Culture and Sensitivity - Anal Swab Tips

Obesity Can Diminish Penis Sensation

Dr. Vinod Raina 91% (6502 ratings)
MD - General Medicine
Sexologist, Delhi
Obesity Can Diminish Penis Sensation

Obesity Can Diminish Penis Sensation

It's somewhat ironic that as our culture has become ever more obsessed with physical appearance, and with a renewed emphasis on gyms and diets, that obesity has continued to grow as a problem for so many people. It's common knowledge nowadays that obesity can be a significant deterrent to general health, but it also can have an impact on penis health. For example, a man who suffers from obesity may also find he is experiencing a loss in penis sensation levels - and that can keep him from enjoying sex to the optimum extent.

A growing problem

The National Institutes for Health estimates that 1 in 3 American adults are classified as officially obese. (Obesity is defined as having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or above.) Although the U.S. government has been promoting efforts to bring the obesity rate down to 15%, no state in the most recent survey scored lower than 20.5%. And the trend shows obesity getting worse rather than better.

Why is obesity concerning? Because it can have a big negative impact on a person's life. Heart attack, stroke and diabetes are some of the complications that are more likely to be associated with obesity. And obesity can also lead to a decrease in penis sensation.

Why a penis sensation effect?

Obesity is generally associated with several problems which can result in penis sensation loss.

- Circulation. Often when a person is obese, they are eating a not-so-good diet. For example, high-fat, high-cholesterol diets can create a situation in which arteries become clogged, severely impacting circulation of the blood. In addition, the extra body mass brought about by obesity can put physical pressure on many blood vessels, further impacting their ability to let blood circulate properly. This can result in passing feelings of numbness in the extremities - including the penis.

- Blood vessel damage. As time goes on, the damage to the blood vessels can become more pronounced. This is especially likely to occur if a person develops diabetes as a result of their obesity. When a person has diabetes, they need assistance in managing blood sugar (glucose) levels. Improperly managed blood sugar can result in tissue deterioration and destruction, often in the blood vessels themselves. This again impacts circulation, which can lead to parts of the body - such as the penis - not getting sufficient blood and therefore not having proper sensation.

- Nerves. Blood vessels are not the only tissues affected by improper glucose levels; so are nerve tissues. Severe deterioration can lead to diabetic neuropathy, in which affected nerves cannot respond to the same level of stimulus as they did in the past. When this occurs in the penis, it means strokes and touches that may have produced pleasurable penis sensation in the past no longer do so, or no longer do so to the same degree.

Fighting obesity can be hard. It generally requires a commitment to dietary changes and incorporating more physical activity into the daily routine. Men who are obese are urged to work with their doctor to develop a sensible plan that can help them bring their weight down to healthier levels. This will not only help avoid loss of penis sensation but can also help them improve their overall health.

Penis sensation diminishment can be caused by things other than obesity, such as aggressive or rough handling of the penis during partner sex or masturbation. Daily utilization of a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can be helpful. It's essential that the crème contains an amino acid known as acetyl L-carnitine. This neuroprotective ingredient can help protect against loss of penis sensation due to rough handling. The crème should also include alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant that protects against penis skin damage from excess free radicals.

2 people found this helpful

When Penis Sensitivity Is Impacted by Masturbation

Dr. Vinod Raina 91% (6502 ratings)
MD - General Medicine
Sexologist, Delhi
When Penis Sensitivity Is Impacted by Masturbation

With the easy availability of online porn, there has been an increase in concerns that aggressive masturbation by men may lead to a loss of penis sensitivity. Certainly, any man who cares about his penis health wishes to avoid such a situation. But is there evidence that this is actually occurring? And if so, what can a man do about it?

Bad Effect on Penis Sensitivity After Masturbation

At the moment, there isn't significant fact-based evidence to back up the theory that we are turning into a culture of penis-de-sensitized compulsive masturbators. Part of this is due to the fact that the kind of randomized clinical trials that are traditionally conducted to provide evidence are woefully lacking in this area (and in many areas involving sexual practices and their effects).

As a result, we are left to rely on unscientific online surveys (which tend to be unrepresentative of the general public and can be heavily influenced by a small group of people) and on anecdotal evidence (e.g., "Since three men I know have reported a loss of penis sensitivity and they masturbate a lot, it must be a trend all over the world.").

Whether loss of penis sensitivity is increasing or not after masturbution it always pays to know some strategies for helping to deal with this, in the event that a man finds it is happening to him.

