Hello there! Ready to learn about the non-sexual causes of UTIs? You see, UTIs can spring up due to causes beyond sexual activity. And, they can affect any part of your urinary system. Think kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that carry urine. They can give you anything from pee discomfort to more severe issues if not tackled in time.
Let’s talk about the non-sexual triggers of UTIs. We’ll begin by understanding what the urinary system does and how it differs between the sexes. From there, we’ll discuss main causes like bacteria and urinary tract problems. We’ll then go over how other things like certain contraceptives, menopause, a weak immune system, and pregnancy play a role. We’ll also talk about risk factors, symptoms, complications, prevention steps, and treatments.
Have this knowledge in your arsenal to defend your health against UTIs!
Your urinary system is your body’s waste and toxin filter, and it gets rid of them through pee. It’s composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. They all work together to filter, store, transport, and finally remove urine to keep your body healthy.
Now, while they share common parts, the urinary systems of males and females differ slightly due to reproductive organ structure.
Have you ever wondered where pee comes from? It starts from the kidneys which filter waste and fluid from blood to create urine. This urine then moves from the kidneys to the bladder via tiny tubes called ureters. The bladder then holds on to the pee till it’s time for a toilet run. The final exit path for urine is through a small tube, the urethra.
Now the main thing that makes the female and male urinary systems different is in the length and location of the urethra. You see, in females, the urethra is shorter and closer to the rectum. And, this placement makes it easier for bacteria from the anus to travel to the urethra. Sad to say, this puts females at more risk for UTIs than their male counterparts.
Even though urinary tract infections are not sexually transmitted infections and are not contagious, it’s probably a good idea to not have sex while you’re being treated for a UTI.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Did you know?
UTIs usually pop up when bacteria sneak into the urinary system and settle down to build an infection. Now, what are these ways? Let’s explore:
Improper hygiene, use of contaminated public toilet seats can increase your chances of UTI.
Some babies are born with urinary tract issues, and people owning roadblocks like kidney stones may face a pee hold-up. This absence of complete bladder emptying turns the urine left behind into a bacteria party place, leading to UTIs.
Surprisingly, some birth control methods, like diaphragms or spermicidal agents, could push up your UTI risk.
Women who’ve walked past the menopause milestone face decreased estrogen levels which alters the urinary tract in ways that hike UTI risk.
Having a health condition like diabetes weakens the body’s germ fight off system, putting up the UTI risk sign.
Did you know that being pregnant puts you at increased UTI risk too? This happens through shifts in hormones and a lack of full urine flow because of an enlarged uterus.
Using urinary catheters can invite bacteria inside the body, leading to UTIs.
Kidney stones can get stuck anywhere in the urinary tract and cause obstruction in the flow of urine. This can lead to UTI
Also Read: What Does Cloudy Urine Mean? Decoding the Mystery with Medical Science
Well, enough talk. Let’s quickly sum this up in a handy table overview:
| Non-Sexual Causes of UTIs | Details |
|---|---|
| Poor Hygiene | E.coli and other bacteria can cause UTI |
| Urinary tract abnormalities | Abnormalities or blocks can lead to remaining urine |
| Certain contraceptives | Particularly those with spermicidal agents |
| Menopause | Lower estrogen levels after menopause hike UTI risk |
| Weakened immune system | Diseases like diabetes lower immunity, raising UTI risk |
| Pregnancy | Change in hormones and incomplete urine flow due to a bigger uterus increase UTI risk |
| Urinary catheters | These can allow bacteria inside the body, causing a UTI |
| Kidney Stone | Kidney stones may get stuck in ureter causing obstruction and UTI |
UTIs are very common after sex, especially in females. If you’re prone to getting UTIs, try preventive measures like urinating right after sex. You can also talk to your doctor to see if preventive antibiotics or over-the-counter medications may be right for you and your body.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Now, the risk factors for UTIs aren’t same for men and women. But anyone can be at risk under certain situations.
With a shorter distance from the anus to the urethra, women often face the UTI music more. Add to that, the urethral opening being near to the bladder, and it’s a cakewalk for the bacteria to get to the bladder. Here’s what puts them at higher risk:
This can alter urinary tract bacteria, increasing bacterial growth and UTIs.
