Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, particularly in women. UTIs account for approximately 8 million clinic visits each year. Luckily, the majority of these are uncomplicated with only around 1 in 80 resulting in a hospital stay. However, this does not mean that you should not take a UTI seriously. Ignoring your symptoms or not taking the proper steps to treat a UTI can lead to a serious infection further up the urinary tract. Knowing the signs and treatments for the different kinds of UTIs can help you catch this common infection early, keeping it from becoming serious.
In this blog we explore the four types of UTIs, helping you to better understand your urinary tract so you can stay UTI-free.
The primary function of the urinary tract is to remove waste and excess fluids in the form of urine, with each part playing a different but important role.
Infections can occur at any point in this system. It is important that you treat a UTI regardless of severity and location.
Urethritis refers to inflammation and infection in the lowest part of the urinary tract, the urethra. Infection here can be caused by bacteria, resulting in a UTI, but is more commonly the result of sexually transmitted infection (STI). The symptoms of STI-related urethritis are very similar to those of a UTI, including pain while urinating, blood in the urine, and pelvic pain. Two symptoms not shared are the discharge and itchiness associated with and STI. If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to seek out medical help to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
A bladder infection, or cystitis, accounts for the majority of uncomplicated UTIs. Cystitis occurs when bacteria from the digestive tract is introduced into the urinary system through the urethra. The bacteria travel up, settling in the bladder where it replicates causing an infection.
Not to be confused with an infection of the urethra, ureteritis is an infection of the ureters. This is often considered the start of the upper urinary tract and is more commonly associated with complicated infections. This is because infections in the ureters signal that infection-causing E. Coli bacteria have spread from the bladder and is moving towards the kidneys.
A kidney infection is generally considered the most complicated or dangerous form of UTI. Kidney infections generally start in either the bladder or ureters and spread up the urinary tract eventually reaching either one or both kidneys where it can cause lasting damage. This is why it is so important that you recognise and properly treat any UTI, no matter the severity. The symptoms of a kidney infection are the same as other UTIs, but is more likely to include fever, chills, and nausea. In some cases where a kidney infection remains untreated the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing septicaemia, or blood poisoning.
Since UTIs are caused by bacteria, antibiotics are the most common treatment used. Antibiotics are extremely effective in eliminating bacteria but must be taken correctly to ensure the infection has been cleared out entirely. Antibiotic medications require a script, and so must be prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner.
In addition to antibiotics there are over the counter bladder infection medicines that can be used in conjunction with antibiotics, or on their own. Canephron is one such medicine, clinically proven to reduce pain, cramps, and bladder overactivity associated with all kinds of uncomplicated UTIs. However, what sets Canephron apart from other over the counter bladder infection medication is its antibacterial properties. This means that unlike other OTC options, Canephron also treats the cause of the UTI, helping to flush bacteria from the urinary tract and prevent infections from coming back.
From the kidneys to the urethra, each part of your urinary tract plays an important role in removing waste from your body. Although most infections in this sensitive system are uncomplicated, leaving little lasting damage, failing to recognise and treat a UTI can lead to more serious infections. It is therefore important that you educate yourself on the symptoms and causes of the various types of UTIs, equipping yourself with the knowledge you need to identify an infection and seek medical help promptly. Remember, prevention is just as important as a cure, so stay informed and pick up a box of Canephron to stay UTI-free.
