INFECTIONS
UTI
What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is commonly known as a bladder infection. If treated promptly, most UTIs are not serious. It is important to treat UTIs early so that they do not spread to your kidneys. An infection in your kidneys is more serious and can make you very sick.
What Causes a UTI?
UTIs are the result of bacteria that enters the bladder through the urethra (the opening that urine leaves the body from). These bacteria usually come from your large intestine and are found in your stool. When these germs get too close to your urethra, they can travel upwards and settle in your bladder.
UTIs are more common in women because their urethras are very short compared to men - the germs can easily travel a short distance into their bladders. There is also a very short distance between the anus and the urethra in women which makes it even easier for the germs to gain entry. Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urethra.
People who have diabetes or who are pregnant are more likely to get UTIs. Any problem that blocks the flow of urine from your bladder can also make you more likely to get a UTI – like if you have an enlarged prostate or kidney stones.
Symptoms of UTI
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Pain or burning when you urinate
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Lower abdominal pain
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Blood in your urine
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Cloudy or smelly urine
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Feeling like you have to urinate often, but only letting out small amounts
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Pain on one side of your back, just under your ribs
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Fever or chills
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Nausea and vomiting
Diagnosis & Treatment of UTI
UTIs are diagnosed by a urine test. You will be asked to provide a sample of urine and we usually test it in two steps.
Step 1: Urine dip – this tells us if your urine has the characteristics of a UTI. We consider your urine dip and your symptoms in deciding if you have a UTI or not. Many patients will receive treatment at this stage.
Step 2: Laboratory evaluation – we usually send you urine sample to the lab where it is sent to incubate for a few days. This helps us to determine what kind of bacteria is in your urine so we can make good antibiotic choices. If no bacteria grows during step 2, it means your symptoms were not because of a UTI.
Antibiotics can be prescribed by doctors, nurse practitioners or pharmacists. Seeing your pharmacist for UTI symptoms is a good way to get prompt treatment. You should drink plenty of water while you are treating your UTI.
Preventing UTIs
UTIs are very uncomfortable and unpleasant. Most UTIs are avoidable. Here are some tips to prevent UTIs:
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Drink plenty of water every day
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Take cranberry supplements twice a day, or drink cranberry juice twice a day
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If you are a sexually active woman, urinate after sexual activity. This helps to wash out any bacteria that might have been disturbed during sex.
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Do not wear thong underwear. Thong underwear create a little tightrope for bacteria to march on directly from your bum to your urethra.
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Take the time to empty your bladder as much as you can when you urinate.
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Post-menopausal women may benefit from vaginal estrogen to prevent UTIs.