Urinary Tract Infection
Under normal circumstances, the urinary system and its structure helps ward off infection. Immune defenses also play a part. The urinary tract is the body's filtering system for removal of liquid wastes. Women may be more susceptible to UTI because their urethral opening is near the source of bacteria. Women who are newly sexually active or have a new sexual partner may be at increased risk of contracting Urinary Tract Infection.
Causes for UTI infection in women
- The female urethra is shorter and this makes it easier for bacteria to travel
- If the bladder is not completely emptied, it may lead to infection.
- Pregnant women and diabetic women are more likely to develop UTI
- Stones or tumor in the urinary tract can cause urinary tract
- Urinary catheters and nephrostomy tubes are also likely causes of UTI in women
UTI treatment
UTI treatment involves a course of antibiotics. Treatment of UTI is done with amoxicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or fluoroquinolones. Treating UTI caused by bladder outlet obstructions may necessitate surgery and hospitalization. Drinking plenty of water and fluids will aid in flushing away the bacteria from the urinary system. Some doctors recommend Vitamin C as it will make the urine acidic and thereby hostile to bacteria. The most important tip to prevent urinary tract infections, bladder infections, and kidney infections is to practice good personal hygiene.
Cause of Urinary Tract Infection
E. coli is the most common cause of UTI. When the infection is limited to the urethra, it is called urethritis. A bladder infection is called cystitis. If the UTI is not treated in time, the infection will travel up and infect the kidneys. Other microorganisms called Chlamydia and Mycoplasmaare also known to cause UTI infection. Other causes of UTI are bladder outlet obstructions or suppressed immune system. Certain blood types enable bacteria to attach more easily to cells that line the urinary tract, causing recurrent infections.
Cystitis
Cystitis is an infection of the bladder typically caused by urinary tract infection. It is characterised by painful urination and frequent urination. Usually women suffer cystitis more often than males on account of the short urethra that makes it more prone to bacteria. It is more common in pregnant women and post-menopausal women. Men who are more prone to cystitis are those with enlarged prostate.
Urologist
An urologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases related to the male and female urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Urologists are meant to be surgeons who have specialized in the aforesaid field. Urologists specialize in treating diseases related to the kidney, uterus, urinary bladder, male reproductive organs and urethra. Urologists have to complete medical school followed by one year internship and then followed by specialization of three years in the field of urology. They can further attain qualifications in sub-specialties such as pediatric urology, female urology, neurourology etc.
Tasks of an urologist
Urologists mainly focus on:
- Prescribe medications for urinary infections. In women, urogynecologists treat problems related to the reproductive systems in women.
- Perform surgeries for urinary infections.
- Treat problems such as incontinence (holding back urine).
- Give treatment for urinary stones.
- Treat impotence in men and any other related problem with the reproductive organs of men such as infertility.
- Conduct renal transplants (kidney transplantation).
Latest techniques employed in the field of urology
Modern technologies have seen the use of:
- Ultrasound and various other diagnostic imaging techniques are used to detect stones in the bladder. They give clear picture of the bladder and its contents.
- Cytoscope is used to study the bladder in detail thereby giving a clear picture of any disorder present.
Bibliography / Reference
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