Urinary tract disorders can involve more than one organ, such as one or both kidneys, one or both ureters, the bladder, or the urethra. In men, a UTD can involve one or both testes, the prostate, or the epididymis. Most often, a Urinary Tract Infection will occur in the lower urinary tract but sometimes infects the upper urinary tract.
A doctor will usually be able to diagnose based on the symptoms but oftentimes will collect a urine specimen to confirm.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Disorders
There are not always visible symptoms with a UTI. Although, you might experience some of the following symptoms:
- Pain in the side
- Strong and persistent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Cloudy urine
- Passing small amounts of urine frequently
- Strong-smelling urine
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or brownish colored-a sign of blood in the urine
- Pelvic pain in women
- Sometimes there are no symptoms until a kidney infection or fever develops
- Pain behind scrotum in men
- Low back pain
Causes of Urinary Tract Disorders
A Urinary Tract Infection is usually caused when bacteria finds its way into the urinary tract through the urethra and proliferate in the bladder. There are a few risk factors that may add to a person experiencing this type of infection.
- Shorter urethra
- Women who are wiping from back to front after using the restroom
- An enlarged prostrate in males
- Kidney stones
- Sexual activity
- Menopause
- Using a catheter for urination
- Recent medical procedure relating to the urinary tract
- Diabetes or other immunity suppressing disease
- Using Diaphragms or spermicidal agents for birth control
Treatments for Urinary Tract Disorders
If caught early and when your first notice symptoms of a UTI, there may be some home treatments that can help the infection from worsening. To help clean out the bacteria causing the infection, drink a lot of water. It is important to urinate often and empty the bladder fully every time.
Some doctors will write a standing prescription for medicine if you have recurring and uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections. It is imperative you let your doctor know if symptoms do not get better or if they occur more frequently.
Other treatments may include preventive antibiotic therapy or antibiotics when you notice symptoms.
There are several antibiotics used to treat Urinary Tract Infections. Speak with a medical professional to know which treatment is right for you.
Facts and Statistics about Urinary Tract Disorders
- Cranberry has been used to help heal Urinary Tract Infections and is recommended by many medical professionals, but there is not medical evidence to back up the claim that it heals an infection.
- Urinary Tract Infections occur more often in females than males.
- Approximately 1 in every 5 women will have a Urinary Tract Infection at some point.
- Eighty to ninety percent of UTIs are caused by one type of bacteria called E-coli