Lowered estrogen levels post-menopause usher in changes in the urinary tract, making women more UTI prone.
For fellas, there are certain factors that majorly spike UTI risk:
A big prostate can cage urine in the bladder, pushing UTI risks up.
These could make peeing a problem and raise UTI risks.
A weaker immune system due to immunosuppressant medications, diabetes etc., can make men more open to UTIs.
Alright, let’s throw this in a table for easy reference:
| Risk Factors for Non-Sexual UTIs | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Use of diaphragms and spermicides | Yes | No |
| Changes Post-Menopause | Yes | No |
| Enlarged Prostate | No | Yes |
| Urinary tract abnormalities | Yes | Yes |
| Lower immune function | Yes | Yes |
People with uncontrolled diabetes and those with weak immunity, often present with complains of recurrent UTIs. Keeping sugar levels in check and maintaining good hygiene is recommended.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD
Also read: Bleeding During Sex With No Pain: A Comprehensive Guide to Underlying Causes
Spotting the signs is step one to dealing with a UTI. Let’s see what these look like in different groups:
Often, adults feel a strong need to pee frequently, burning while peeing, and needing to pee a lot even if very little comes out. Their urine may appear cloudy, smell strong, or show traces of blood. There may also be pelvic pain in women and back passage pain in men. High grade fever with chills may be a sign of UTI.
Besides the general signs, men may notice a white, frothy release from the penis.
Kids show UTI signs a bit differently. Look out for high fever, crankiness, altered feeding patterns in babies, throwing up, and bedwetting.
In these folks, new shaking, agitation, or confuseness could be a UTI warning.
Here’s these symptoms in table form for easy reference:
| Symptoms of Non-Sexual UTIs | Adults | Males | Kids | Older Adults/With Catheter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Need to Pee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Burning feel while Peeing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Needing to Pee a lot | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cloudy/Strong-smelling/Blood-in Pee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Belly/Penis Pain | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Not eating well (Babies)/Bedwetting (Older Kids) | No | No | Yes | No |
| White, Bubbly Penis Release | No | Yes | No | No |
Constipation, uncontrolled diabetes, holding it, dehydration, overuse of feminine hygiene products , kidney stones are some of the causes of UTI.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
If caught early and treated in time, lower UTIs hardly cause issues. But if ignored, several complications may follow, including:
Women, in particular, can have recurring infections, noted as two or more UTIs within six months or three or more within a year.
Permanent kidney damage refers to irreversible impairment of the kidneys’ structure and function. It occurs when the kidneys sustain significant injury or damage over time, leading to a reduced ability to filter waste products and maintain essential bodily functions. Common causes include chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as certain infections or kidney diseases.
For mothers-to-be, UTIs can lead to risks like preterm birth or low-weight babies.
Let’s compile this:
| Complications of Non-Sexual UTIs | Description |
|---|---|
| Recurring infections | Women are especially prone to recurring UTIs, counted as two or more UTIs within six months or three or more within a year |
| Permanent kidney harm | Unhandled UTIs can bring permanent kidney harm |
| Risks during pregnancy | UTIs may result in premature or low-weight babies in pregnant people |
You can cut UTI risk with a few simple steps, irrespective of the cause:
Drink loads of fluids. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Aim for about 8 glasses (approximately 2 liters) of water per day to keep urine flowing and reduce bacterial growth.
Don’t hold in urine for extended periods, as it can allow bacteria to multiply in the bladder. Urinate regularly and fully empty the bladder when you do.
Some research suggests that consuming probiotics, found in yogurt and certain supplements, may help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infections.
Emptying the bladder before and after sexual activity can help flush out any bacteria that might have entered the urethra during sex, reducing the risk of infection.
Maintain proper genital hygiene by cleaning the genital area with mild, unscented soap and water. Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anal area to the urethra.
Some birth control methods may add significantly to UTIs. So, it may be worth looking at other options.
Usually, doctors diagnose UTIs by checking symptoms and testing urine samples. Once diagnosed, they treat it with antibiotics which often improve symptoms within 1-2 days. But make sure to finish the medicine course even if the symptoms clear early.
These help by testing pee for signs of bad stuff or bacteria.
Sending pee samples for lab testing gives a more sure diagnosis.
