What Is UTI?
A urinary tract infection is when bacteria or other pathogen gets into your urine via the urethra, travels up to your bladder and cause an infection. A UTI is an infection that can affect any part of your urinary tract system – your urethra, ureters, bladder, and kidneys. Studies show that most infections involve the bladder and the urethra, i.e., the lower urinary tract.
UTI are responsible for 8.1 million visits to primary health care units each year. About 12% of men and 60% of women and will have at least one episode of UTI during their lifetime. Due to several factors, women are at higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection than are men. Statistical data show that about 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men will get a UTI in their lifetime. UTI limited to your bladder (cystitis) can be annoying and painful. However, if a UTI spreads to your kidneys, it may lead to serious health consequences.
Doctors and health care professionals typically treat UTI with antibiotics and pain killers. But you can take certain dietary and lifestyle steps to reduce your risk of getting an infection in the first place.