When urinary tract infections keep coming back, it can be a significant concern. Harvard Health suggests that taking a low dose of one of the antibiotics used to treat UTI is the most common way of dealing with recurrences. However, bacteria may become resistant to an antibiotic over time, and it may not be effective in treating subsequent infections. Better Bladder and Bowel Control describes the causes of urinary and bowel incontinence and the various treatment options available.
A urinary tract infection usually causes symptoms like unusually frequent urination, an intense urge to urinate, pain, discomfort, or a burning sensation during urination, and awakening from sleep to pass urine. Pain, pressure, or tenderness in the area of the bladder, which is located in the middle of the lower abdomen below the navel, is also common.
Bladder infections, also called cystitis, are a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by an abnormal growth of bacteria inside the bladder, the balloon-like organ that stores urine. This condition is more common in women than men and can be classified as either simple or complicated. UTIs, which can occur anywhere in the urinary tract, are most frequently caused by Escherichia coli, a bacterium that normally helps keep the digestive system healthy but can lead to infection if it enters the urinary tract.
The infection can spread to different parts of the urinary system, including the bladder (where urine is stored) and the urethra (the tube through which you urinate). Less common, but more serious, is an infection of the kidneys, which filter waste and extra water from the blood and make urine. Infections may be triggered by sexual activity, catheters, or other factors.
Wearing wet or tight clothes is often mistakenly believed to cause UTIs. However, Dr. Brandt clarifies that while this can increase the spread of bacteria due to trapped moisture, it will NOT cause an infection by itself. It is recommended to wear underwear with a cotton crotch to minimize the risk.
For more in-depth information, you can visit Harvard Health for details on recurrent urinary tract infections, UTI in Men, Bladder Problems, and new thinking about urinary tract infections. Additionally, the bladder infection (cystitis) page offers insights into this specific type of UTI, while What U Need to Know About Urinary Tract Infections provides a comprehensive guide on the subject.