Imaging with things like ultrasound or MRI might be needed if UTIs are due to urine flow issues.
Your doctor may recommend antibiotics for UTIs. In case of repeating UTIs, they might suggest long-term antibiotic plans.
Help the medicine out with home care. Staying hydrated, using warm pads for belly pain, and having probiotics to keep a healthy vaginal environment can help.
Let’s sum this up:
| Diagnosis Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Lab testing | Sending urine samples to a lab for a more sure diagnosis |
| Imaging | Ultrasound or MRI might be called on if UTIs are due to pee flow issues |
| Home Remedies | Stay hydrated, use warm pads for pain, and have probiotics can be good aids |
Concluding, UTIs can come from many reasons beyond just sex. It could be hygiene, health issues, and more. While anyone can get it, those more at risk are determined by age, sex, health history, and way of living. The best defense is prevention. However, spotting signs early helps get timely treatment, thus keeping possible issues away.
Don’t forget, doctors and healthcare givers are your best partners when dealing with health issues life bring. Reach out to them any time you face discomfort. After all, every health journey starts with one vital step – admitting the problem!
Someone may have a UTI if they pee a lot, feel a burn while peeing, pass cloudy or strong-smelling pee, or show other related symptoms as given above.
While some straight-forward UTIs may fade on their own, it’s safest to see a doctor if you suspect a UTI. Ignored UTIs can lead to kidney infections and other problems.
Yes, poor hygiene can be a major reason for UTIs. Bacteria from the back area can move to the urethra due to not enough cleanliness, causing UTIs.
If not handled, UTIs can lead to serious issues like kidney infection which may be life-threatening. So, it’s a must to seek medical help at the start of symptoms.
Repeating UTIs can occur due to many reasons, including problems in the urinary system, a weak immune system, certain health issues like diabetes, or other elements like menopause and uses of certain contraceptives.
Staying hydrated, keeping clean, peeing often, avoiding certain risky contraceptives are ways to cut down your UTI risk. Remember, prevention is better than cure!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Did you know that urinary tract infections are more common in women than men because they have a shorter urethra? Shockingly but unfortunately, it’s true. The urethra, which is the tube that carries the urine outside, is shorter in women and closer to the anus. This is an area where the common causative organism of urinary tract infection, the bacteria E. coli, resides. The urinary tract infection (UTI) is a prevalent infection of the urinary system and typically involves the urethra (infection is called urethritis), urinary bladder (infection is called cystitis) or kidneys (infection is called polynephritis). Your doctor might prescribe you medicines to deal with urinary tract infections. Read along to learn more about it.1
Did you know?
The urinary tract includes the urethra and bladder. Any infection by micro-organisms involving this tract is called urinary tract infection (UTI). Usually, bacteria are the micro-organisms involved in UTIs. The infection may also affect the ureters and might infect the kidneys.1
Also Read: Simple Home Remedies for Frequent Urination
UTI is associated with irritation (inflammation) and redness of the urinary tract lining. The following symptoms may be experienced by a person having a UTI:
Other symptoms that you might notice if you have a UTI are:
Also Read: Home Remedies For Vaginal Yeast Infection By Dr. Siddharth Gupta
What I have observed is that regular consumption of cranberry juice or hibiscus tea by women who were suffering from repeated attacks of uti reduced the frequency of uti in them. Other factors like good hygiene are equally important.
Dr. Nikhil Yadav, MBBS MD, CCEBDM
Also Read: Non-Sexual Causes of UTIs: Understanding the Risk Factors
Research is being conducted worldwide to discover natural and safe methods to treat diseases. Limited evidence is present regarding the use of natural products for urinary tract infections. Home remedies for urinary tract infections discussed here must be backed up by more research to prove their effectiveness. However, some of the herbs having the potential to be helpful for UTIs are described below.
