urinary tract infection Archives

Common Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can affect any part of your urinary system, which includes the bladder, kidneys, and urethra.

UTIs are very common, affecting up to about 10 million people each year. Infections occur most often in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB), although they also occur in a smaller percentage of men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB).

UTIs generally develop due to the presence of bacteria, usually Escherichia coli (E. coli), in parts of your urinary system. Bacteria can enter these parts of your body through the urethra to infect the bladder, but can also travel up from the bladder to infect the ureters and kidneys. Some common ways for a UTI to begin include:

Sexual intercourse: Sexual activity is one of the most common ways for people to develop a UTI. Bacteria can enter your urethra from your partner’s genitals or anus, allowing it to infect your urinary system. This exposure can also occur due to the usage of sex toys, particularly if they have not been adequately cleaned. Sexual UTIs may be prevented by washing your genital area daily and using contraceptives such as condoms during sex.

Bacteria from hands: Bacteria that are present on your hands or someone else’s can also enter your urethra by touching your genital area during sexual activity or while using the bathroom. This is most easily prevented by regularly washing your hands multiple times per day with soap and water.

Holding in urine: While holding in your urine does not cause a UTI on its own, it does increase your risk of developing one. Any bacteria present in your urine is forced to sit in your bladder system for a longer period of time, allowing it more time to multiply and potentially develop into an infection.

If you experience any typical symptoms of a UTI, such as a persistent urge to urinate, burning sensations while urinating, blood in your urine, or pelvic pain, you can receive treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Surprising Causes of A UTI

Posted on April 4, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that affects the urinary system, which includes the bladder, ureters, urethra, and kidneys.

Urinary tract infections develop when bacteria from outside the body (most commonly from the rectum or skin) enter the urethra and infect the urinary system.

Although anyone can get a UTI, women are more at risk than men. It is estimated that around 50% to 60% of women will experience an infection in their lifetime.

The risk of developing a UTI can be minimized if you know the risk factors and take measures to prevent an infection. These factors include:

Eating excessive amounts of sugar
Having diabetes
Hormonal changes such as menopause
Holding in your urine for too long or not emptying your bladder completely
Wiping the wrong way (It is recommended that you wipe from front to back. Going the opposite way can track bacteria from your anus to the urethra)
Frequently wearing thong or string-bikini underwear
Frequently wearing tight pants
Frequent sexual intercourse
Not urinating after having sexual intercourse
Not drinking enough water
Using certain forms of birth control such as a diaphragm, spermicide, or unlubricated condoms
Catheter use
Taking certain medications such as some antihistamines or antipsychotic drugs
Frequently riding a bicycle

Some risk factors are easier to address than others and some are unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to help lower the risk of a UTI. Drinking plenty of water helps dilute urine and makes you urinate more often, which flushes bacteria out of the urinary system. Wiping front to back after using the bathroom is also helpful. Other measures include reducing your sugar intake, changing your method of birth control, managing your diabetes, avoiding holding in your urine and urinating after intercourse.

If you are frequently experiencing urinary tract infections, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-670-5486.

Your Frequent Urination Could Be The Result Of Polyuria

Posted on November 5, 2021 by Michael Hinck

Frequent urination is an issue that many Americans live with but figuring out the cause can be a difficult task. Some of the possible reasons for this problem can include an overactive bladder, enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection. One other possibility could be due to a medical condition called polyuria.

People with polyuria create more urine than normal. Most adults make approximately 3 liters of urine per day. However, those with polyuria generate up to 15 liters, or five times the normal amount of urine every day. While the other above-mentioned conditions make you feel as if you have to go, even if there isn’t much urine in your bladder, those with polyuria must go because they have excess urine.

Symptoms of polyuria often include frequently feeling thirsty. This is because people with the condition lose a great deal of fluid, which can lead to dehydration. Unfortunately, the urge to urinate when you sleep doesn’t go away, so those with polyuria also usually wake up multiple times at night to go.

Polyuria is usually an indicator of diabetes. This is because the condition makes sugar build up in your bloodstream. If your kidneys are not able to filter it out, it exits your body in your urine. As the extra sugar and fluids travel through your kidneys, you have to pee more.

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes can also develop polyuria as can those with kidney or liver disease. Other factors that can contribute to this condition include taking certain medications or consuming too much caffeine or alcohol.

How you control polyuria depends on what’s causing it. For example, if you have diabetes that isn’t under control, you may need to make changes to your treatments. If a medicine you take is the cause, talk to your doctor about switching to another drug or changing your dose. At home, cut back on how much fluid you drink, especially those that have alcohol and caffeine.

If you are experiencing symptoms of polyuria, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Through a detailed physical examination and battery of testing options, which may include urine, blood, glucose, and water deprivation tests, they can accurately diagnose polyuria and determine a course of treatment.

To make an appointment with a urologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center, please call 718-670-5486.