Urinary Tract Infection

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  1. Describe urinary tract infection causes symptoms and treatment
  2. Discuss treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia
  3. Describe overactive bladder causes symptoms and treatment 
  4. Treatment options and recommendations for different STIs (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis)

Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in the current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.  Each question must be answered individually as in bullet points.

urinary tract infection

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Description: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, specifically the bladder and the urethra.

Causes:

  • Bacterial Infection: The most common cause is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is found in the digestive tract.
  • Sexual Activity: Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
  • Hygiene Practices: Improper wiping or infrequent changing of sanitary products can increase the risk.
  • Urinary Catheters: Prolonged use of catheters can lead to infection.
  • Blockages: Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can block the urinary tract and lead to infection.

Symptoms:

  • Frequent Urge to Urinate: A persistent and strong urge to urinate.
  • Burning Sensation: Pain or burning sensation while urinating.
  • Cloudy Urine: Urine may appear cloudy or have a strong odor.
  • Pelvic Pain: Especially in women, pain or pressure in the pelvic area.
  • Hematuria: Presence of blood in the urine.

Treatment:

  • Antibiotics: The primary treatment for UTIs. The specific type and duration depend on the type of bacteria and the severity of the infection.
  • Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush out the bacteria.
  • Cranberry Juice: While not a treatment, cranberry juice may help prevent UTIs in some people.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Description: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland is enlarged and not cancerous. It can cause urinary problems due to the pressure it exerts on the urethra.

Treatment:

  • Medications: Alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) shrink the prostate.
  • Minimally Invasive Therapies: Procedures like transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) or transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) use heat to reduce prostate size.
  • Surgical Options: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a common surgical procedure to remove parts of the prostate.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Reducing fluid intake at certain times and avoiding alcohol and caffeine can help manage symptoms.

Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Description: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate, often resulting in frequent urination and nocturia (nighttime urination).

Causes:

  • Neurological Disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis can affect bladder control.
  • Urinary Tract Infections: Can temporarily cause symptoms of OAB.
  • Medications: Diuretics can increase urine production.
  • Age-related Changes: Aging muscles in the bladder can contribute to OAB.

Symptoms:

  • Urgency: A sudden and strong need to urinate.
  • Frequency: Urinating more than eight times in 24 hours.
  • Nocturia: Waking up more than once at night to urinate.
  • Incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine.

Treatment:

  • Behavioral Interventions: Bladder training and scheduled voiding.
  • Medications: Anticholinergics (e.g., oxybutynin) and beta-3 adrenergic agonists (e.g., mirabegron) can relax the bladder muscle.
  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic muscles can help improve bladder control.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions like sacral nerve stimulation may be considered.

Treatment Options and Recommendations for STIs

Chlamydia:

  • Antibiotics: Azithromycin (single dose) or doxycycline (twice daily for 7 days) are the first-line treatments.
  • Partner Treatment: Sexual partners should be treated to prevent reinfection.
  • Abstinence: Avoid sexual activity until the infection is fully cleared.

Gonorrhea:

  • Dual Therapy: A combination of ceftriaxone (intramuscular injection) and azithromycin (oral) is recommended due to rising antibiotic resistance.
  • Partner Treatment: Similar to chlamydia, partners must be treated.
  • Test of Cure: Follow-up testing to ensure the infection is eradicated.

Syphilis:

  • Antibiotics: Penicillin G, administered intramuscularly, is the treatment of choice.
  • Stages of Treatment: Treatment depends on the stage of infection, with longer courses for late-stage syphilis.
  • Follow-up: Regular follow-up blood tests to ensure the infection is fully treated.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Urinary tract infection (UTI). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2022). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia

American Urological Association. (2023). Overactive bladder (OAB). Retrieved from https://www.auanet.org/education/auauniversity/for-patients/overactive-bladder

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