How to Stop Masturbation Effects on Penis Sensitivity

To reduce effect of masturbation on penis senisivity, you can follow these which include some prevention method that helps and restore your penis Sensitivity After Masturbation.

Stop masturbating so much: A no-brainer, of course, but if a man believes his masturbation is "deadening" his penis and decreasing his sexual enjoyment, his best recourse is to decrease the frequency of his fondling. In some cases, this may mean cutting back; a man who masturbates daily may want to try masturbating every other day instead.

But sometimes it may mean taking a "masturbation vacation & stopping self-groping for a week or two until the penis has time to heal and get back in shape for more action. Of course, sometimes stopping masturbation can be challenging, especially for a dedicated masturbator - but it can be worth it and helps back to restore penis sensitivity due from mastubation.

Ease up a bit: Often the problem is not how often one masturbates but how aggressively one does so. For example, some men really get caught up in a frenzy and may subject to their penis to unduly rough handling while masturbating. This can cause peripheral nerve damage that seriously diminishes penis sensitivity.

Alternatively, a man may use a seriously tight "death grip" while self-handling, or may take too literally the phrase "beating off" and actually pound his penis. Learning to be more gentle with the penis can pay off with a return of penile sensation.

Lube up a bit: The excessive friction from aggressive masturbation can be duplicated if a guy masturbates more gently but does not use sufficient lubrication. Many men like to go with raw handling, using only the lubrication that the penis naturally provides. But this often is not sufficient, especially when masturbating for an extended period of time. Utilizing an appropriate lubricant helps prevent damage and maintain penis sensitivity.

Switch things up: Sometimes it can also help to add some variety to the masturbation routine. For instance, if a man typically masturbates with the right hand, he might try using the left occasionally. If he focuses almost exclusively on the head of the penis, he may try to incorporate rubbing the shaft. Incorporating a sex toy, such as a fake vaginal toy, might be beneficial. Going a different way can help those areas of the penis which have been de-sensitized to rest and replenish.

Use an appropriate Penis Health cream: Perhaps most important of all, a man should really attack loss of penis sensitivity through masturbation by finding and using a quality penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin).

The cream must contain a neuroprotective ingredient that fights peripheral nerve damage; acetyl L carnitine is a first-rate choice in this category and can help to heal the penis and restore lost feeling. If the creamm also contains a combination of hydration (such as Shea butter and vitamin E) to moisturize the skin and restore suppleness, so much the better.


Update From Lybrate: Due to stress and hectic lifestyle, sexual bliss has become a dream for many. Buy these Sexual Wellness Products from Lybrate's GoodKart. To keep your sex life alive and kicking.

7 people found this helpful

STD Checkup - Why It Is Vital?

Dr. Megha Tuli 93% (1878 ratings)
MD - Obstetrtics & Gynaecology, MBBS, Masters in Aesthetic Gynaecology
Gynaecologist, Gurgaon
STD Checkup - Why It Is Vital?

In most diseases, early detection of the disease is the key to control the symptoms, cure, reduce progression and improve prognosis. This holds true for sexually transmitted diseases too. As soon as there is a mild degree of suspicious of having contracted a sexually transmitted disease, it is advisable to go for a test. Most of the STDs can develop into serious complications over a period of time, ranging from infertility to even death.

Complications: Why early diagnosis is important: When left undiagnosed and untreated, most STDs progress to cause severe damage from sterility to cancer to even death. Listed below are some complications associated with each of the common STDs.

  1. Chlamydia: If left untreated, can lead to epididymitis and testicles shrinking and infertility in males. This is a condition where there is pus formation in the scrotum. In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease which is deep-seated and unable to cure completely. This brings with it symptoms ranging from abdominal pain to uterine infections to sterility.
  2. Syphillis: Undiagnosed syphilis can lead to blindness and deafness. It can also be passed onto the newborn and lead to severe disabilities.
  3. Gonorrhea: If diagnosed early, it can be cured completely with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can lead to infertility.
  4. HIV/AIDS: Early diagnosis can help in curtailing the disease. If detected late, then the damage is quite extensive and treatment is both expensive and cannot help restore a lot of functions. 

Symptoms of Sexually transmitted diseases: If there is a doubt of having contracted an STD, then it is very important to get tested for the same. Some of the most common symptoms are listed below.

