Did you know that a urethritis (UTI) is one of the most common types of bacterial infections in the world? Escherichia coli (E-Coli) is the most common type of bacteria causing urine infections. So, find out what are the symptoms of urine infection, its complications, and how to prevent it.

Causes of recurrent uritis in women

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply there. It may affect one or more areas of the urinary system. The urinary system includes:

• urethra
• bladder
• ureter
• kidneys

Urinary tract infection may affect both women and men, but the chances of infection increase more in women, as studies indicate that about 40% to 60% of women may suffer from symptoms of urine infection in one of the stages of their lives.

The reason for the increased chances of infection in women is that the urethra is shorter in women than in men, which helps bacteria easily enter the bladder. Among the most factors that may increase the risk of infection in women:

• The effect of the pregnant woman’s hormones on the bacteria in the urinary tract, which increases the possibility of infection.
• Reaching menopause and menopause, as the loss of estrogen may lead to thinning of vaginal tissues, which may facilitate the growth of harmful bacteria and infection.
• Transmission of infection through sexual contact.
• Diabetes.
• Suffering from kidney stones, which may prevent the flow of urine between the kidneys and the bladder.

Symptoms of uritis in women

Some of the symptoms of urinary tract infection are similar in both women and men. In the event of infection, the symptoms of urinary tract infection are as follows:

• lower abdominal pain (above the bladder)
• lower back pain
• Burning or pain with urine
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Urinating small amounts each time
• Change in urine color (dark urine or bloody urine)
• Urine smells foul

Complications of a urinary tract infection

Complications of urinary tract infections rarely occur unless they are not treated quickly with symptoms appearing on the patient. may include Complications of urinary tract infections the following:

• Frequent exposure to urinary tract infection, especially in women who may suffer from urinary infection two or more times during a period that may range from 4 months to 12 months.
• Permanent kidney damage if a severe infection (nephritis) develops without treatment.
• Sepsis, which is a complication that may lead to death, especially if the infection spreads up the urinary tract to the kidneys.

Symptoms of urinary tract infection in men

Although urine infection is one of the most common types of infection in women, the infection may also affect men. It is estimated that urinary tract infection affects about 3% of men in the world each year.

Older men, especially those over the age of 50, are more likely to develop a urinary tract infection.

The symptoms of urinary tract infection are similar between men and women, but urinary tract infection in men is usually associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, which may obstruct the flow of urine, which increases the chances of infection of the urinary tract with bacteria. Urethritis is also commonly associated with the transmission of bacterial infection through sexual activity. Symptoms of urethritis in men are:

• frequent urination
• Burning urine
• foul-smelling urine
• Presence of blood in the urine
• Pain behind the scrotum
• Painful ejaculation
• Bloody semen in some rare cases

The only symptom of a UTI in older men may be a fever or confusion. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor when any of the previous symptoms appear.

In order to prevent recurrent uritis, it is always recommended to drink more water, and quickly empty urine when you feel the need, with the importance of safe sex.

Does urine infection cause joint pain?

One of the most common causes of reactive arthritis is a urinary tract infection caused by a bacterial infection. Some of the bacteria associated with reactive arthritis include:

• Salmonella bacteria
• Shigella bacteria
• chlamydia
• Campylobacter bacteria
• C. difficile

Reactive arthritis usually causes joint pain and swelling, especially in the joints of the ankles, knees, buttocks, or heels. Inflammation may also cause back pain.

How to prevent the risk of infection

Some simple measures may help reduce the risk of developing a urinary tract infection in both women and men, such as:

1. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush bacteria out of the body before the urinary system becomes infected.
2. Avoid tight clothes.
3. Use cotton underwear, and avoid using synthetic fabrics.
4. Keeping the pubic area clean and dry, by wiping from front to back.
5. Avoid foods that may irritate the bladder, such as citrus fruits, spicy foods, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners.
6. Avoid using non-lubricated condoms, diaphragms, or condoms treated with spermicide, as they contribute to the growth of bacteria.

In the end, the symptoms of urethritis are considered cases that need speedy treatment so that they do not suffer from any possible health complications, especially in the case of urethritis of pregnant women. This requires consulting a doctor and conducting prenatal examinations to verify the health of the urinary tract and the absence of infection. This is to avoid harm to the fetus, such as having premature or low-weight babies.