How can UTI transmission be reduced or prevented?
Urinary tract infections can be reduced or prevented using the following techniques;
Drinking plenty of liquids, especially water. Increased body fluids dilute urine and ensure increased urination episodes. Frequent urination flushes out bacteria from the urinary tract before they can cause an infection (Flores-Mireles et al., 2019). Women are advised that following urination, they should wipe themselves from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading and infecting the vagina and urethra. Washing up using soap and water before sex and urinating after the act keeps bacteria from the urethra.
Urinating following sexual intercourse pushes bacteria out, preventing infection. Deodorant, scented powders, and other feminine products that may lead to irritation should be avoided (Laan & Geerlings, 2019). Birth control measures such as using spermicide-lubricated condoms contribute to bacterial growth along the urethra; hence it’s encouraged to switch to a water-based lubricant that promotes virginal dryness.
How do diseases of the urinary system affect other body systems?
Other body systems are affected following urinary system diseases. Since the kidneys are responsible for removing toxic wastes from the body, waste products and fluid can build up in the body, causing weakness, poor sleep, and nausea (Abu Naser & Shaath, 2016). The inability to filter blood causes increased blood pressure, red blood cell production, and vitamin D metabolism required for bone health is negatively affected.
References
Abu Naser, S., & Shaath, M. (2016). Expert system urination problems diagnosis. World Wide Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 2(5), 9–19.
Flores-Mireles, A., Hreha, T. N., & Hunstad, D. A. (2019). Pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infection. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 25(3), 228–240. https://doi.org/10.1310/sci2503-228
Laan, B. J., & Geerlings, S. E. (2019). Non-antibiotic prevention strategies against catheter-associated urinary tract infections. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 19(6), 562–564. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(18)30758-8