10 out of every 25 women will suffer from a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. It is a condition that occurs as a result of an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, from the kidneys to the bladder. Although it is not a serious condition and can be treated, it can sometimes lead to severe complications, so we focus through the article on treating urinary tract infections in women and its most important causes so that it can be avoided. 

What is a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infection is a common medical condition in women and occurs due to an infection in the urinary system, which consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The urinary system becomes infected with bacterial infections that enter and multiply inside it, causing many symptoms that we will learn about later in detail.

 Treatment of urinary tract infection in women 

 Treatment for a urinary tract infection depends on the type of infection and the bacteria causing it. There are two types of infections: simple and complex. We will explain the methods of treating each of them as follows:  

Treating simple urinary tract infections  

This type is most common in women and is caused by a bacterial infection. 

Some types of infections may require longer treatment, and the pain and urgent urge to urinate often disappear after several doses of the antibiotic. However, the full dose of the antibiotic must be taken even if you feel better, to ensure that the urinary tract infection is completely treated. 

Treatment of complex urinary tract infections 

 Complex urinary tract infections occur in abnormal urinary tracts (caused by congenital abnormalities or injuries), or when most antibiotics are unable to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. 

If the urinary tract infection is complicated, it may require a longer course of antibiotics to treat.  

Here also: When do the symptoms of a urinary tract infection go away?

Treatment of urinary tract infection in pregnant women

Pregnant women face urinary tract problem commonly throughout pregnancy, which necessitates following a treatment plan for urinary tract infection in pregnant women, which includes:

• Antibiotic treatment: Which is the most important method of treating the urinary tract for women, but it is necessary to choose a medicine suitable for the period of pregnancy that is safe for the mother and the fetus.
• Avoid certain foods: Such as spicy or sour food and avoid drinking excessive coffee and tea as they cause bladder irritation. 
• Healthy lifestyle: It includes drinking plenty of water and fluids, which helps get rid of bacteria and expel them from the body, in addition to constantly cleaning the kidneys.
• Treatment with compresses: It is preferable to apply warm compresses  before bedtime to treat urinary tract infections in pregnant women, which helps relieve pain and inflammation.
• Important medical tips: Such as cleaning the genitals from front to back, urinating regularly, and making sure to wear cotton clothes and change them frequently to prevent infection.

The best antibiotic to treat urinary tract infection 

The doctor prescribes a broad-spectrum antibiotic to eliminate the bacteria causing the urinary tract infection, and if the patient does not respond, he recommends a urine culture to find out the specific type of antibiotic that kills the bacteria.  

Common oral antibiotics to treat UTIs include: 

• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole: This type often treats complicated urinary tract infections.  
• Amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium: It is a type of antibiotic that works dually: amoxicillin attacks bacteria directly, while clavulanate potassium prevents bacterial resistance.  

Injectable antibiotics 

 Your doctor usually recommends intravenous and intramuscular antibiotics to treat more serious infections or when medications can't be taken by mouth.  

• Ampicillin/sulbactam.  
• Ceftriaxone.  
• Meropenem/vaborbactam. 

 After explaining how to treat a urinary tract infection, we explain their common causes so that they can be avoided. 

Book your consultation now at Department of Urology At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital

Causes of urinary tract infection in women 

Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that enter the body through the urethra. Because the urethra, or urethra, is shorter in women than men, the bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to reach the bladder. The vagina is much closer to the anus where bacteria live;  

The chances of infection also increase if: 

• Women after menopause.  
• Women suffering from diseases such as diabetes and urinary incontinence.  
• the elderly. 
•  Infants. 

 It may also occur as a result of: 

•  Side effects of some medications, especially immunosuppressive ones. 
•  Cleaning the genital area in the direction from the anus to the vagina (which allows bacteria to be transferred to the urethra). 
• Use of a urinary catheter for long periods. 
• The presence of congenital abnormalities in the urethra, such as those that cause urinary tract obstruction. 
• Use tampons. 
• Not taking care of personal hygiene and changing underwear regularly. 

Symptoms of urinary tract infection in women  

Often a urinary tract infection may occur without obvious symptoms. 

Symptoms of urinary tract infection in the bladder

• Pain or burning when urinating. 
• An urgent urge to urinate even with a small amount of urine in the bladder. 
• Feeling like the bladder is still full even after urinating. 
• Pain in the lower abdomen. 
• Loss of bladder control and some involuntary drops of urine. 
• Cloudy or cloudy urine, and sometimes it may be pink due to some drops of blood. 
• Foul odor in urine. 

Symptoms of urinary tract infection in the kidneys 

Include Symptoms of urinary tract infection in women In the kidneys: 

• Flank pain (on one or both sides of the back). 
• Fever and chills. 
• Vomiting and nausea. 
• Feeling unwell. 

Vaginal and pelvic infections may cause symptoms similar to the above, so it is important to consult a doctor to find out the actual cause of the symptoms and treat it. 

How can a urinary tract infection be diagnosed in women?

There are several methods used by specialist doctors to diagnose urinary tract infections in women, including:

• The patient's medical history and physical examination, asking about symptoms.
• Urine tests include a random sample to look for a bacterial infection, and a urine culture to determine its type.
• Taking an X-ray or CT scan, which helps identify any problem in the urinary tract to treat it accurately. 
• In some cases, a cystoscope is performed to examine both the bladder and the urethra to confirm urinary tract infection.

Treating urinary tract infections at home for women 

It is not recommended to follow any home prescription to treat a urinary tract infection. As we mentioned, the main treatment for it is antibiotics, and if left untreated, it may cause serious complications.  

However, the following tips may help relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence or worsening of the infection: 

• Drink plenty of water, Fluids help expel bacteria from the urethra, and dilute the concentration of urine, making it easier to pass. 
• Take cranberry supplements After consulting a doctor. 
• Use warm compresses On the lower abdomen and sides of the back; 
• Take vitamin C supplements After consulting a doctor, vitamin C increases the acidity of urine, which prevents the growth of bacteria. 
• Take pain relievers Available without a prescription, such as: Paracetamol. 
• Urinating regularly Every four hours, even if there is no need to urinate. 
• Paying attention to personal hygiene Wipe the genitals in the direction from the vagina to the anus. 
• Wear loose underwear To avoid skin irritation that may make matters worse, cotton clothes also help absorb moisture, which reduces the chances of bacteria growth. 

Urinary tract infection and sexual intercourse 

Although UTIs are not sexually transmitted, doctors do not recommend having intercourse until symptoms have disappeared and the entire course of treatment has been finished, because vaginal friction may further irritate the tissue, making symptoms worse. 

Intercourse may also increase the possibility of complications; 

Read also: The relationship between urinary tract infection and intercourse

FAQs

What is the appropriate effervescent for burning urine?

The appropriate effervescent for burning urine is one that contains sodium bicarbonate, which reduces the acidity of the urine, but you must first consult a doctor before taking any of the therapeutic medications, as he will determine the most appropriate after making a complete diagnosis of the condition. 

What are the symptoms of cystitis in women?

The most prominent symptoms of cystitis in women are severe lower abdominal pain, fever, burning urine, dark urine and sometimes accompanied by blood, and frequent urination.

  In conclusion, antibiotics are the basis for treating urinary tract infections in women, and no medications should be taken without consulting a doctor, and it is important to complete the prescribed dose;