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Preventing UTI
It is a little-known fact that urinary tract infection (UTI) is the seventh leading cause of death in Singapore1, says Dr Michael Wong, associate editor of the British Journal of Urology. It is also one of the most common infections among women, affecting about 40 per cent of them, although it is known to occur in males too.
Dr Wong, the only urologist from ASEAN elected to the Board of Directors of the prestigious US-based Society of Endourology, the highest peer recognition one can achieve, helps sheds some light on this common infection by answering some frequently asked questions associated with this illness.
What is UTI and what causes it?
Your urinary tract is the system that makes urine and carries it out of your body. This includes your bladder and kidneys, and the tubes that connect them.
When bacteria and germs get into this system through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body, you get an infection. These bacteria and germs usually live in your large intestine and are found in your stool.
Because of the proximity of these body parts, UTIs are very common, especially in women.
How serious is the condition?
Why are women more prone to UTIs?
Women tend to get more bladder infections than men because they have a shorter urethra, making it easier for the germs to move up to the bladder. Having sex can also make it easier for germs to get into the urethra.
You are more likely to get an infection if you do not drink enough water, are postmenopausal, diabetic or pregnant. Furthermore, for women, the chances of UTI also increase if you have kidney stones, concomitant vaginal infection and a new sexual partner.
For reasons that are not well understood, some women can get bladder infections repeatedly when their immunity is down.
What are the symptoms?
You may have an infection if you are experiencing any of these:
- Pain or a burning sensation when you urinate
- Feeling like you have to urinate often, but when you go to the toilet, you don’t pass out much urine
- Tender or heavy belly
- Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
- Pain on one side of your back under your ribs
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
Call your doctor right away if you think you have an infection, especially if you also:
- Have a fever, nausea and vomiting, or pain in one side of your back under your ribs
- Have diabetes, kidney problems, or a weak immune system
- Are older than 65
- Are pregnant
How do I get diagnosed?
What are the treatment options?
Is there anything I can do to prevent it?
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