The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, the bladder, and the tubes leading to, from these organs (the ureters and the urethra) produces urine, and eliminates it from the body.
Urinary tract health refers to how well the system works at removing wastes, producing, and controlling urine, as well as any disorders or problems that might occur within the tract. These problems can affect the urinary tract as a whole, or just certain parts of the tract, such as the bladder. Many disorders and problems can affect urinary tract health.
What causes UTIs & UI?
A UTI develops when microbes enter the urinary tract and cause infection. Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs, although fungi rarely can also infect the urinary tract. E. coli bacteria, which live in the bowel, cause most UTIs.
The following factors also may encourage bacteria to grow:
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Purposely holding in urine for long periods of time
• Conditions or situations that block the flow of urine, such as a tumour, kidney stone, enlarged prostate, or sexual intercourse
• Diabetes and other conditions that reduce the ability of the body’s immune system to fight off infection
• Hormonal changes in the urinary tract of pregnant women that make it easier for bacteria to spread through the ureters and to the kidneys
What are the symptoms of UTIs & UI?
Most people notice at least one or more of the following signs:
• Pain or stinging while urinating
• A frequent or strong urge to urinate, while often producing only a small amount of urine
• Milky, cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
• Lower stomach or back pain
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