Urology: Symptoms and Complications Of Urinary Tract Infections

The urinary system of humans contains both kidneys, a pair of ureters and bladder, and one urethra. UTI is a medical condition in which infection spreads in the urinary system. Maximum UTIs are only present in the lower part of the urinary tract, which comprises the bladder and urethra. It is crucial to diagnose and treat these infections as soon as possible because they can be fatal if the infection spreads to the kidneys.

Symptoms of urinary tract infection

Symptoms of lower tract UTI

The lower tract of human beings includes the urethra and bladder. Here, we have provided a list of the symptoms associated with lower tract UTI. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult with expert urologists in Mumbai.

● Burning sensation during urination

● Increment in the frequency of urination

● Increase in the time of urgent urination

● Cloudy urine

● Dark coloured urine ( urine like cola or tea )

● Pain in the pelvic region of the woman

● Pain in the rectal area in men

● Portent order to the urine

Symptoms of upper tract UTI

When a person develops an upper tract UTI, their kidneys are affected by the infection. It can prove fatal if the infection spreads from the kidneys to the blood. Here we have provided a list of symptoms associated with the upper tract infection.

• Severe pain in the upper back and sides
• Tenderness in the upper region of the body
• Chills
• High fever
• Nausea
• Frequent vomiting

Who is more prone to urinary tract infections?

Females are more prone to developing UTIs than men. Most females develop recurrent urinary tract infections during their life. Here’s why:

• Anatomy of females – A woman has a urethra shorter than men, which eventually decreases the length that bacteria trek to enter the bladder. It is the reason why females are more prone to UTIs.
• Sexual activity – when a woman indulges in penetrative sex, the chances of bacteria getting into the bladder from around the anus increase. 
• Birth control options – Women who utilize diaphragm or spermicide as a birth control measure are more prone to catch a urinary tract infection.
• Decrease in estrogen – when a woman reaches the age of menopause, the circulating level of estrogen in the body declines, making a woman more vulnerable to UTIs.

Complications of urinary tract infection

If lower urinary tract infection is treated appropriately with caution, there is a low chance of complications. But if it is left untreated, it can have severe consequences. Here we are provided with a list of complications of UTI.

• Recurrent infections
• Kidney damage from an acute or chronic kidney infection (because of untreated urinary tract infection)
• Risk for pregnant women to give birth to a low-weight or premature baby.
• Narrowing of the urethra in men with recurrent urinary tract infection
• Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening risk from urinary tract infection

If you are suffering from a urinary tract infection, you should consult a doctor for urology in Mumbai or your city as soon as possible.