A UTI is an infection of your urinary tract – this can involve anywhere from your kidneys, ureters (tubes connecting your kidneys and bladder), bladder, and urethra (pipe connecting your bladder to the outside). Most commonly, UTI involves the bladder.
Adult women have UTIs more often than men as their urethra is shorter and nearer to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to enter.
You will be asked to produce a urine sample – clean your vaginal lips before passing urine and catch the middle portion of your urine stream. A microscopic analysis is first done to check for the presence of white blood cells in your urine sample, which indicates the possibility of a UTI. A urine culture is then performed over a few days to determine the bacteria in your urine (if any) and the appropriate antibiotics that kill the bacteria.
If you have recurrent UTIs (≥2 UTIs in the last 6 months or ≥3 UTIs in the last 12 months which are culture confirmed), you will need to undergo further tests which may include:
Your doctor will prescribe a course of oral antibiotics, which you will need to complete. Sachets that alkalinize your urine e.g. citravescent can help. Drink lots of water to dilute your urine. Occasionally, if there are no suitable oral antibiotic options for your UTI, or if your UTI is severe/complicated, you may need to be hospitalised for intravenous antibiotics.
If the issue is chronic retention of urine, urine catheters (tube to drain urine) may necessary in the short or long-term. Menopausal changes (vaginal atrophy) can be treated with topical vaginal estrogen (creams and tablets).
