UTI

What is a UTI?

There are several types of UTI that can affect us. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, urethritis is an infection of the urethra, and a kidney infection is, as you might expect, an infection of the kidneys.

Most UTIs occur when our urine becomes contaminated by bacteria that exist outside of the bladder, leading to inflammation and infection.

Depending on the severity or persistence of the infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics to treat it, but some UTIs can clear up on their own too. In any case, it’s important to manage any pain or discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers and drink plenty of water.

If your symptoms haven’t cleared up within a few days, it’s time to seek further treatment by speaking to one of our clinicians. Our clinical team will help you select the right medications for you, and they will check in to make sure that your treatment is working the way it should.

Who gets UTI?

While UTIs can occur in anybody, they are more common in women because women have shorter urethras which are placed quite close to the home of the offending E. coli bacteria: the anus.

Older adults are also more at risk than younger men and children because, generally, the older we get, the more trouble we have emptying our bladders completely. Age-related conditions such as bladder weakness, bladder prolapse, or an enlarged prostate can lead to the build-up of bacteria and cause recurring infections.

How common is UTI?

While the statistics are not so high for men and children, it’s estimated that at least one in five women will suffer from a UTI at some point in their lives. Usually, the problem is treatable and shouldn’t have much impact on your day-to-to activities. But persistent infections should be managed with the help of treatments like antibiotics, so that symptoms don’t get worse and cause more health concerns.

What causes UTI?

Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. 90% of all UTIs are caused by the E. coli bacteria, which lives harmlessly in our gut and intestines. When outside of the body, however, E. coli can be a harmful bacteria, especially when it ends up where it doesn’t belong. As a result, if it meets our urethra or comes into contact with our urine, then it causes problems.

Once urine becomes infected with a bacteria like E. coli, inflammation and infection can start to harm our urethras and bladders.

Sometimes, the infection can travel up to our kidneys and cause greater discomfort and pain. ^[1] Before this has a chance to happen, it’s important to have your infection treated and cleared up.

What are the symptoms of UTI?

Most people experience a fishhook sensation, like a sharp pain when emptying your bladder. This can be incredibly unpleasant and distressing for children and vulnerable adults. There are other tell-tale indicators of urinary tract infection that we should also be aware of.

The most common symptoms of a UTI are listed below. Please be aware that these symptoms differ in children and elderly people. Generally, if you notice any of these symptoms in a person you care for, get in touch with a clinician to arrange a urine test.

If you have not had any previous diagnosis of a UTI and are noticing any of these symptoms for the first time, please consult your clinician:

• pain or a burning sensation when peeing (dysuria)
• needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia)
• urine that looks cloudy
• needing to urinate suddenly or more urgently than usual
• needing to urinate more often than usual
• blood in your urine
• lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
• a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
• a very low temperature below 36°C

Can UTI lead to other problems?

UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics, which, if taken correctly, clear up the infection within a couple of weeks. If you delay treating UTIs, or if you fail to take a full course of antibiotics, you risk the infection worsening. It’s important to take all medication as prescribed and complete any course of treatment so that small infections don’t lead to more serious issues, such as painful kidney infections. The E. coli causing a UTI could travel into the bloodstream resulting in a bloodstream infection. ^[2]

If you’re unsure about any part of the treatment course, our clinician will be on hand to discuss any queries, worries or issues throughout the process. Just sign in to your account and send them a message.