Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections the human body can contract. It is crucial to recognize and treat them promptly to prevent complications that may affect vital organs. So, let’s explore what UTIs are and how to prevent them.
What Are Urinary Tract Infections?
UTIs can occur in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which enter the urethra and multiply within the urinary tract.
Typically, UTIs affect the lower urinary tract, including the urethra and bladder. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread to the upper urinary tract, such as the ureters and kidneys, leading to more severe health issues.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections
In women, UTI symptoms may resemble those of a vaginal infection, such as abnormal discharge or a foul urine odor. In men, if the prostate is involved, urination may become increasingly difficult, and in severe cases, it may stop entirely.
Symptoms vary depending on the site of infection, with cystitis being the most common form, while urethritis, ureteritis, and pyelonephritis are less frequent.
In general, the most common symptoms concern:
- A burning sensation during urination
- A strong, frequent, and urgent need to urinate
- Pain or pressure in the lower back or abdomen, just above the pubic area
- Cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Fatigue or a general sense of being unwell
- Fever or chills
Preventing urinary tract infections
Reducing the risk of UTIs is essential, and this can be achieved by following good hygiene and prevention practices. Proper hydration, a balanced diet, and personal hygiene play a significant role in minimizing the risk of infection.
Key preventative measures include:
- Increase your daily water intake to help hydrate
- Maintain healthy habits, a balanced lifestyle and proper daily intimate hygiene
- Pay attention to the choice of appropriate and non-aggressive intimate cleansers so as not to alter the pH of the vaginal flora
- Follow a proper diet, including vegetables, acidic fruit and whole grains to promote the production of milk enzymes
- Wear undergarments made of natural fibers such as cotton and wool instead of synthetic fabrics
- During the menstrual cycle, intensify personal hygiene
- Urinate before and especially after sexual intercourse to facilitate the transport of any bacteria that have penetrated the bladder to the outside
- Promote the presence of lactobacilli in the body, as they help control bacteria and prevent infections
Diagnosis of a UTI is made through urinalysis and urine culture, which identify the causative bacteria and determine the most effective antibiotic treatment. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for UTIs is generally positive.
Securmed Urology Products
Securmed provides urology and continence products that help patients manage bladder health safely and effectively, reducing the risk of UTIs.
Securmed offers a range of urology and continence products for both hospital and home use, including:
- Accessories: These include metal or plastic supports for bed bags, caps and valves for catheters
- Catheterization: PVC Nelaton catheters, silicone latex Foley catheters, external catheters
- Urine Collection Bags: such as closed-circuit bed bags, emptying bags, leg bags, pediatric bags
- Pre-connected closed system: pre-connected systems for short- and medium-long term catheterization
These high-quality medical devices, designed for hospital and home use, help prevent complications and promote better management of urinary continence, enhancing patient well-being.
Bel Urodynamics
With over 40 years of experience, BEL offers innovative and high-quality solutions to support both doctors and patients across various medical applications, improving clinical outcomes and quality of life.
The company designs, manufactures, and distributes certified medical devices, with a focus on vascular access and disposable products for several medical specialties. In the field of urodynamics, BEL provides:
- Two-lumen catheters for Pressure/Flow Study and cystomanometry
- Two-lumen coaxial catheter for cystomanometry and urethral pressure profile
- Tiemann-tipped three-lumen catheters for cystomanometry and urethral pressure profile
- Balloon catheters for abdominal pressure detection
BEL products are manufactured in compliance with the strict quality and safety standards required for medical devices, ensuring certification and reliability.
