Women are more likely to experience urinary tract infections due to the anatomical shape of their tract. Does this increase the risk of kidney disease? Let's discuss this further, including the various symptoms that may be present.
Women and men have different urinary tract structures. The final section of the urinary tract, the urethra, tends to be shorter in women and is more susceptible to infection. If a urinary tract infection persists for a long time or is not properly treated, the infection can spread to the upper urinary tract, reaching the kidneys and affecting kidney function.
This condition does not rule out complications such as kidney failure. However, it is one factor among many that can increase the risk of kidney disease, which can affect both men and women.
Are women at greater risk of kidney disease?
Kidney disease can be caused by many things, including genetic factors, inflammation, infection, blockages, urinary tract stones, tumors, and other factors. Although women are at higher risk of urinary tract infections, men may have other risk factors that can contribute to kidney disease. Examples of risk factors that are higher or more common in men are hypertension and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
High blood pressure and uncontrolled blood sugar levels can put a strain on the kidneys and, in the long term, can lead to kidney disease, including kidney failure. In other words, women and men have the same risk of developing kidney disease, but the risk is greatly influenced by various other risk factors that can trigger it.
Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle by consuming a balanced diet, meeting daily fluid requirements, and exercising regularly.
Symptoms of kidney disease in women
The location of the kidneys is similar in men and women, so when experiencing kidney disease, the symptoms usually tend to be similar. A common symptom of kidney disease is lower back pain or flank pain. The pain can be felt suddenly in acute cases, but can also gradually worsen in chronic cases.
Furthermore, it can be accompanied by changes in urine, such as decreased urine volume, changes in color and odor, and increased urination frequency. This is greatly influenced by the underlying cause of the kidney disease. Impaired kidney function is often accompanied by swelling in the extremities, such as the feet and hands. Fatigue is also often present. In chronic cases, where toxins in the body cannot be properly removed by the kidneys, it is not uncommon to experience itching all over the body. This is usually not accompanied by a rash on the skin surface.
Itching is felt throughout the body. Other symptoms often found in kidney disease include decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, and muscle cramps. Although not typical, a comprehensive evaluation can be performed to determine whether the symptoms are caused by kidney problems. Typical symptoms in women are usually closely related to the underlying cause. For example, in cases of urinary tract infections, a burning sensation during urination, cloudy urine, increased frequency, and a feeling of incomplete urination are common.
If the cause is another infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which triggers kidney problems, it is usually accompanied by pain in that area. Furthermore, it often affects women's menstrual cycles. If you experience any of the typical symptoms mentioned above, especially if you have certain risk factors that could trigger kidney disease, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor for further evaluation, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Written by Dr. Valda Garcia. Reviewed by Dr. Ernest Eugene
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