  1. Women: The most common symptoms in women including painful urination, burning sensation, abnormal vaginal discharge (sometimes bleeding), warts, and abdominal pain.
  2. Men: Testicular pain, urethral pain, painful urination, pain and inflammation in the prostate, sores, fever, and abdominal pain.

Prevention: Always practice safe sexual practices. When in doubt, refrain from sex until diagnosis and treatment is complete.

Testing for STDs: Some of the standard tests include:

1. Herpes- HSV I & II - 
2. Testing HIV-- Kits and ELISA available for testing 
3. Blood test for syphilis antibodies 
4. Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea - from urine as well as swabs for culture

It is understandable that getting tested for STDs is an embarrassing situation. However, there are options available where anonymity can be maintained when getting tested for STDs. This is a wise choice to make as the risk is not just for the person affected but for the partner and in some cases even for the fetus. Early testing can help prevent complications like infertility and cancer.

1 person found this helpful

STD Testing - Why You Should Never Delay?

Dr. Nishita 90% (153 ratings)
DNB (Obstetrics and Gynecology), MBBS
Gynaecologist, Mumbai
STD Testing - Why You Should Never Delay?

In most diseases, early detection of the disease is the key to control the symptoms, cure, reduce progression and improve prognosis. This holds true for sexually transmitted diseases too. As soon as there is a mild degree of suspicious of having contracted a sexually transmitted disease, it is advisable to go for a test. Most of the STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) can develop into serious complications over a period of time, ranging from infertility to even death.

Complications: Why early diagnosis is important: When left undiagnosed and untreated, most STDs progress to cause severe damage from sterility to cancer to even death. Listed below are some complications associated with each of the common STDs.

  1. Chlamydia: If left untreated, can lead to epididymitis and testicles shrinking and infertility in males. This is a condition where there is pus formation in the scrotum. In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease which is deep-seated and unable to cure completely. This brings with it symptoms ranging from abdominal pain to uterine infections to sterility.
  2. Syphillis: Undiagnosed syphilis can lead to blindness and deafness. It can also be passed onto the newborn and lead to severe disabilities.
  3. Gonorrhea: If diagnosed early, it can be cured completely with antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can lead to infertility.
  4. HIV/AIDS: Early diagnosis can help in curtailing the disease. If detected late, then the damage is quite extensive and treatment is both expensive and cannot help restore a lot of functions. 

Symptoms of Sexually transmitted diseases: If there is a doubt of having contracted an STD, then it is very important to get tested for the same. Some of the most common symptoms are listed below.

  1. Women: The most common symptoms in women including painful urination, burning sensation, abnormal vaginal discharge (sometimes bleeding), warts, and abdominal pain.
  2. Men: Testicular pain, urethral pain, painful urination, pain and inflammation in the prostate, sores, fever, and abdominal pain.

Prevention: Always practice safe sexual practices. When in doubt, refrain from sex until diagnosis and treatment is complete.

Testing for STDs: Some of the standard tests include:

  1. 1. Herpes- HSV I & II - 
    2. Testing HIV-- Kits and ELISA available for testing 
    3. Blood test for syphilis antibodies 
    4. Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea - from urine as well as swabs for culture

It is understandable that getting tested for STDs is an embarrassing situation. However, there are options available where anonymity can be maintained when getting tested for STDs. This is a wise choice to make as the risk is not just for the person affected but for the partner and in some cases even for the fetus. Early testing can help prevent complications like infertility and cancer. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist.

In case you have a concern or query regarding gynaecological issues, you can consult a gynaecologist online & get the answers to your questions through online doctor consultation via video call.

 

2750 people found this helpful

Suffering From Urinary Tract Infection - Signs That Help Identify It!

Dr. Kalyan Kumar 89% (72 ratings)
MBBS, MS - Urology, DNB
Urologist, Hyderabad
Suffering From Urinary Tract Infection - Signs That Help Identify It!

The urinary tract starts from the kidneys to the urethra where urine is passed out. Given the rich concentration of minerals and toxic wastes, it is highly prone to multiple infections. UTI, as urinary tract infections are often referred to, is one of the most common infections. In women, especially, every 1 in 2 women is affected by a UTI. Whichever part of the track is affected, the symptoms and treatment are mostly the same. Read on to know some of the most common symptoms and treatment options for these.

