Health Screening as Self-Care: A Guide to Better Living
Our health screening clinic specialises in comprehensive health screening packages, including full body health screenings in Singapore, tailored for your well-being.
October 25, 2024
If you're feeling discomfort or pain in your urinary tract and aren't sure what to do, this guide is here to help.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are prevalent in Singapore and can affect anyone. We all could use help in identifying the symptoms and causes, and figuring out what to do next.
A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can happen anywhere in the urinary system,including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It affects both men and women but is more frequently encountered by women due to anatomical differences.
Depending on the area of the infection, UTIs are categorised into upper tract infections (involving the kidneys and ureters) or lower tract infections (affecting the bladder and urethra).
Upper tract infections in the urinary system primarily affect the kidneys
These upper tract infections are often more severe than lower tract infections and may require more aggressive treatment such as intravenous antibiotics and may result in , complications like kidney abscess or sepsis
Lower tract infections in the urinary system primarily involve the bladder and urethra. These include cystitis, an inflammation and infection of the bladder lining and urethritis, which can also be classified as a lower tract infection, if the part of the urethra that is infected is in the lower tract.
Lower tract infections are generally less severe than upper tract infections but still require prompt antibiotic treatment to prevent complications and promote recovery.
Here’s a detailed look at the symptoms you might experience if you have a UTI.
One of the most common and uncomfortable symptoms of a UTI is a burning sensation during urination. This pain or discomfort is usually caused by inflammation of the urethra or bladder lining due to the infection. The sensation can range from mild discomfort to severe burning, and it often worsens as the infection progresses.
Another hallmark symptom of a UTI is a frequent urge to urinate. You may find yourself needing to go to the bathroom more often than usual, even if you don’t consume more fluids. This symptom is typically accompanied by a sensation that your bladder is full, even if little or no urine comes out. The constant feeling of needing to urinate can significantly disrupt daily activities and sleep.
Alongside frequent urination, you may also experience a sudden, intense urge to use the bathroom. This urgency can make it difficult to hold in urine and might lead to accidental leakage, especially if a restroom isn’t immediately available. The feeling of urgency is often linked to bladder spasms caused by the infection, which can be both physically and emotionally distressing.
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is another symptom that may be seen in a UTI. The presence of blood can make your urine appear pink, red, or cola-coloured. This symptom occurs when the infection causes significant irritation to the urinary tract lining or if there are other causes of UTI like kidney stones. Blood in the urine can also be a sign of other serious conditions, so it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you notice this symptom.
Women are more susceptible to UTIs because of their shorter urethra, which enables bacteria easier access to the bladder. Common causes include:
If you suspect you have a UTI, here's what you should do:
In cases of severe UTIs, especially those involving fever or kidney infection, hospitalisation and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary for effective treatment. We encourage you to take advantage of our comprehensive women health screening services to stay proactive about your health.
Some mild urinary tract infections (UTIs) can heal on their own without antibiotics. However, it is generally recommended to seek medical treatment to avoid complications and ensure a full recovery. Without treatment, a UTI can spread to the kidneys and cause more serious health issues. Our clinic supports your health journey by providing confidential sexual health screening in Singapore.
Signs that your UTI is going away include:
To prevent a UTI after sex, you can:
If you feel a UTI coming, you can try the following measures to prevent it:
Cranberry juice has been suggested to help prevent UTIs due to its potential to prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls. However, the evidence is mixed, and it is not considered a substitute for medical treatment. If you choose to drink cranberry juice, opt for unsweetened varieties and have it in moderation.
A UTI is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from one person to another through casual contact. However, sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, leading to a UTI. Whether you are experiencing symptoms or just want peace of mind, consider our sexual health screening in Singapore for comprehensive testing.
While it is unlikely to completely cure a UTI in 24 hours, you can take steps to alleviate symptoms and start the healing process quickly. Drinking plenty of water, taking over-the-counter pain relief, and seeing a doctor for appropriate antibiotics can help. Most people start to feel better within a few days of starting antibiotic treatment, but it is important to complete the full course of medication to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.
UTIs are painful but can be managed effectively. By implementing these strategies and seeking timely medical advice, you can ease the pain and prevent UTIs for a healthier life. Our clinic provides a comfortable and private environment for all women health screening, ensuring that your health is always prioritised
Consider visiting Lifestyle Medical Clinic for comprehensive care and management of UTIs. We also offer sexual health screening and provide tailored treatments and preventive strategies to manage and reduce the recurrence of UTIs.
Our health screening clinic specialises in comprehensive health screening packages, including full body health screenings in Singapore, tailored for your well-being.
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