Question 1

Can I treat urinary tract diseases on my own at home? It is embarrassing to discuss them with a doctor.

Accepted Answer

While a minor infection may clear out on its own, if the infection has spread to your kidneys, the risk is high, and it is imperative to get expert medical help immediately. Remember that all urinary tract issues do not have visible symptoms, so you may not be aware of the severity of the problem on your own.

Question 2

Am I likely to develop UTIs because my parents used to suffer from them frequently?

Accepted Answer

In women, it has been seen that the occurrence of UTI may be marginally higher in those whose parents have had similar problems. However, UTIs may develop with no family history as well, from various other factors, both lifestyle-related and health-related.

Question 3

Is a particular age group or specific gender more susceptible to incontinence and UTIs?

Accepted Answer

While UTIs do tend to be more common in women, men develop this ailment as well, although fewer cases may be detected when both genders are compared. With respect to age, there is a general belief that incontinence is seen only in the elderly, but this is not so. This problem is also seen occasionally in children and across all age groups. Numerous elders do suffer from poor bladder control, as and when their muscles lose elasticity.

Question 4

I am diabetic. Am I at a higher risk of incontinence?

Accepted Answer

Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing urinary incontinence. If you are diabetic and you have noticed signs of urinary problems, a thorough check-up by a specialist is a good move.

Question 5

Is incontinence a problem that stays for life once you develop it or can it also disappear and reappear?

Accepted Answer

Depending on why you have developed the problem, it may disappear after treatment and reappear later. For example, stress incontinence patients often find bladder control failing when they have a severe cold with coughing or sneezing. Once the illness is cured, the incontinence may also disappear. However, if the incontinence is due to weakened bladder muscles, it is more likely to be a long-term issue.

Question 6

Why are women more prone to UTIs?

Accepted Answer

The anatomy of women makes them more susceptible to UTIs. The opening of the urethra is in front of the vaginal opening, and the chances of bacteria entering the urinary system during intercourse is high.

Question 7

What can cause urinary problems or urinary tract infections?

Accepted Answer

Urinary problems are typically of four types – prostate enlargement, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urination problems can also occur due to other reasons, such as surgical trauma, spinal cord injury, diabetes, neurological damage, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, a weak immune system, an enlarged prostate in men, or the use of contraceptive measures like condoms coated in spermicide, etc.

UTI typically occurs due to bacterial infection, when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. Other micro-organisms, such as Chlamydia and Mycoplasma, can cause urethritis in both women and men. These micro-organisms are sexually transmitted, requiring both partners to seek medical treatment to avoid re-infection.

Question 8

What are the common urinary tract problems?

Accepted Answer

The different types of urinary disorders include:

Urethritis – Infection of the urethra
Cystitis – Infection of the bladder
Pyelonephritis – Infection of the kidneys
Vaginitis – Infection of the vagina.

Question 9

What is the difference between a bladder infection and UTI?

Accepted Answer

Bladder infections or Cystitis is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), but not all UTIs are bladder infections. UTI occurs in the urinary tract, which includes the ureters, kidneys, urethra and bladder. While all these infections show common symptoms, the location of the infection is important in treatment.

Symptoms of bladder infection:

Burning sensation while urinating (dysuria).
Frequent urge to urinate but very little urine comes out.
Pelvic pain.

Symptoms of UTI:

Urge to urinate more often.
Cloudy or bloody urine.
Foul smell in urine.
Burning pain or sensation when urinating.
Chills.
Fever.
Lower back or pelvic pain.
Nausea.
Vomiting.

Question 10

How do you know if you have an Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

Accepted Answer

Look out for symptoms such as a strong, frequent urge to urinate and a painful and burning sensation when urinating.

Question 11

What can cause a UTI in a woman?

Accepted Answer

Women have a lifetime risk of over 50% of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI) with 20% to 30% experiencing recurrent UTIs. Pregnant women mostly face urinary problems like Urinary Retention but not UTI. But if a UTI does occur during pregnancy, it is more likely to travel up to the kidneys as the body changes during pregnancy, affecting the urinary tract.

Question 12

Will a UTI go away on its own?

Accepted Answer

medical attention if you think you have a UTI. There are a few non-antibiotic treatments and home remedies that can help.

Urinary tract organs remove waste from the body efficiently while retaining electrolytes and vital nutrients. Being hydrated dilutes the urine and speeds its journey through the urinary tract. This makes it harder for bacteria to reach the urinary organ cells and cause an infection. Hence, drink plenty of water and other fluids to flush the urinary system.
Treat vaginal infections, such as thrush or trichomonas, quickly.
Avoid using spermicide-containing contraceptives.
Make probiotics or beneficial bacteria a part of your diet because they help keep the urinary tract healthy and free of harmful bacteria. A particular group of probiotics, called Lactobacilli, produces hydrogen peroxide in the urine, which is a strong antibacterial.
Get enough Vitamin C as this antioxidant

Urinary System Diseases