A UTI is the type of illness that affects the urinary system, including the bladder, ureters, urethra, and kidney. It’s paramount to understand the causes and how to treat a UTI in Chelmsford, Essex.

It mostly affects the lower urinary tracts, which are the urethra and the bladder.

In most cases, women are at a greater risk of contracting a UTI compared to men.  A UTI infection in the bladder is very dangerous. It is painful and often cumbersome.

Nonetheless, a huge problem can arise with severe consequences if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

It is difficult to notice the signs and symptoms of Urinary tract infections. Nevertheless, whenever they appear, they may include:

– Persistent urge to urinate
– In women, they feel pain in their pelvis and around the pubic bone
– A pungent smell from the urine
– A loose bladder that frequently passes urine in small amounts
– Blood in the urine
– A burning  and itchy sensation while urinating

In older people, UTIs are overlooked and often mistaken for other prevailing conditions.

Learn more about how you can visit us and get treatment for a UTI in our latest blog Here

What are the causes of urinary tract infections?

UTIs occur whenever the bacteria access the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder.

Even though the Urinary system is made to prevent microscopic organisms (bacteria) from invading it, these defences sometimes fail. The bacterium then takes advantage of that and grows into a serious infection.

The most commonly known UTIs attack mainly women and usually invade the bladder and urethra. The two types of UTIs include:

– Infection of the bladder (cystitis) – This is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), the type of bacteria found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, other bacteria may also be responsible for this type of UTI.
– The urethra (urethritis) infection – This type of UTI occurs when gastrointestinal bacteria spread to the urethra from the anus. STIs such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, mycoplasma, and chlamydia can also cause urethritis because the female urethra is close to the vagina.

The Risk factors (How to treat a UTI in Chelmsford, Essex)

A good number of women encounter more than one UTI infection in their lifetime.

The risk factors associated with women for urinary tract infections include:

– Female anatomy. The shorter the urethra, the higher the chances of contracting a UTI since the distance the bacteria must travel to reach the bladder is shortened.
– Certain types of birth control. The use of Spermicidal agents and diaphragms for birth control increases the chances of contracting a UTI.
– Menopause. Whenever the circulating oestrogen reduces or declines, there will definitely be changes in the urinary tract, thus increasing vulnerability.
– Sexual activity. Changing new sexual partners definitely increases the chances of contracting a UTI. Sexually active women tend to have more UTIs compared to those who aren’t sexually active.

Prevention aside from ways to treat a UTI in Chelmsford, Essex

It’s important to take the following recommended steps to prevent a UTI;

– Wiping from front to back. This is important as it will reduce the risk of spreading the bacteria from the anal region to the vaginal and urethra areas.
– Empty your bladder immediately following intercourse. This will prevent the accumulation of bacteria in the vaginal area.
– Drink enough water and other liquids.  Drinking more water ensures that you urinate more frequently. Water also dilutes your urine and flushes out bacteria.
– Avoid feminine products that are potentially irritating. Products such as deodorants and other sprays irritate the urethra, thus causing the infection.
– Choose a different birth control method. Birth control methods such as Diaphragms or un-lubricated or spermicide-treated condoms can all contribute to bacterial growth. It will help if you avoid them.

How to treat a UTI in Chelmsford, Essex

The main form of treating a urinary tract infection is with antibiotics. You can take precautions to reduce the chances of contracting it in the first place.

Visit Colecross Pharmacy in Chelmsford, Essex today to get a diagnosis and treatment for a UTI.

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This blog post was written on behalf of Colecross Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.