Cranberry juice might help against urinary tract infections. It has been used for the treatment of UTIs for centuries. The use of cranberry juice in UTIs is due to its potential antibacterial property. Cranberry juice has many bioactive compounds (flavonoids, anthocyanins, organic acids, etc.), which might result in the excretion of hippuric acid. Thus, Hippuric acid being a potent antibacterial agent might play a role in bringing down the bacterial count against bacteria causing UTIs. However, more research is required to prove these claims. Kindly consult a doctor before use.2
Bearberry is also known as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi or upland cranberry. The leaves of this plant might exhibit potent antibacterial properties. It might be a potent herb for bladder infections. It might specifically have antibacterial activity against E. coli, which is known to be the primary causative agent of UTIs. It contains a compound, arbutin, which might be responsible for its diuretic (increased urine production and excretion) and astringent (acidic or bitter) property, which might be helpful against UTIs. However, more research is necessary to prove these effects.2
It is known that cinnamon might have an action against the bacteria causing UTIs in long- term catheter users. This activity might be due to its potential effect of preventing the bacteria from coating the urinary tract. Therefore, cinnamon might be an effective natural remedy for UTIs. However, more research is required to prove such claims. Kindly do not self-medicate.2
Probiotics are gut-friendly bacteria that might be helpful against UTIs as well. They might be helpful against UTIs. They mainly contain bacteria such as Lactobacillus, which apparently adhere to the wall of the urinary tract, thus forming a barrier against the UTI causing bacteria. However, more research is required to state the use of probiotics for UTIs.2
Narikela or coconut has many benefits in many different forms. It is known as narial, coconut palm and many other names in various parts of India. Drinking coconut water regularly might be helpful for those suffering from UTI and to enhance urinary health in general. It acts as a diuretic (facilitates urine formation and urination). It might help in flushing the kidneys too. However, more research is required to ascertain these effects.3
Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae. It is also known as horse puselene and Hog weed in English. It might be helpful in recurrent urinary tract infections. Your Ayurvedic physician might prescribe you a decoction containing the leaves of Punarnava, Tribulus (Gokshura) and coriander for UTIs. This decoction might also be helpful in treating pain or burning sensation felt during urination in people not having UTIs. However, these claims need to be backed up by more research. Kindly do not self-medicate.3
Asparagus is also known as satavar or satavari. It is also referred to as Satmull or Satamuli. It belongs to the family Asparagaceae and has the scientific name Asparagus racemosus. The root powder of this herb might be helpful for this disease. Your doctor might recommend using of the root powder of asparagus at night for UTIs. However, more research will be required to ascertain such claims.3
Your doctor might recommend that you increase the intake of fluids, especially water. This habit might be helpful in urinary tract infections as it might help fight against bacterial infection. Therefore, you should be drinking the daily recommendation of six to eight glasses of water. However, please note that urinary tract infection is a condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Kindly consult a doctor as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment, do not reach conclusions on your own.1
Though studies show the benefits of the given herb and home remedies in the condition, these are insufficient. There is a need for large-scale human studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these home remedies on human health. Thus, these should only be taken with caution and never as a substitute for medical treatment.
Also Read: Simple Home Remedies For Skin Allergies and Rashes
You should seek medical advice if you are experiencing the symptoms of urinary tract infection, as mentioned above. You should revisit your doctor if your UTIs symptoms get worse. The worsening of symptoms might indicate the need for a change in the treatment plan. Immediate medical help should be sought if one or more of the following symptoms are experienced:
A urinary tract infection can spread to various other parts of your body, but timely treatment can prevent this. Therefore, you should visit a doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms of a urinary tract infection.1
You must not rely on home remedies alone for the treatment of UTIs. You should consult a qualified doctor for any advice if the condition does not improve with home remedies.
Urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary tract (urethra, bladder, etc.). It is more common in women than men because they have a shorter urethra. This infection is mainly caused by a bacteria called E. coli. Pain in the flank, burning sensation and smelly and cloudy urine, etc., might be noticed if you have a UTI. A few natural products might act as home remedies for urinary tract infections, such as cranberry juice, cinnamon, bearberry, coconut water, etc. However, more research is required to ascertain the potential of these possible home remedies for urine infection. Moreover, UTI can be a severe condition if not treated properly and must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Also Read: Effective Home Remedies For Vaginal Dryness
The possible home remedies for urine infection, including cranberry juice, coconut water, cinnamon, bearberry, etc., might potentially help against UTIs. However, more research is required to prove such claims. Moreover, you should consult a doctor and not rely on home remedies for UTIs.1–3
Cranberry juice might have a potential antibacterial property and might help against UTIs. Therefore, cranberry juice might help for UTI treatment at home. However, more research is required. So, ensure that you consult a doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment of UTIs.2
You should consult a doctor who might prescribe you medicines and suggests ways to help with UTIs. Kindly do not self-medicate. Always consult a doctor for health-related issues.