Symptoms

  1. A burning sensation with urination
  2. Pain with urination
  3. Burning sensation or pain in the urethra or vagina
  4. Frequent urge to urinate, though not much urine is passed out
  5. Sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder
  6. Pain in the lower back on the sides of the spine
  7. Change in the urine characteristics, colour, smell, or appearance
  8. Fever or chills may be associated with shivering, nausea and vomiting

Causes

Most urinary tract infections are bacterial in nature, and these could find their way into the body through multiple ways.

  1. The most common is through the urethra, which could happen due to unclean toilet habits.
  2. Women especially are advised to wipe the urethra after each toilet visit. The bacteria from the faeces can also enter the urethra due to close proximity

Tests

Though most often UTI does not require specific testing, the following are useful in confirming the diagnosis.

  1. Culture and sensitivity: The urine is sent for a culture to identify the exact organism that has caused the infection. It also helps identify the right antibiotic which will help bring the infection under control.

Depending on the clinical situation, further tests might be necessary to look for any predisposing factors.

Treatment:

UTIs are very common infections and though there is nothing to worry, it should be cleared completely.

  1. Antibiotic course to get rid of the infection. Though you begin to feel better, the complete course should be completed to clear the infection.
  2. Following culture, testing to ensure the infection is cleared
  3. Improve water intake to get rid of the toxins
  4. Fever and pain to be controlled with medications
  5. Healthy hygiene habits to ensure clearing of infection

Prevention:

Recurrent UTIs is a common problem, and the following can help prevent.

  1. Ensure complete emptying of the bladder
  2. Drink adequate water
  3. Safe toilet habits, including before and after sex
  4. Comfortable and clean underwear to prevent infection
1894 people found this helpful

Urinary Tract Infection - How To Avoid It?

Dr. Vinod Saralal Javeri 89% (548 ratings)
MBBS, FCPS - General Surgery, MS - General Surgery, Certificate Diploma Course in Jainology, MD ( USA) Urology
Urologist, Mumbai
Urinary Tract Infection - How To Avoid It?

The urinary tract starts from the kidneys to the urethra where urine is passed out. Given the rich concentration of minerals and toxic wastes, it is highly prone to multiple infections. UTI, as urinary tract infections are often referred to, is one of the most common infections. In women, especially, every 1 in 2 women is affected by an UTI. Whichever part of the tract is affected, the symptoms and treatment are mostly the same. Read on to know some of the most common symptoms and treatment options for these.

Symptoms

  1. A burning sensation with urination
  2. Pain with urination
  3. Burning sensation or pain in the urethra or vagina
  4. Frequent urge to urinate, though not much urine is passed out
  5. Sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder
  6. Pain in the lower back on the sides of the spine
  7. Change in the urine characteristics color, smell, or appearance
  8. Fever or chills, maybe associated with shivering, nausea and vomiting

Causes

Most urinary tract infections are bacterial in nature, and these could find their way into the body in multiple ways.

  1. The most common is through the urethra, which could happen due to unclean toilet habits.
  2. Women especially are advised to wipe the urethra after each toilet visit. The bacteria from the faeces can also enter the urethra due to the close proximity
  3. Use of unclean public toilets is another reason for UTIs

Tests

Though most often UTI does not require specific testing, the following are useful in confirming the diagnosis.

  1. Culture and sensitivity: The urine is sent for a culture to identify the exact organism that has caused the infection. It also helps identify the right antibiotic which will help bring the infection under control.

Treatment:

UTIs are very common infections and though there is nothing to worry, it should be cleared completely.

  1. Antibiotic course to get rid of the infection. Though you begin to feel better, the complete course should be completed to clear the infection.
  2. Following culture testing to ensure the infection is cleared
  3. Improve water intake to get rid of the toxins
  4. Fever and pain to be controlled with medications
  5. Healthy hygiene habits to ensure clearing of infection

Prevention:

Recurrent UTIs is a common problem, and the following can help prevent.

  1. Ensure complete emptying of the bladder
  2. Drink adequate water
  3. Safe toilet habits, including before and after sex
  4. Comfortable and clean underwear to prevent infection
1511 people found this helpful

Urinary Tract Infection - How To Prevent It?

Urologist, Hyderabad
Urinary Tract Infection - How To Prevent It?

The urinary tract starts from the kidneys to the urethra where urine is passed out. Given the rich concentration of minerals and toxic wastes, it is highly prone to multiple infections. UTI, as urinary tract infections are often referred to, is one of the most common infections. In women, especially, every 1 in 2 women is affected by an UTI. Whichever part of the tract is affected, the symptoms and treatment are mostly the same. Read on to know some of the most common symptoms and treatment options for these.

