A urinary tract infection (UTI) can develop in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. Research shows that women are far more likely to experience this problem than men. When left untreated, the infection can affect the bladder and kidneys and interfere with the normal production and passing of urine.
Symptoms of urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infection does not always cause obvious symptoms, but certain signs are commonly associated with the condition. If you are affected, you may notice one or more of the following:
- Pain or a burning sensation while passing urine
- Passing only small amounts of urine at a time
- Urine that appears cloudy, red or pink
- Pelvic pain, which is particularly common in women
- A frequent, urgent need to urinate
The symptoms often vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is affected. If the infection involves the kidneys, you may experience pain in the upper back and sides, a high fever, and shaking chills. An infection of the bladder tends to cause a feeling of pelvic pressure, discomfort during urination and, in some cases, blood in the urine. When the urethra is affected, a burning sensation and discharge are typical symptoms.
What causes a urinary tract infection?
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary tract is designed to keep out such bacteria, these natural defences sometimes fail, allowing an infection to take hold.
Why urinary tract infections should not be ignored
An untreated infection can cause considerable problems for the body. Women are affected most often, and the condition can significantly disrupt everyday life. Several factors can increase the risk, including being sexually active, using certain forms of contraception, and the hormonal changes that follow menopause, which can alter the urinary tract.
The most important step is timely treatment. A urinary tract infection is usually straightforward to treat when it is diagnosed early, so you should not delay seeing a doctor. Prompt care helps prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys or causing further damage. If you notice any of the symptoms described above, arrange a consultation so that treatment can begin without delay.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs. If you have symptoms or a question about your health, book a consultation with Dr. Anish Gupta.