U.T.I (Urinary Tract Infection)

Urinary Tract Infection commonly referred to as U.T.I in the medical field is an infection existing along the urinary system (urethra, urinary bladder, ureter and kidney) or a significant presence of bacteria in urine that is able to result in signs and symptoms pointing to an infection.

U.T.I can be categorized into either uncomplicated (involve the urinary bladder in an individual without underlying metabolic, renal or neurological conditions) or complicated (associated with metabolic disorders that are secondary to functional abnormalities which impair drainage)

U.T.I affects both men and women. However, it is very common in women (approximately 25-40%) than men due to their anatomy {they have shorter urethra - nearness to rectal region - thus making it easy for microorganisms to reach their bladder faster}

U.T.I can be classified into:

1. Upper U.T.I: affecting the Kidney (commonly referred to as pyelonephritis)

2. Lower U.T.I: affecting the urethra (resulting into urethritis) and the urinary bladder (known as cystitis)

U.T.I can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections from:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse with infected individuals.

• Poor personal hygiene.

• Hospital acquired.

• Indwelling urinary catheters.

• Anal sex.

• Underlying medical conditions such as Diabetes, HIV e.t.c

other predisposing or risk factors for developing U.T.I include:

• Kidney transplants.

• Pregnancy.

• Sex: female (sexually active women),

• Routine pelvic examination.

• Use of antibiotics and steroids.

• Use of certain types of birth control (spermicidal agents or diaphragm)

• Menopause (reduced estrogen levels).

• Urinary tract abnormalities (urethral openings) or blockages due to kidney stones

Some of the signs and symptoms that you may feel in case you have U.T.I (though there are cases when the infection exist without any signs/symptoms) include:

• Lower abdominal or flank and back pains.

• Pain on urination (burning or sharp pains).

• Urethral discharge (may have a foul smell, pus like)

• Blood in urine.

• frequent urination.

• Increased urge to urinate with only little amount of urine seen.

• Pelvic pressure.

• Fever.

• Nausea and/or vomiting.

• Feeling like urine is leaking.

• Foul smelling urine.

In case U.T.I is suspected, the following tests can be done:

• Urine analysis and microscopy.

• Urine culture & sensitivity.

• Blood tests like Complete Blood Cell Count.

• Diagnostic Catheterization.

• Random blood sugar.

• Abdominal scans like pelvic ultrasounds.

Depending on your test results, if there is an indication that you actually have a Urinary Tract Infection, then you might be treated with antibiotics and/or antifungals.

Complications associated with U.T.I include:

• Kidney failure.

• Preterm labor in pregnant women.

• urethral stricture (narrowing) - common in men.

• Septicemia.

NB: U.T.I should therefore be treated promptly and appropriately, and in time.

How can U.T.I be prevented?

1. Maintain proper personal hygiene; wipe from front to back after bowel movement (toilet visit), put on clean and appropriate clothing, wash foreskin regularly if you are uncircumcised.

2. Drink plenty of water to help flush out bacteria.

3. Avoid holding back urine for longer time. Urinate when you feel like.

4. Urinate soon after sexual intercourse to wash out bacteria.

5. Change your birth control methods (diaphragm and spermicidal agents).

6. Use enough lubrication during sex.