Cinnamon might potentially help against urine infections in patients using catheter for a long time. Therefore, it might be helpful for urinary tract infections. However, more research is required to prove such claims. Kindly consult a doctor for UTIs. Do not self-medicate.2
Yes, drinking coconut water might be helpful to flush out the excess bacteria by possibly increasing urine production. However, more research is necessary for this. Kindly consult a doctor.3
1. Urinary Tract Infections [Internet]. Cleaveland Clinic. [cited 2022 Jul 13]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections
2. Das S. Natural therapeutics for urinary tract infections — a review. Futur J Pharm Scciences [Internet]. 2020;2. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7498302/
3. AYUSH. Ayurveda Offering Herbal Healing [Internet]. 1–128 p. Available from: https://www.esic.nic.in/attachments/publicationfile/7d11b02e5abb4717d53b4ce05efabd21.pdf
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
We all know that diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases are life-threatening but the good thing about these conditions is that you can talk about them without being subjected to any kind of ridicule or shame. On the other hand, Urological Disorders continue to be a taboo that people do not like to speak about even with their friends.
With World Men’s Day just around the corner (November 19), we would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the most common urological disorders men face at least once in their lifetime and prefer not to talk about them because of a “social stigma” attached to them.
Additionally, you can also take health checkups to understand your health better.
BPH basically means an enlarged prostate, which usually affects older men. Apart from being a very troublesome condition, it can be dangerous too. In this condition, the prostate, which is a walnut-sized gland found between the bladder and the male reproductive organ, gets bigger than its usual size and causes trouble in urination.
The most common symptoms of BPH include:
In this urological condition, a man experiences pain or burning sensation while urinating. Some people also experience cloudy urine after contracting UTI. There are some specific tests available to ascertain if the person is suffering from UTI or has some other condition.
UTI is easily treatable with a round of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
Overactive bladder is a combination of symptoms that can cause you to need to urinate more frequently, have more urgency, experience incontinence (leakage) and a need to urinate at night.
Prostatitis is a very prevalent condition among men. In it, the prostate gland gets swollen and inflamed. This condition presents itself with various troubling symptoms like pain while urinating, fever coupled with chills and pain in the abdominal, lower back and pelvic area (area of- the lower body in which the legs are attached).
Due to presenting similar symptoms, people usually confuse prostatitis with urinary tract infection. Hence, it is advised to see a urologist for an accurate diagnosis of the problem and opting the right course of treatment. Generally, antibiotics treat this problem effectively.
Erectile Dysfunction or ED refers to a condition in which a man finds it difficult to get or maintain an erection. There are plenty of modes of treatments available for this urological condition including medications, surgery, psychological counselling, lifestyle changes, testosterone replacement and acupuncture. The lifestyle changes that can help are weight loss, quitting to smoke, reducing stress and following a strict exercise regime. Additionally, inform your doctor if you have any history of allergy to medicines (if experienced in the past).
This is also a very prevalent urological condition among men these days. The main causes of infertility among men, when they cannot conceive a child, are abnormal sperm production, genetic defects, underlying health conditions like diabetes, undescended testicles, trauma or prior surgeries on the testicles and prior infections like mumps.
When you are unable to conceive a child for over a year, you should immediately see a gynaecologist, an endocrinologist to diagnose the actual problem and begin with an accurate treatment plan.
This is a very common problem among the masses these days. It happens when minerals and other crystals, like uric acid and calcium, accumulate in the kidneys or any other part of the urinary tract. This causes a lot of pain and is really difficult to pass. These, however, are very easily diagnosable. The treatment for kidney stones is ascertained depending upon their size and location.
The doctors use medications to reduce the size of the stone to make it easily passable. There can be instances like the large size of the stone or it blocking the flow of urine when a surgical procedure may be required to remove them.
The second biggest reason behind cancer-related deaths among men is prostate cancer. It begins with the uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland. Some of the most common causes of this kind of cancer are age, race, ethnicity and family history.
