Urinary Tract Infections

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

urinary-tract-infection-nyc-urology-specialists-01 UTIs or Urinary Tract Infections are very common amongst adults and can also affect children. These infections affect both men and women and they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. In addition, they can lead to more serious problems if they are not treated in a timely manner, which is why anyone suffering from a UTI needs to see an experienced urologist as early on as possible. It is also worth noting that although UTIs in children are far less common than in adults, they can also be much more serious.

Some of the key causes of these infections

 A type of bacteria known as E.coli is the most common cause of urinary tract infections. These infections can fall under two main categories. This includes:

  • Bladder infection: This type of bacterial infection often affects women and is also known as cystitis. It can result from sexual intercourse but it can also affect those who are not sexually active. The fact that the urethra is so close to the anus and the bladder opening means that all women are at risk of contracting this type of infection whether or not they are sexually active.
  • Urethra infection: Another type of UTI is where bacteria spread to the urethra from the anus. An infection of the urethra can also be caused by STIs in women. Again, this is because the urethra in women is very close to the vagina.

Other factors that can increase the risk of UTIs

 There are various factors that can increase the risk of UTIs. This includes:

  • The shortness of the urethra in women compared to men
  • The level of sexual activity a woman engages in
  • Estrogen changes in the urinary tract during menopause in women
  • The use of birth control methods such as diaphragms

Additional factors that can heighten the risk of UTIs include:

  • Abnormalities with the urinary tract
  • Urinary tract blockages
  • An impaired immune system
  • The use of catheters
  • Recent surgery or examinations of the urinary tract

Some key symptoms

There are also a number of key symptoms associated with UTIs. This includes:

  • Feeling as though you want to urinate all the time
  • A burning feeling when you urinate
  • Urinating frequently but passing only small amounts
  • The presence of cloudiness in your urine
  • Signs of blood in the urine
  • Urine that has a very strong smell
  • Pain around the pelvic region

Speak to an expert today

 If you believe you may be suffering from a UTI, you can speak to the best urologist in Manhattan by getting in touch with us today.

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