Urinary Tract Infection in Women: Symptoms and Prevention

Have you ever felt pain or a burning sensation during urination? Does your urine appear cloudy, dark, or even have an unusual smell? These might be the signs of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Women commonly experience this urinary system infection. However, it’s not a severe problem and is curable by medical experts.

Ahead, we’ll explore urinary tract infection, including its types, causes, symptoms, prevention, and related tests. Read on to learn more!

What is an Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection, also known as UTI, is a urinary system infection; it can affect the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. However, most infections affect the lower urinary tract, which includes the bladder and urethra.

A study found that UTIs are the second most common infectious disease, impacting over 150 million people worldwide yearly.

UTIs are common, affecting 50%-60% of women during their lifetime. In addition, UTIs show a significant gender difference: premenopausal women are 20–40 times more likely to experience a UTI than men of the same age.

This shows that women are more likely to experience UTIs than men.

Types of Urinary Tract Infections

Since UTI can affect any part of your urinary system, several types are based on each part.

Pyelonephritis

This type attacks the kidneys. Kidney infections can cause shaking and chills, high fever, nausea, pain in the back or side, and even vomiting.

Cystitis

This infection of the urinary bladder causes symptoms such as hurting during urination, frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, lower belly discomfort, and pelvic pressure.

Urethritis

This type of UTI affects the urethra, causing burning during urination and discharge, which are classic symptoms of a UTI.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

The most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bladder infection, with urethra infection being the second most common. The causes of UTIs affecting these two parts can vary.

Infection of the Urethra

This type of UTI occurs when gastrointestinal bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Additionally, sexually transmitted infections (such as herpes, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma) can also cause urethral infections.

Women’s urethras are positioned close to the vagina, which contributes to this risk.

Infection of the Bladder

Most bladder UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a common gut bacteria, due to the close proximity of the urethra to the anus and the urethral opening to the bladder, which facilitates the travel of bacteria to the bladder.

Additionally, sexual activity can contribute to bladder UTIs, but all women are at risk due to their anatomy—even those who aren’t sexually active.

UTI Symptoms

UTI symptoms include:

Common symptoms

• Urgent need to pass urine (strangury).
• Frequent urination (often with small amounts passed).
• Burning or stinging sensation during urination (like peeing broken glass).

Other possible symptoms

• Blood in the urine.
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen (tummy).
• Feeling generally unwell and tired.
• Cloudy, dark, or strange-smelling urine.
• Pain in the penis or rectum (for men).
• Mental confusion (more common in older individuals).
• Bedwetting (in children and older adults).
• Back or lower belly pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever and chills.
• Persistent strong urge to urinate.
• Pelvic pain in women (especially around the pubic bone area).

If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention promptly to get a proper diagnosis and avoid mistaking it for another disease is important.

Urinary Tract Infection Test

If the symptoms persist, you need to go to your doctor immediately to take tests. Your doctor will recommend you take one of these three tests:

Urine Dipstick

This is a fast way of testing, as you get results immediately. Here are the quick steps:

1. Collection: A nurse or lab technician collects your urine sample in a cup.
2. Dipping the Strip: They take a thin plastic strip (often called a urine dipstick) with various chemical pads.
3. Into the Urine: The nurse dips the strip into your urine sample.
4. Colour Changes: The chemicals on the strip react with substances in your urine. If white blood cells (indicating possible infection) or bacteria are present, the colour of specific pads on the strip will change.

Urinalysis

Here are the steps of urinalysis:

1. Collect the Sample: Provide a urine sample (usually midstream).
2. Lab Examination: Lab technicians examine the sample under a microscope, looking for white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), bacteria, and epithelial cells.
3. Comparison with Dipstick Test: Compare results to the initial dipstick test. If the dipstick was negative but symptoms persist, focus on the microscopic findings.
4. Clinical Interpretation: The doctor assesses all information based on abnormal findings and other factors.
5. Treatment Decision: If UTI is confirmed, antibiotics are prescribed.

Urine Culture

Here are the steps of a urine culture test:

1. Indication: If you’ve experienced multiple UTIs or standard treatments aren’t resolving the issue, your doctor may recommend a urine culture.
2. Sample Collection: You provide a fresh urine sample. The lab technician places this sample in a special culture medium.
3. Bacterial Growth: The urine culture allows any bacteria present to grow and multiply., usually 1 to 2 days.
4. Identification: The lab identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection after sufficient growth.
5. Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing: The cultured bacteria are tested against various antibiotics.
6. Results and Treatment Adjustment: The doctor reviews the results and adjusts your treatment plan based on antibiotic sensitivity.

Prevention

If you want to take prevention measures and reduce the risk of developing a UTI, please follow these guides:

• Choose Showers Over Baths: Showers are preferable to baths because baths can introduce skin bacteria into the urethra.
• Cleanse Genital Area Before Sex: Before sexual activity, ensure proper hygiene in the genital area.
• Cranberry Juice or Extracts: While not a cure, cranberry products may help prevent recurring UTIs.
• Diaphragm and Contraception: Consider switching contraception methods if using diaphragms, unlubricated condoms, or spermicidal jelly. These can increase bacterial growth or irritate the urinary tract.
• D-Mannose Supplements: Some studies suggest D-mannose supplements can prevent UTIs from recurring. The commonly recommended dose is 500 milligrams twice a day.
• Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated helps dilute urine, promoting frequent urination and flushing out bacteria.
• Empty Bladder After Sex: Urinate promptly after sexual activity to clear any potential bacteria from the urethra.
• Front-to-Back Wiping: After urinating or a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to prevent spreading anus bacteria to the urethra.
• Gentle Non-Scented Soap: Use a non-scented liquid soap during bathing to avoid irritation.
• Genital Dryness: Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes to keep the genital area dry. Avoid tight jeans and nylon underwear.
• Hand Hygiene: Wash hands before using the toilet or showering.
• Methenamine Hippurate: This prescription drug doesn’t treat UTIs directly but can prevent recurrence by inhibiting bacterial growth.
• Urinate Frequently: Empty your bladder promptly when you feel the urge, ensuring complete voiding.
• Vaginal Estrogen Cream (for Menopausal Women): May increase resistance to infections.
• Water-Based Lubricant During Sex: Use water-based lubricants to reduce friction during intercourse.
• Avoid Irritating Feminine Products: Avoid deodorant sprays, scented douches, and powders in the genital area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

A urinary tract infection affects one part of the urine system. Although it is common among women globally, it is totally preventable and curable.

Are you or your loved ones experiencing the symptoms of UTIs? It’s crucial to reach out to a trusted doctor right away. Well, look no further! Wells Road Medical Centre offers top-notch, personalised care for UTIs and other women’s health issues. Get in touch with us today!