Understanding the ins and outs of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) is very important as they are among the most common infections in females worldwide. Experts estimate that around 40% of women will experience a UTI at least once in their lives. Around 25% of these women will experience a recurring UTI infection, suffering at least twice in 6 months.
Most cases of UTIs are not considered life-threatening. However, untreated infections can cause damage to your kidneys if they move further up the urinary tract. Understanding UTIs is the first step towards prevention. To help you, we have put together answers to some of your most frequently asked questions:
A UTI infects any part of your urinary tract, from your kidneys down to your bladder and urethra. Most infections develop in the lower urinary tract - the bladder and the urethra - but can travel to your kidneys if left untreated for too long. Infections range from mild to severe, but even mild infections should be taken seriously and treated quickly.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
Studies show that UTIs are not necessarily a sign of poor overall hygiene. However, some experts have found a link between intimate area washing techniques and increased risk of UTIs. Much like wiping, there is a correct and incorrect way to wash. Like wiping, washing from back to front can increase your risk of moving the E.coli bacteria responsible for UTIs to your urethra. The soap used can also increase your risk. Scented and coloured bath products, in particular, can cause more irritation.
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, rise to the bladder and cause infection. UTIs are about 30 times more common in women since their urethra, the tube leading from their bladder, is much shorter than in men. The most common bacteria to cause UTIs is E. Coli, which can live in the bowel. Much like colds, some people are more susceptible to UTIs and should take extra care to avoid behaviours that are linked to UTIs, such as wiping back to front, wearing synthetic underwear, or holding in their urine for prolonged periods.
A bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that specifically affects the bladder. While a UTI is a broad term that refers to an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, a bladder infection is in the bladder alone. Both conditions share common symptoms such as a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. However, the term UTI encompasses a wider range of infections, including those that can affect the upper urinary tract, like the kidneys, which are generally more serious and can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Therefore, while all bladder infections are UTIs, not all UTIs are bladder infections.
In uncomplicated cases, over-the-counter medications like Canephron can be used to treat both the symptoms and the cause of a UTI. However, it is always important to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing the symptoms of a UTI. In cases where you may have gone without treatment for too long or are experiencing any complications doctors will prescribe antibiotics. These can be used with Canephron to help relieve the symptoms of UTIs. In addition to medication, doctors recommend drinking plenty of water to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract
If you find yourself suffering from a UTI, speak to your doctor about Canephron’s 4-in-1 action, or look out for us at Clicks, Dischem, or any leading pharmacy.