ADDRESSING URINARY TRACT INFECTION - PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Early detection and proper hygiene are crucial in preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), one of the most common infections worldwide.

Research shows that around one in two women and one in 20 men will experience UTI at some point in their lives as UTIs affects millions annually, particularly women and could lead to serious complication if left untreated.

Consultant urogynaecologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, Dr Tan Gaik Imm in a statement today explained that UTIs can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

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Sharing her expertise on UTIs, she said the bladder is the most commonly affected organ, leading to cystitis, the most frequent type of UTI, especially among women.

"Common symptoms of a UTI include a burning sensation during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine and blood in the urine," she said, adding that in more severe cases, pain in the lower back or abdomen, fever, chills and loss of appetite may occur, signaling the infection's progression.

Dr Tan explains that women are more susceptible to UTIs due to their anatomy, including a shorter urethra and a closer distance between the urethra and anus, which facilitates the movement of bacteria into the bladder.

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Suboptimal hygiene, such as wiping from back to front after using the toilet, could inadvertently introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, increasing infection risk, while certain contraceptive methods, such as spermicide-coated condoms, and conditions such as diabetes further elevate the UTI risk by weakening the body's ability to fight infections. 

"Postmenopausal women are particularly vulnerable because the natural dryness that occurs in the vaginal and urinary tracts can upset the delicate balance of protective bacteria," she added.

For individials prone to recurrent UITs, Dr Tan recommends urinating before and after sexual activity to help flush out bacteria. Managing vaginal infections alongside UTIs is crucial as frequent vaginal infections can increase the likelihood of UTIs.

Dr Tan highlighted that prevention of UTIs often begins with everyday habits, thus advises opting for showers over long baths, as soaking could disrupt the natural bacterial balance.

She also recommends staying hydrated by drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily as it helps to flush bacteria from the urinary system, while regularly changing pads during menstruation reduces bacterial buildup.

Mantaining good hygiene is vital, including practising proper handwashing and wearing breathable underwear such as cotton to help maintain better hygiene.

"For women who often experience UTIs but enjoy swimming, try to change out of wet bathing suits soon after swimming, as the humidity and moisture favours breeding of bacteria, increasing chances of UTI. If this does not resolve the issue, try changing swimming venues or avoid using the pool for a few weeks, even if it is chlorinated, to determine if the symptoms improve," she said.

While cranberry supplements are often touted as natural remedy, Dr Tan cautions that the juices in the market may lack sufficient cranberry content and could be loaded with sugar, which could be harmful to individuals with diabetes.

She further explains that a common misconception about UTIs is that half-squatting at the toilet can help prevent them, emphasising that it is essential to sit properly or fully squat on a squat toilet to relax the pelvic floor and ensure complete bladder emptying.

Dr Tan added that early detection is crucial for UTIs. A urine test is the primary diagnostic tool, and if the results are unclear, a urine culture may be conducted to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.

She emphasised that while patients may try home remedies like drinking water or using over-the-counter treatments, these may not solve the problem, thus stresses the important of seeking medical help if symptoms persist for more than three days, as untreated infections could spread and cause serious complications.

-- BERNAMA