Meaning:

A commonly heard term "UTI" is a urinary tract infection in any part of your kidneys, bladders, ureter and urethra. Women have a high chance of urinary tract infection. Some women have repeat infections, sometimes for years. 

Symptoms: 

UTIs may cause these signs and symptoms in the patient: 

1. A strong and persistent urge to urinate
2. A burning sensation when urinating 
3. Passing blood with urine, which makes the urine appear red or pink in color 
4. Pelvic pain, in women, especially around the public bone 
5. Urine that appears cloudy 
6. Strong-smelling urine 
7. Passing frequent, small amounts of urine 
8. Fever and chills 
9. Fungal infection and rashes near the pelvic and public areas 

Causes:

There are varied causes of UTIs. A few of the possible causes are as follows:

1. UTIs are a result of unhygienic toilets and lack of sanitation. That is why doctors tell women to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. The tube that takes the urine from the bladder to the outside of the body is called "Urethra", which is very close to the anus. Bacteria from the large intestine, such as E.coli, can sometimes get out of your anus and get into your urethra. From there, they can travel up to your bladder and, if the infection isn't treated, can continue to infect the kidneys. 
2. Hereditary problems can make things worse. Some women are more likely to get UTIs because of their genes. The shape of their urinary tracts makes them more likely to be infected.
3. Women with diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid and other chronic diseases may be at a high risk because of their weakened immune systems. 
4. The chances of getting a UTI increase with age. Menopause often signals a drop in estrogen. This doesn't mean that lowered estrogen levels during menopause cause UTI, but it may have some influence on an existing UTI. It is generally thought that this hormone plays a role in a woman's susceptibility to UTIs and that it has anti-inflammatory properties that help to fight the effect of a UTI. 
5. Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to UTI. 
6. Pregnancy, because the growing fetus can put pressure on the bladder and urinary tract, which traps bacteria or causes urine to leak.
7. Dehydration, an insufficiency of water, can create a susceptibility to UTIs. 
8. Other causes include hormone imbalances, multiple sclerosis, kidney stones, a stroke and a spinal injury, etc.

Preventive measures:

Steps you can take to reduce the risk of UTIs and prevent their invasion in your body are as follows: 

1. Urinate when you feel the urge. Do not hold it in! 
2. Drink adequate liquids to keep yourself hydrated. Drinking water will flush out harmful toxins from your body, especially bacteria from your urinary tract.
3. Avoid caffeinated beverages, junk food, spicy food, alcohol and other bladder irritants, as they can increase the risk of UTI. 
4. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. 
5. Do Yoga and exercise everyday.
6. Increase the intake of vitamin C, which will strengthen the immune system and acidity urine to prevent infection. 

The most important steps for preventing women from getting UTIs during menstruation can be :

1. Wearing loose clothing as wearing tight pants or jeans will prevent the vaginally area from "breathing", getting enough air to stay dry. 
2. Moisture gets trapped, allowing for bacterial growth in a damp environment.
3. Wearing cotton clothes (avoiding clothes and underwear made from synthetic fibers) as natural fabrics will help to prevent UTIs. 
4. During toileting, wipe from front to back. 
5. Keep your genital area clean.
6. Using eco-friendly, rash-free and skin-friendly sanitary napkins for young women and adult diapers for older women, which will prevent UTIs. 
7. To avoid the use of a catheter in order to prevent UTIs. 
8. Another step to prevent UTIs during menstruation can be to change the sanitary napkin every few hours. 
9. Drink plenty of water. This will reduce pain during periods and will help in treating kidney stones. 

UTIs in Men: 

UTIs in men are less common than in women, but have similar causes and treatment. Taking antibiotic medicines usually clears the infection in 5 to 7 days. About 1 in ten men will get UTI in their lifetime. Men who have prolonged UTIs should be evaluated by a doctor for conditions in their prostate gland. 

We at Saathi hope that this blog is helpful for you to prevent UTIs. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and our website to know more about other important health topics! 

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About Saathi: 

Saathi, an award-winning social venture has patented technology to convert agri-waste into absorbent materials. It is known for its 100% biodegradable and compostable sanitary pads made from banana and bamboo fibers. Saathi pads are better for the body🩸, community 🌎 and environment 🌱. We are on a mission to make products sustainably and responsibly. 

We are recognized by the UNESCO Green Citizens project, University of St. Andrews, Solar Impulse Foundation, and Global Cleantech Innovation Program among others for our innovative, social impact, and sustainable work. We are working towards 9 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

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