Have you ever felt anyang-anyangan? If yes then chances are you have had a urinary tract infection or UTI. Many people are not aware of the symptoms of a UTI they are experiencing. Actually, UTI is a common health disorder and is not too dangerous if it is quickly treated and treated properly.
What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
UTI is an infection that occurs in the urinary tract and is usually caused by bacteria. Mainly E Coli bacteria. UTI symptoms that often occur are pain when urinating, always feeling like urinating even though no urine comes out (anyang-anyangan), pain in the lower abdomen, and worst of all, urine that comes out mixed with blood.
Thus explained dr. Johan R Wibowo, SpU, Urology Specialist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital. According to Johan, the worst consequence of UTI itself is the entry of bacteria in the urinary tract into the kidneys. If that happens, body functions may be disrupted because bacteria have entered the kidneys.
What are the causes of UTIs and how are they treated?
The cause of UTIs in general is widely known to be due to not drinking enough water or holding urine frequently. In fact, said Johan, the main cause of UTIs is lack of hygiene in vital organs. For example, in women, the location of the vagina and urethra are close together. So it is very likely that bacteria in the vagina can enter the urethra, this also causes UTIs to occur more frequently in women. The comparison between women and men with UTIs is 3:1.
“Women's urethra is shorter than men's. Therefore, women tend to get UTIs more easily, "said Johan. In addition, this disease also often affects newly married women. Sexual activity that is too frequent can cause the vagina to be more moist. This condition can cause more germs than people who don't have sex.
Although it mostly affects adult women, anyone can get a UTI. In fact, Johan said, even small children to old people can suffer from this disease. "It's caused by a bacterial infection. So anyone can be affected, including pregnant women, "he said.
When a pregnant woman has a UTI, the healing process takes relatively longer than those who are not pregnant. The reason is, giving antibiotics as the main drug against bacteria is almost not allowed in pregnant women. Treatment is limited to the choice of drugs that will not interfere with fetal development.
That's all about UTI, starting from the symptoms, causes, to the treatment that needs to be done. Several ways can be done to avoid UTIs, including maintaining the cleanliness of vital organs. Try to use underwear that is not damp. Don't let germs or bacteria grow and enter the urinary tract.
This article was written by Dr. Johan R. Wibowo, Sp.U (Urology Specialist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).