Some people develop chronic urinary tract infections that negatively impact their lives and bring significant discomfort. Women and children are more likely to suffer from recurrent infections. Many factors lead to increased urinary tract infections, and clinicians must find the underlying cause to offer proper treatment and bring ongoing relief from the symptoms.
What Are the Top Risk Factors That Cause Recurrent UTIs?
Doctors consider UTIs chronic when they occur more than two times in six months. One in five women experience recurrent urinary tract infections. Men can experience chronic UTIs, although rare, the cause is often due to a urinary blockage. Learning how to get rid of a uti is critical. The following are reasons people may develop chronic urinary tract infections.
· Sexual intercourse
· Sex with a new partner
· Spermicide use
· UTIs during childhood
· Maternal history of UTIs
· Irregular bowel function
· Reduced fluid intake
· Douching
· Wearing tight-fitting underwear
· Improper cleaning after bowel movements
Most people who reduce the above can stop recurrent UTIs. Making simple lifestyle changes brings comfort from the ravaging symptoms of severe urinary tract infections.
What Are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections?
Multiple symptoms can occur with a urinary tract infection in males and females. If left untreated, UTIs can develop into kidney infections that become serious. Those noticing the following symptoms should get to their doctors right away for treatment.
· Burning or pain while urinating
· Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
· Blood in the urine
· Foul-smelling urine
· Cloudy or dark urine
· Frequent urination
· Pain and cramping in the lower abdomen, especially in the pelvic area
Proper Cleaning After Bowel Movements Is Critical
One of the most common causes of urinary tract infections is bacteria from feces. Women are prone to developing UTIs because of fecal-perennial-urethral exposure. Females must wipe from front to back when cleaning themselves after bowel movements to reduce the incidence of infection.
How Do Doctors Treat Chronic Urinary Tract Infections?
Doctors usually treat chronic urinary tract infections with antibiotics. Trimethoprim, Nitrofurantoin, Cephalexin, and Ceftriaxone are the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for urinary tract infections. After the symptoms of infection are subsided, doctors will often prescribe long-term low-dose prophylactic antibiotics to prevent recurring infections. Doctors will also recommend the following strategies to prevent recurrent UTIs.
· Keep the genitals clean.
· Avoid douches, powders, deodorant sprays, or harsh soaps.
· Try to avoid diaphragms and spermicides.
· Never wipe back to front after bowel movements.
· Drink plenty of water to keep bacteria flushed from the urinary tract.
· Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse.
· Wear full cotton underwear with no dyes.
Doctors offer integrative treatments to help patients overcome their chronic infections and get back to a normal life. Chronic UTIs cause increasing pain and can lead to kidney infections. Untreated kidney infections can cause scarring to the organ and may result in permanent damage over time. When you notice any signs of infection, you must see the doctor immediately for a urine test.
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Urinary tract infections require immediate treatment with antibiotics. You must finish the entire bottle, even if you begin to feel better within a few days. Finishing treatment will ensure all bacteria are destroyed and none linger and become antibiotic-resistant.
If you have noticed any signs of burning, discomfort, or changes in urgency, call the doctor to schedule an appointment. A simple urine test will reveal if you have an infection.