The urinary tract includes the bladder, kidneys, and tubes (urethra) that connect them, and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can affect any part of this tract. Women are more likely to get a UTI, mainly because of the shape of their urinary tract. Most UTIs are infections related to the bladder, which can be cured with timely treatment. However, if left untreated, an infection can spread to the kidneys, causing serious damage.

Infections are caused due to germs entering the urinary tract through the urethra, multiplying, and spreading to the bladder and kidneys. The most common causes of UTI are:

• Incorrect wiping direction
• Constipation
• Menopause
• Diabetes
• Sexual intercourse
• Holding in urine for too long
• Using birth control pills
• Dehydration
• Wearing ill-fitted underwear
• Weak immune system

Early warning signs of UTIs

• Pain and a burning sensation while urinating
  The early warning signs of UTI include pain and a burning sensation while passing urine. It indicates that one might be suffering from a bacterial infection. Increasing the intake of water can help in flushing out the bacteria and preventing it from spreading to other parts of the uterus in such cases.
• Frequent, strong urges to urinate
  Another early warning sign of UTI is that one feels a desperate urge to empty their bladder frequently. This desperate urge is due to inflammation caused in the urethra, which makes the bladder feel full but one is only able to pass small amounts of urine each time. This urge for urination can also be accompanied by pain or a burning sensation.
• Cloudy discharge
  While urinating, if the color of urine is cloudy or discolored and it is accompanied by a foul smell, it is considered to be an early warning sign of UTI. Keeping oneself hydrated can help reduce the chances of developing and controlling UTI sand also prevent foul smells, as urine is usually odorless.
• Lower abdominal pain
  Inflammation in the bladder can cause aches, cramps, and abdominal pain. If one experiences this while urinating, it should be considered an early warning sign of a UTI. One must consult a specialist to identify the type of pain and get treated to avoid severe consequences. This lower abdominal pain is usually accompanied by back pain.
• Fever
  A UTI caused by bacteria tends to lower the body’s immune system and can cause a slight fever. If a person is suffering from fever, along with any of the above-mentioned symptoms of UTI, it indicates that the bacterial infection has spread to the kidneys.
• A feeling of exhaustion
  The early warning signs of a UTI include a feeling of exhaustion. One can easily get tired and drained out or may feel like they might collapse when suffering from a UTI.

Although medications are available to cure UTIs, it is very important to understand the early warning signs, as timely treatment can prevent severe damage to the bladder or kidneys. Also, maintaining hygiene goes a long way in preventing UTIs.