A UTI is infection that affects the parts of the urinarysystem including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. 

What causes a UTI?

It is caused by bacteria or yeast entering the urinarytract leading to inflammation and pain. 

UTIs are more common in women affecting the bladder and urethra because women have shorter urethras and their anus (commonest source of infections) is closer to the urethral opening than men. 

Unclean toilet seats can make germs enter your body when in contact with your urethra. 

Risk factors  

1. Enlarged prostate in men

2. History of urethral catheterisation

3. Female anatomy: shorter urethra

4. Sexual activity: being more sexually active with multiple partners

5. Birth control methods: diaphragms, spermicidal agents

6. Menopause in women due low circulating estrogen 

7. Immune compromised people: Diabetes, AIDS, Cancers, 

8. Recent surgery on urinarysystem

9. Certain diseases involving paralysis of both legs

Types of UTIs

1. Bladder infection

2. Urethra infection

3. Kidney infections

Symptoms of UTI

1. Burning or pain when urinating

2. Pressure/pains in the lower part of the abdomen

3. Having the urge to urinate but not being able to urinate as much

4. Urine that either smells bad or looks milky or cloudy

5. Blood in urine

6. Feeling tired and weak

7. Fever 

8. Low backache

Treatment 

Visit a doctor nearest to you for proper management. Don’t self- medicate

Prevention of UTI

1. Drink plenty of water (40mls per kg body weight) per day. Drinking of water helps dilute the urine allowing bacteria to be flushed from the urinarysystem before an infection can begin. 

2. Wipe from front to back in women after urinating and after defecation to prevent bacteria spread from the anus to the vagina and urethra 

3. Empty your bladder soon after having sex and drink a glass of water to help flush bacteria

4. Use risk free birth control methods: avoid diaphragms, unlubricated condoms or condoms with spermicides.