Clinical Manifestations of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Understanding the symptoms of a UTI can help with early diagnosis and treatment. The common clinical manifestations include:
- Burning Sensation During Urination: Over 85% of UTI patients report this symptom [1].
- Frequent Urination: Passing small amounts of urine frequently.
- Cloudy or Malodorous Urine: Affects up to 70% of UTI patients [2].
- Back Pain: Especially in the lower back.
- Fever and Chills: Indicative of a more severe infection.
- Bloody urine
Why do I keep having recurrent UTIs?
Recurrent UTIs can be a distressing issue and are frequently due to a combination of factors:
Sexual Activity
A major risk factor, with 60% of women experiencing a UTI within 24 hours of intercourse [3].
Contraceptive Methods
Use of diaphragms or spermicidal agents increases UTI risk by 2.5-fold [4].
Hormonal Changes
Low levels of oestrogen in post-menopausal women result in changes in the urinary tract, increasing susceptibility to UTIs.
Physical Abnormalities
Such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate in men contribute to UTIs by preventing the complete emptying of the bladder.
Immune Deficiency
A weakened immune system (diabetes, medications, etc.) makes fighting off bacterial infections more difficult.
Cystitis
One in five people with recurrent infections develops cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder frequently due to a UTI [5]. It is more prevalent in pregnant, sexually active, and post-menopausal women. In men, an enlarged prostate is the most common cause.
What can i do to stop having urinary tract infections?
Prevention is often the best treatment, especially for those prone to recurrent UTIs. Here are some methods to reduce the risk:
Fluid Intake
Increase water consumption to flush out bacteria, a recommendation supported by 80% of urologists [6].
Hygiene
Avoid deodorants and powders near the vaginal area.
Contraception
Steer clear of contraceptives that use spermicides.
Post-Sexual Activity
Emptying the bladder post-intercourse can significantly reduce UTI risk.
Diet and Supplements
While evidence is mixed, some believe that cranberry juice can help. D-mannose and probiotics have shown promise in reducing UTI risk [7].
Hiprex is a new approach and has shown promise.
Medical Treatment
Long-term antibiotics may be considered in cases of chronic, recurrent UTIs. But nowadays, urologists and surgeons try to veer away.
Hiprex and D-Mannose have gained popularity. Their use either as stand alones or in combination have been responsible for a paragdim shift. Some people respond more to one than an other. It is difficult to predict who. Howveer given the low side effect profile these are safe options to explore.
Hyaluronic bladder installations are also recommended.
Oestrogen pessary or creams are often prescribed in post menopausal women.
Reflection from a consultant urologist
Recurrent UTIs are a challenging medical issue requiring a multifaceted approach to management and prevention. Understanding the underlying factors can significantly aid in targeted treatment and preventive measures. Hiprex and D -Mannose can make the difference not in your quality of life but as well in avoiding the regular use of antibiotics.
References
[1] Foxman, B. (2002). Epidemiology of urinary tract infections: incidence, morbidity, and economic costs. Disease-a-Month, 48(2), 53-70.
[2] Stamm, W. E., & Norrby, S. R. (2001). Urinary tract infections: disease panorama and challenges. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 183(Supplement_1), S1-S4.
[3] Czaja, C. A., et al. (2009). Prospective Cohort Study of Microbial and Inflammatory Events Immediately Preceding Escherichia Coli Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Women. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 200(4), 528–536.
[4] Hooton, T. M., et al. (1996). A prospective study of risk factors for symptomatic urinary tract infection in young women. New England Journal of Medicine, 335, 468-474.
[5] Griebling, T. L. (2005). Urologic diseases in America project: trends in resource use for urinary tract infections in women. Journal of Urology, 173, 1281-1287.
[6] Beetz, R. (2003). Mild dehydration: a risk factor of urinary tract infection? European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 57(S2), S52-S58.
[7] Domenici, L., et al. (2016). D-mannose: a promising support for acute urinary tract infections in women. A pilot study. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 20, 2920-2925.
