Itching, burning sensation, pain while peeing - If you've ever had a UTI, you would know the agony it can cause. Research suggests that the chances of developing a urinary tract infection are much higher in summer. So here’s everything you need to know about UTI & how to keep it from ruining your summer.
What exactly is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary system. It may occur as an infection of the bladder (cystitis) or an infection of the urethra (urethritis). In general, your chances of developing a UTI are high if:
- You've had a UTI before
- You are diabetic
- You are obese
- You have kidney stones
Why are UTIs more common in Summer?
Summer can make you prone to UTIs as the warm weather is more conducive for the germs & bacteria to grow. Moreover, dehydration can make it difficult for the body to flush out bacteria from the bladder.
How do you know its UTI?
Anybody can get a UTI and it is more common than you think. So there's absolutely no need to be embarrassed about . Here's how you can identify a Urinary Tract Infection
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Pressure in the lower back
- Burning Sensation while peeing
- Lower pelvic pressure or discomfort
- Dark coloured urine
In case of severe infection, you may also experience fever, chills, nausea or blood in urine.
How to keep away from UTI?
Here are some expert tips to help you prevent a urinary tract infection:
• Drink lots of water
Water can help dilute the urine while also ensuring that you urinate more frequently This flushes out bacteria from your urinary tract significantly cutting down your risk of an infection.
• Invest in breathable inner wear
Silk, synthetic materials or tight fitting undergarments put you at risk of bacterial growth which causes irritation in the urinary tract. Invest in comfortable fabrics like cotton which allow air to flow through & ensure that the heat & moisture doesn’t get trapped in your intimate area.
• Urinate when you need to. Don't Hold it in.
Did you know that holding in your urine can lead to exposure to harmful bacteria and rushing while urinating can prevent the release of the bacteria multiplying your chances of an infection?
• Take a leak after Sex
Sex is an excellent opportunity for outside bacteria to enter into your body regardless of whether or not you use a condom. Using the bathroom after the intercourse can flush out the bacteria
• Double check your birth control methods
Diaphragms & spermicide-treated condoms & certain other forms of birth control can irritate the urinary tract & cause bacterial growth. Avoid using them to lower your chances of developing a UTI.
If you think you have a UTI, do not ignore it. Consult an experienced Urologist immediately as an untreated UTI can cause complications with your kidneys.
- Urinary infections
- Kidney & Bladder Health Conditions
- Sexual disorders
Diabetes can often make existing urological conditions worse as it impacts the blood flow, nerves & sensory function.
How does diabetes affect the bladder?
Nearly 50% of patients with diabetes suffer from bladder dysfunction. It generally involves a broad spectrum of lower urinary tract symptoms including urinary urgency, frequency & incontinence. Bladder instability & hypersensitivity are the most common issues in both male & female diabetic patients.
Studies indicate that diabetes is an important risk factor leading to incontinence in women with nearly 30-100% increased risk. In diabetic men, lower urinary tract symptoms such as urgency, frequency, straining or weak stream are common.
How does diabetes affect sexual function?
Men with diabetes are likely to experience complications such as erectile dysfunction, lower libido, orgasmic dysfunction & retrograde ejaculation. Further, the risk of erectile dysfunction increases in diabetic men with poor glycemic control, duration of diabetes & other associated diabetic complications such as nephropathy or retinopathy.
Women with diabetes are likely to have double the chances of sexual dysfunction as compared to women without diabetes. Further complications associated with diabetes may make sexual dysfunction worse. Female sexual dysfunction may involve disorders of libido, arousal, inhibited orgasm & sexual pain.
How does diabetes affect the urinary tract & genitals?
Research indicates that asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and symptomatic UTIs are more likely to occur in women with diabetes. Further women with Type II diabetes are at an increased risk of symptomatic UTO, while women with Type I diabetes are more likely to develop pyelonephritis, eventually leading to impairment of renal function.
Recent studies also reveal that in diabetic patients, UTI has been associated with risk of infections progressing to complications & severe outcomes.
How does diabetes affect the Kidneys?
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disorders. It is often known as the diabetic kidney disease. Even with glycemic control, long term diabetes can lead to failure of the kidney, chronic kidney disease & leading to the need for dialysis & kidney transplantation
How does diabetes affect the foreskin?
The first clinical sign of diabetes in uncircumcised men is a tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back to expose the head of the penis (a condition known as phimosis) . Nearly 25% of men with this problem tend to have underlying diabetes. It is common for them to have fungal infections under the foreskin due to the warm & moist environment combined with presence of glucose in urine. Glycemic control can make a significant difference in managing these fungal infections & phimosis
Although urological issues are common in patients with diabetes, intensive glycemic control can delay the onset & progression of microvascular complications of diabetes. Healthy lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise & enough rest can contribute to improving your urological health.
If you are a diabetic & are experiencing urological issues, consult the best urologist in Hyderabad, Dr. Amit Goel to identify the right treatment plan for you.