The best way to prevent and successfully treat prostate cancer is early detection of the disease. Experts suggest men should go for a regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test along with a digital rectal examination every year once they turn 40. The doctors decide the course of treatment depending upon the state of the disease. The treatment options include surgery, medications, radiation therapy and active surveillance.
Also Read: Ten Worst Foods for Prostate Health: A Research-Based Analysis
Urological disorders are very common among men these days and they usually suffer in silence which leads to bigger troubles in the future. Instead of feeling ashamed of these common issues, people should treat these like every other health condition and see a doctor immediately to avoid any further complications. Avoid self-medicating and see a doctor immediately to avoid any further complications.
Also Read: Sperm Cramp: Causes, Symptoms, And Being Informed About Men’s Health
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Urological diseases are some of the most less talked about diseases around the world. As these diseases affect your urinary tract or reproductive organs, people tend to hide these problems instead of getting them addressed.
Urological diseases destroy your “quality of life” and it only happens because of a lack of awareness. These conditions generally do not require a long-lasting treatment and are easily curable but it is the unawareness that is making people suffer in silence.
To spread awareness about the urological conditions, the European Association of Urology (EAU) runs a campaign named “Urology Week” that aims at educating people about urological diseases and why they should not think it is taboo to talk about these issues.
Urological diseases refer to a huge array of conditions that are mainly related to the filtering and carrying of urine out of the patient’s body. These diseases can affect anyone, irrespective of their age or gender.
These conditions mainly attack some particular parts of the body. Women experience these conditions in the urinary tract, while men experience these conditions in the urinary tract or the reproductive organs.
There are plenty of urological conditions and diseases. Here we will be discussing some of the most common ones among them. Have a look –
BPH refers to an enlarged prostate, which means that there is an increase in the size of the prostate gland of the patient. Old men suffer from the problem very often but it does not hold any direct connection to prostate cancer.
People experience the symptoms of BPH only because of the pressure an enlarged prostate puts on the urethra, which is a narrow tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder to outside the body.
Men suffering from BPH experience a frequent urge to urinate. It may also lead to a weak stream of urine when you go to urinate and even after urinating, you may feel like the bladder is not completely empty.
Depending upon the severity of the condition, your doctor may either choose to just monitor the condition, prescribe some medications like alpha-blockers or suggest you undergo surgery.
Despite being very inconvenient and sometimes embarrassing, urinary incontinence is a very common problem across the world. In this condition, the patient loses bladder control that results in unintended leakage of urine.
This problem can arise out of several situations. Listed here are some of the most common causes of it:
In most cases, the doctors just tell you to make some lifestyle changes like controlling your fluid intake to treat this issue. When these approaches do not yield desired results, your doctor may also ask you to undergo surgery to treat the cause of the condition.
UTIs are caused due to pathogenic bacteria that tend to invade the urinary tract to cause infection. This condition mainly affects women but men can contract it too. According to a study, about 40 percent of women and 12 percent of men experience UTI that presents themselves with noticeable symptoms at any stage of their lives.
The most common symptom of UTI is a burning sensation while urinating. The other symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate and even after urinating, you may feel like the bladder is not completely empty.
Doctors generally treat this problem with antibiotics. The medicines clear up most UTIs within five to seven days.
Kidney stones get developed when there are crystals in the urine that get surrounded by small particles. Ureteral stones are those that travel from the kidney into the ureter. The ureter is the tube that is responsible for carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
These stones usually block the flow of the urine and may cause a lot of pain. Some people manage to get the smaller stones out of their system without taking any medical help but when these stones are bigger, the blockage can be more problematic and extremely painful.
To get these large stones out of the system, the doctors may recommend you some medical or surgical procedures. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a very common technique doctors use these days to treat their patients. This technique involves sound waves to break the stones into small pieces making it easier for the patient to expel them easily out of their body.
Also Read: What Does Cloudy Urine Mean? Decoding the Mystery with Medical Science
There are more urological conditions that people may experience:
Urological diseases are very common and they completely destroy your quality of life, just because you feel embarrassed talking about them. Well, there is nothing to be embarrassed about as many people suffer from these issues and the best way to stay trouble-free is to consult a doctor immediately. Being aware of the symptoms of the diseases and taking the necessary precautions can save you from these conditions completely.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Within the elderly population, malfunction and age-related changes of the lower urinary tract (LUT) are very common and accompanied by a decrease in bladder capacity, as well as an increasing detrusor (a muscle that forms a layer of the wall of the bladder) over-activity. Hence, treating bladder dysfunction in time is essential.