Symptoms

  1. A burning sensation with urination
  2. Pain with urination
  3. Burning sensation or pain in the urethra or vagina
  4. Frequent urge to urinate, though not much urine is passed out
  5. Sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder
  6. Pain in the lower back on the sides of the spine
  7. Change in the urine characteristics color, smell, or appearance
  8. Fever or chills, maybe associated with shivering, nausea and vomiting

Causes

Most urinary tract infections are bacterial in nature, and these could find their way into the body through multiple ways.

  1. The most common is through the urethra, which could happen due to unclean toilet habits.
  2. Women especially are advised to wipe the urethra after each toilet visit. The bacteria from the feces can also enter the urethra due to close proximity
  3. Use of unclean public toilets is another reason for UTIs

Tests

Though most often UTI does not require specific testing, the following are useful in confirming the diagnosis.

  1. Culture and sensitivity: The urine is sent for a culture to identify the exact organism that has caused the infection. It also helps identify the right antibiotic which will help bring the infection under control.

Treatment:

UTIs are very common infections and though there is nothing to worry, it should be cleared completely.

  1. Antibiotic course to get rid of the infection. Though you begin to feel better, the complete course should be completed to clear the infection.
  2. Following culture testing to ensure the infection is cleared
  3. Improve water intake to get rid of the toxins
  4. Fever and pain to be controlled with medications
  5. Healthy hygiene habits to ensure clearing of infection

Prevention:

Recurrent UTIs is a common problem, and the following can help prevent.

  1. Ensure complete emptying of the bladder
  2. Drink adequate water
  3. Safe toilet habits, including before and after sex
  4. Comfortable and clean underwear to prevent infection
3392 people found this helpful

These 8 Signs Indicate That You Are Suffering From Urinary Tract Infection!

Dr. Srinivas Rao 88% (14 ratings)
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - Urology
Urologist, Bangalore
These 8 Signs Indicate That You Are Suffering From Urinary Tract Infection!

The urinary tract starts from the kidneys to the urethra where urine is passed out. Given the rich concentration of minerals and toxic wastes, it is highly prone to multiple infections. UTI, as urinary tract infections are often referred to, is one of the most common infections. In women, especially, every 1 in 2 women is affected by an UTI. Whichever part of the tract is affected, the symptoms and treatment are mostly the same. Read on to know some of the most common symptoms and treatment options for these.

Symptoms

  1. A burning sensation with urination
  2. Pain with urination
  3. Burning sensation or pain in the urethra or vagina
  4. Frequent urge to urinate, though not much urine is passed out
  5. Sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder
  6. Pain in the lower back on the sides of the spine
  7. Change in the urine characteristics color, smell, or appearance
  8. Fever or chills, maybe associated with shivering, nausea and vomiting

Causes

Most urinary tract infections are bacterial in nature, and these could find their way into the body through multiple ways.

  1. The most common is through the urethra, which could happen due to unclean toilet habits.
  2. Women especially are advised to wipe the urethra after each toilet visit. The bacteria from the feces can also enter the urethra due to close proximity
  3. Use of unclean public toilets is another reason for UTIs

Tests

Though most often UTI does not require specific testing, the following are useful in confirming the diagnosis.

  1. Culture and sensitivity: The urine is sent for a culture to identify the exact organism that has caused the infection. It also helps identify the right antibiotic which will help bring the infection under control.

Treatment:

UTIs are very common infections and though there is nothing to worry, it should be cleared completely.

  1. Antibiotic course to get rid of the infection. Though you begin to feel better, the complete course should be completed to clear the infection.
  2. Following culture testing to ensure the infection is cleared
  3. Improve water intake to get rid of the toxins
  4. Fever and pain to be controlled with medications
  5. Healthy hygiene habits to ensure clearing of infection

Prevention:

Recurrent UTIs is a common problem, and the following can help prevent.

  1. Ensure complete emptying of the bladder
  2. Drink adequate water
  3. Safe toilet habits, including before and after sex
  4. Comfortable and clean underwear to prevent infection

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

2906 people found this helpful

Urinary Tract Infection - Is There A Way You Can Prevent It From Affecting You?

Dr. Vijay Agrawal 88% (186 ratings)
MCh, MS - Urology
Urologist, Surat
Urinary Tract Infection - Is There A Way You Can Prevent It From Affecting You?

