Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Malaysia
When you have got to go, you have got to go. But if you are going too frequent, with pain and very little urine, we could be looking at something different – a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).
If you have experienced a UTI, as it is commonly referred to, you would know that it is not only painful but also a great inconvenience. The constant trips to the bathroom can interrupt your daily activities or even your sleep.
What Is UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to an infection in any part of the urinary system, which is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. In most cases of UTI, the infection occurs in the lower urinary tract where the bladder and urethra are located.
UTI can occur in both men and women, although women are 14 times more likely to contract a UTI due to their shorter urethra. At about 2-4cm, bacteria travels a shorter distance to reach and infect the bladder.
What Are The Symptoms Of UTI?
A UTI is often characterised by frequent trips to the bathroom and a burning sensation every time you urinate. Besides these signs, you may also experience
- Reddish, pinkish, cloudy white, or other odd-coloured urine
- Pain or tenderness in the area below your stomach, or in your middle back towards the sides
- Bedwetting incidences
- Feverish, chills and shivering
- Nausea
What Are The Causes Of UTI?
The most common causes for UTI are:
- Hygiene
- Holding onto urine too long (more than 4 hours)
- Not voiding fast enough
- Not drinking enough water/fluids.
- Sexually transmitted infections such as herpes, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia
Other factors that increase your likelihood of contracting UTI include previous infections, pregnancy, changes in the vaginal flora (which could be due to medication, menopausal, or the use of spermicides, or other chemicals over the genitals) and structural issues with the urinary tract like an enlarged prostate or a prolapsed uterus.
More general factors include age and poor hygiene.
What Are The Complications Of UTI?
While UTI alone can be easily treated, a bigger concern is when the infection is associated with other untreated infections that could have spread from the bladder to neighbouring organs. There is also a tiny possibility of the infection entering the bloodstream and infecting organs further away from the primary site of infection.
Although less common, when UTI occurs in men, it tends to be more complex as the infection could be related to more complicated conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones, diabetes, incontinence and more.
How Do We Treat UTI?
The first step to recovering from a UTI is to seek treatment for it.
Depending on the severity of the infection, our Speedoc doctors may prescribe a round of specific antibiotics. Antibiotics are often prescribed in the first line of treatment but they can cause side effects like rashes, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea or yeast infection. There will be a urine test taken to determine the exact bacteria that is infecting the urine, and so guide the type of antibiotics prescribed.
If antibiotics alone are good to do the job, then you are good to go. If the infection can be linked or traced to sexually transmittable diseases, more tests will be ordered to determine the real cause of the illness to find the best treatment for it and to reduce the symptoms felt.
How Can You Prevent UTI?
Of course, prevention is better than cure. Here are some tips to help you avoid a UTI:
- Stay hydrated.
Staying hydrated may increase your frequency to the bathroom, but it will help to dilute your urine and flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. - Practice good hygiene.
After peeing, wipe from the front to the back. This prevents contaminants from spreading to the urethra and vagina. In addition, avoid feminine products that contain high levels of fragrance, scents, and aroma compounds that can irritate the sensitive genital area and urethra. For men, regularly wash genitals with soap and water. - Avoid overly tight undergarments.
Sweat and other body waste can tract up through these tight undergarments and contaminate the bladder through the urethral opening. - Empty your bladder.
Especially after intercourse. This would help flush out bacteria before your skin and body can react to it. - Opt for water-based lubricants.
Diaphragms, lubricants or spermicide-treated condoms can contribute to bacterial growth so, if you experience frequent infections, maybe it is time to rethink your birth control method. - Consume cranberry juice.
Although not a conclusive solution for UTI, cranberry juice contains a substance known as proanthocyanidins that prevents bacteria from attaching to the bladder walls, thus preventing infection.
Why Use Speedoc?
All our doctors are licensed with the Malaysian Medical Council, subjected to extensive background checks.
Consultation is carried out remotely so you get to be in the comfort of your home. Everything you share with us will be kept 100% confidential.
Medications will be delivered (charges apply) in an opaque, unbranded packaging.
Book An Appointment With Speedoc
Our experienced doctors can provide you with the answers you are looking for and arrange for medication to be delivered right to your doorstep. Give us a call at +60 11 4166 1178, email us at contact.my@speedoc.com to get connected to a doctor online immediately!
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