G-spot: Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are surprisingly common, especially within college students, and whether or not you have had one, it is important to know the signs, causes, and cures when contracting an infection. UTIs are fairly common, but if left untreated, can cause a kidney infection.

So, what is a UTI? Planned Parenthood defines it as “an infection in your urinary system, including the bladder, the organ that collects and stores urine, and the urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder out of your body.” There are actually two kinds of UTIs: cystitis and urethritis. Cystitis specifically is an infection located in the bladder, while with urethritis the infection is located in the urethra. 

As previously stated, it is pretty easy to get a UTI. According to Planned Parenthood, “Bacteria that live in the vagina, genital, and anal areas may enter the urethra, travel to the bladder, and cause an infection. This can happen during sexual activity when bacteria from your partner’s genitals, anus, fingers, or sex toys gets pushed into your urethra. UTIs can also be caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other organisms.”

Though a UTI does not spread from person to person like with an STI, having sex can worsen an UTI. However, it is important to know that one does not need to have sex to contract a UTI—anything that brings bacteria in contact with one’s urethra can cause an infection. You are at an increased risk of contracting a UTI if you have had one before, if you have diabetes, are obese, use spermicides or a diaphragm, or have kidney stones or other obstructions in your urinary tract.

To stay on top of whether or not you have a UTI, it is important to know the symptoms and signs to look for if you get an infection. The most common symptom of a UTI is the frequent and urgent need to pee; however, any of the following symptoms can also be a sign of infection: pain or burning when you pee, bad-smelling or cloudy urine, blood or pus in your urine, soreness, pressure, or cramps in your lower belly, back, or sides. If the infection goes to your kidneys, your UTI symptoms may also include pain in your mid-back (to the right or left of the spine), fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, feeling tired. If you have any of these symptoms, go to the doctor or Health Center here at Geneseo. Kidney infections are incredibly serious and need to be treated right away.  

Now that you know the causes and signs of a UTI, is it also important to know how to prevent them. Measures to take in preventing a UTI include drinking a lot of fluids (including water), peeing when you need to (don’t hold it in!), peeing before and after sex, washing the skin around your anus and genitals with warm water and gentle soap, and using barriers like condoms and dental dams during sex, especially during sexual contact with your anus.

Regardless of whether or not you are sexually active, being aware of the signs and prevention methods of UTIs is crucial to both your personal and sexual health. If you think you might have a UTI, contact a health professional as soon as possible.