The urinary tract starts from the kidneys to the urethra where urine is passed out. Given the rich concentration of minerals and toxic wastes, it is highly prone to multiple infections. UTI, as urinary tract infections are often referred to, is one of the most common infections. In women, especially, every 1 in 2 women is affected by an UTI. Whichever part of the tract is affected, the symptoms and treatment are mostly the same. Read on to know some of the most common symptoms and treatment options for these.

Symptoms

  1. A burning sensation with urination
  2. Pain with urination
  3. Burning sensation or pain in the urethra or vagina
  4. Frequent urge to urinate, though not much urine is passed out
  5. Sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder
  6. Pain in the lower back on the sides of the spine
  7. Change in the urine characteristics color, smell, or appearance
  8. Fever or chills, maybe associated with shivering, nausea and vomiting

Causes

Most urinary tract infections are bacterial in nature, and these could find their way into the body through multiple ways.

  1. The most common is through the urethra, which could happen due to unclean toilet habits.
  2. Women especially are advised to wipe the urethra after each toilet visit. The bacteria from the feces can also enter the urethra due to close proximity
  3. Use of unclean public toilets is another reason for UTIs

Tests

Though most often UTI does not require specific testing, the following are useful in confirming the diagnosis.

  1. Culture and sensitivity: The urine is sent for a culture to identify the exact organism that has caused the infection. It also helps identify the right antibiotic which will help bring the infection under control.

Treatment:

UTIs are very common infections and though there is nothing to worry, it should be cleared completely.

  1. Antibiotic course to get rid of the infection. Though you begin to feel better, the complete course should be completed to clear the infection.
  2. Following culture testing to ensure the infection is cleared
  3. Improve water intake to get rid of the toxins
  4. Fever and pain to be controlled with medications
  5. Healthy hygiene habits to ensure clearing of infection

Prevention:

Recurrent UTIs is a common problem, and the following can help prevent.

  1. Ensure complete emptying of the bladder
  2. Drink adequate water
  3. Safe toilet habits, including before and after sex
  4. Comfortable and clean underwear to prevent infection

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

1885 people found this helpful

Urinary Tract Infection - How To Avert It?

Dr. Nikhil Sharma 90% (27 ratings)
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, DNB (Urology)
Urologist, Ghaziabad
Urinary Tract Infection - How To Avert It?

The urinary tract starts from the kidneys to the urethra where urine is passed out. Given the rich concentration of minerals and toxic wastes, it is highly prone to multiple infections. UTI, as urinary tract infections are often referred to, is one of the most common infections. In women, especially, every 1 in 2 women is affected by an UTI. Whichever part of the tract is affected, the symptoms and treatment are mostly the same. Read on to know some of the most common symptoms and treatment options for these.

Symptoms

  1. A burning sensation with urination
  2. Pain with urination
  3. Burning sensation or pain in the urethra or vagina
  4. Frequent urge to urinate, though not much urine is passed out
  5. Sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder
  6. Pain in the lower back on the sides of the spine
  7. Change in the urine characteristics colour, smell, or appearance
  8. Fever or chills may be associated with shivering, nausea and vomiting

Causes

Most urinary tract infections are bacterial in nature, and these could find their way into the body in multiple ways.

  1. The most common is through the urethra, which could happen due to unclean toilet habits.
  2. Women especially are advised to wipe the urethra after each toilet visit. The bacteria from the feces can also enter the urethra due to the close proximity
  3. Use of unclean public toilets is another reason for UTIs

Tests

Though most often UTI does not require specific testing, the following are useful in confirming the diagnosis.

  1. Culture and sensitivity: The urine is sent for a culture to identify the exact organism that has caused the infection. It also helps identify the right antibiotic which will help bring the infection under control.

Treatment:

UTIs are very common infections and though there is nothing to worry, it should be cleared completely.

  1. Antibiotic course to get rid of the infection. Though you begin to feel better, the complete course should be completed to clear the infection.
  2. Following culture, testing to ensure the infection is cleared
  3. Improve water intake to get rid of the toxins
  4. Fever and pain to be controlled with medications
  5. Healthy hygiene habits to ensure clearing of infection

Prevention:

Recurrent UTIs is a common problem, and the following can help prevent.

  1. Ensure complete emptying of the bladder
  2. Drink adequate water
  3. Safe toilet habits, including before and after sex
  4. Comfortable and clean underwear to prevent infection
909 people found this helpful