high fever and side pain.
It is 8 times more common in women!
Approximately 50% of women experience it in their lives. Have at least one urinary tract infection.
-
In women, the urinary tract is anatomically short and close to the vaginal and anal area. For this reason, microorganisms can easily reach the urinary tract and cause infection.
-
Although the risk of cystitis increases in young, sexually active women, the risk of developing infection depends on the frequency of sexual intercourse.
-
The risk of urinary tract infection increases due to the loss of vaginal flora caused by the decreasing estrogen level with menopause.
-
The first urinary tract infection was experienced under the age of 15. and having a history of recurrent urinary tract infections in the mother are among the reasons that increase the risk.
-
Similarly, wet environments such as pools, seas, saunas and situations such as vaginal discharge are also among the reasons that increase the risk.
The first thing to do is to increase fluid intake. Increased amount of urine along with abundant fluid intake helps cleanse microorganisms. It is necessary to consult a doctor in the presence of complaints such as difficulty urinating, bloody urine, abdominal and waist pain, discharge, urinary incontinence, fever, weakness.
The most important point in treatment is adequate treatment with appropriate medications. long-lasting and unsuitable The use of medications reduces the effectiveness of treatment. The most important mistake made is the uncontrolled use of medication without a doctor's recommendation.
Approximately 15% of women suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections!
Having more than two urinary tract infections in the last six months and more than three in the last year means recurrent urinary tract infection. Although this situation negatively affects the person's quality of life, it may also be a sign of other health problems. In this case, more detailed examination methods should be used and diseases such as stones, enlargement, anatomical disorders and tumors in the urinary tract should be investigated.
Long-term treatments may be required for recurrent urinary tract infections!
While three days of antibiotic treatment is sufficient for simple urinary tract infections, low-dose preventive drug treatment is recommended every day or three times a week for six months for recurrent urinary tract infections. If complaints occur after sexual intercourse, the development of infection can be prevented by using a single dose of treatment after intercourse.
Blueberries for frequent urinary tract infections!
Blueberries, probiotics and Vitamin C use has been shown to be beneficial in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections. A recent scientific study conducted in Italy found that the combined use of blueberries, probiotics and vitamin C reduces recurrent urinary tract infections.
Recurrent urinary tract infections can be prevented with simple precautions!
-
Clean up after going to the toilet from front to back, not from back to front. In this way, microorganisms in the vaginal and anal area are prevented from being carried to the urinary tract.
-
Drink plenty of water and do not hold your urine. Drinking plenty of water and urinating without waiting when you feel the need to urinate contributes to the mechanical cleaning of the bladder.
-
Be careful not to become constipated. Constipation negatively affects urine flow, and the risk of developing infection increases in urine that is not fully emptied and accumulates.
-
Urinate before and after sexual intercourse.
-
If necessary, water during sexual intercourse. Use low-quality lubricants.
-
Do not use creams with spermicide properties.
-
Change sanitary pads frequently.
-
Do not use soap to clean the genital area. Soap disrupts the natural flora of the genital area and increases the risk of infection.
-
Prefer cotton underwear.
-
If there is a vaginal infection, treat it. be. Untreated vaginal infections and discharge are also among the important causes of recurrent urinary tract infections
Read: 0