The WHO has also said that incontinence is a largely preventable and treatable condition and that it’s “certainly not an inevitable consequence of ageing,” adding that “the most typical reaction exhibited by patients when they are diagnosed with poor bladder control was not fear nor disbelief, but relief.
Older people are more susceptible to incontinence and this can have a huge impact on daily activities. This happens because the bladder and the urethra undergo some changes as you grow old. The volume of urine that the bladder can hold starts to decrease. If left untreated, it will not go away. So, here are few effective ways for treating bladder dysfunction :
For discreet daytime protection against unexpected urinary leaks, incontinence pads can give elders with light bladder leakage peace of mind. Lightweight bladder control pads are designed for maximum absorption with minimum visibility. These discreet bladder pads are perfect if you’re looking for protection that can be worn with your own underwear.
Also Read: What Does Cloudy Urine Mean? Decoding the Mystery with Medical Science
For treating bladder dysfunction, Kegels increase support to the urethral sphincter and detrusor (bladder) muscle, thereby preventing stress, urge and mixed urinary Incontinence, and are most appropriate in people who:
Intermittent Self-Catheterization (ISC) is a safe and effective alternative method to empty the bladder. ISC involves inserting a catheter (a flexible hollow tube) into the urethra (the urine channel that drains urine from the bladder) several times a day. ISC is used to help protect the kidneys, prevent incontinence (urine leakage) and lessen the number of infections by promoting good drainage of the bladder while lowering pressure inside the bladder.
Also Read: Home Remedies for UTI
It has been used successfully for individuals with injury to the nerves of the bladder, spinal cord and brain as well as in persons with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, enlarged prostate and continent urinary diversion.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. Each plays an important role in helping your body to eliminate waste products in the form of urine. Urinary tract infections are inflammations usually caused by bacteria (or germs) attacking the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Under normal circumstances, the urinary tract is sterile and free of bacteria.
Bacteria cause urinary tract infections. They enter the urinary system through the urethra and can move upward to the bladder and kidneys. The most common organism that causes a UTI is Escherichia coli bacteria (E.Coli). It is usually found in the lower colon but sometimes can find its way into the urinary tract.
Risk factors for UTIs include previous UTI, sexual activity (particularly with new sexual partners), use of spermicides, menopause, pregnancy, reduced mobility (i.e., after surgery or bed rest), urinary incontinence, kidney stones and prostate enlargement.
Other risk factors include age (older adults are at higher risk) and gender. Female patients are at higher risk compared to males because of shorter urethra length and proximity of the urethra to the anus, increasing the likelihood that bacteria will enter the urinary tract.
Also, a new class of drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes has been associated with increased cases of UTIs in patients. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors or ”flozins” are oral hypoglycemics that work by increasing the amount of glucose spilled into the urine.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) generally cause symptoms related to bladder irritation:
Older adults, particularly those with dementia, can also develop delirium — a further aggravation of the mental state – as a result of a urinary tract infection. Sometimes new or worsened confusion can be the only outward sign of a UTI or other infection. It’s a good idea to suppose UTI whenever an older person is having uncomfortable urination or new incontinence. In these cases, make sure the person is seen within 24 hours by his or her doctor or by an urgent care facility.
Also Read: Non-Sexual Causes of UTIs: Understanding the Risk Factors
Doctors first decide if the infection is just in the bladder or has spread to the kidneys and how severe it is. For a simple bladder infection, patients take antibiotics for 3 days (women) or 7 – 14 days (men). For a bladder infection with complications – such as pregnancy or diabetes or a mild kidney infection–patients will usually take antibiotics for 7 – 14 days.
Some people have urinary tract infections that do not go away with treatment or keep coming back. These are called chronic UTIs. If you have a chronic UTI, you may need stronger antibiotics or take medicine for a longer time. Surgery is needed if the infection is caused by a problem with the structure of the urinary tract. Read more about home remedies for UTI.
Also Read: 16 Symptoms of Poor Kidney Function
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
