Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys.

Overview

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What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, and they can be classified based on the area of infection:

  • Bladder infection (Cystitis): The most common type, usually causing discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen.
  • Urethral infection (Urethritis): Causes burning sensation while urinating.
  • Kidney infection (Pyelonephritis): More serious, involving fever, back pain, and nausea.

Risk factors of a UTI

  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop UTIs due to the shorter length of the urethra.
  • Sexual activity: Increases the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract.
  • Certain types of birth control: Using diaphragms or spermicidal agents.
  • Menopause: Reduced oestrogen levels lead to changes in the urinary tract, making infections more likely.
  • Urinary catheter use: Prolonged use of a catheter increases infection risk.
  • Urinary tract abnormalities or blockages: Such as kidney stones or enlarged prostate.

Symptoms of a UTI

  • Frequent, urgent need to urinate, often passing small amounts.
  • Burning or pain during urination.
  • Cloudy, strong-smelling, or bloody urine.
  • Pelvic pain in women.
  • In more severe cases (e.g., kidney infection), fever, chills, nausea, and pain in the upper back or sides may occur.

How are UTIs diagnosed?

Urinalysis: A sample of urine is analysed for bacteria, white blood cells, or other signs of infection.

Urine culture: May be done to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and to determine which antibiotics will be effective.

Imaging: In complicated cases, imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans may be used to check for structural abnormalities or kidney involvement.

Treatment of UTIs

  • Antibiotics: The primary treatment for bacterial UTIs. The type of antibiotic and duration of treatment depends on the severity of the infection.
  • Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort.
  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
  • Follow-up: If symptoms persist or worsen, follow-up tests may be necessary.

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Overview

Causes

Gender, sexual activity, birth control, menopaus...

Symptoms

pelvic pain, burning and pain urinating, fever, ...

Diagnosis

Imaging, urinalysis, urine culture

Treatment

pain relief, hydration, antibiotics

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Specialists

Earliest availability 26 Dec
Bookings are avaliable

Mr Anthony Noah

Consultant Urological Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Urology, Functional Urology, Reconstructive Urology, Bladder Dysfunction, Adolescent and Adult Congenital Urology, Urinary Incontinence and Differences of Sexual Differentiation.

Earliest availability 30 Dec
Bookings are avaliable

Mr Sonpreet Rai

Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Men's Health, Urology, Prostate Cancer Diagnostics, Kidney Stones, BPH Treatment and Surgery, Urinary Infection.

Earliest availability 07 Jan
Bookings are avaliable

Mr Muddassar Hussain

Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Urology, Enlarged Prostate, Urinary Tract Infection, Urological Cancer, Overactive Bladder, Men's Sexual Health, Prostate Cancer Diagnostics, Penile and Scrotal Conditions, Kidney Stones.

Earliest availability 24 Jan
Bookings are avaliable

Mr Tamer El-Husseiny

Consultant Urological Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Men's Health, Urology, Kidney Stones, Upper Tract Urothelial Cancers, Endourology, Benign Prostate Disorders, Urinary Tract Infection, Uretetic Strictures, Haematuria (blood in urine).

Earliest availability 24 Jan
Bookings are avaliable

Mr Ammar Alanbuki

Consultant Urological Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Andrology, Urology, Kidney Disease, Prostate, Urological Cancer, Erectile Dysfunction, Kidney Stones.

Professor Richard Hindley

Consultant Urologist

Specialist expertise: Men's Health, Urology, Prostate, Urological Cancer, Prostate Cancer Diagnostics, Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer, Minimally Invasive Treatments for Men with Symptomatic BPH, Urinary Tract Infections (UTI).

Dr Giada Frontino

Consultant Gynaecologist

Specialist expertise: Gynaecology, Irregular Periods, Absent Periods, Abnormal Bleeding, Recurrent BV Bacterial Vaginosis, Recurrent UTIs Urinary Tract Infections, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Menopause, Perimenopause.

Mr Gidon Ellis

Consultant Urological Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Kidney Stones, Urinary Symptoms, Early Diagnosis of Bladder and Prostate Cancer, Upper Tract Urothelial Cancers (UTUC), Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), Ureteroscopy, HoLEP, Endourology, Men's Health, Urology.

Dr Alex Digesu

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Specialist expertise: Gynaecology, Reconstructive Pelvic Floor Surgery, Chronic Pelvic Pain, Urogynecology, Obstetrics, Urinary Incontinence, Urinary Tract Infection, Cystitis, Uterovaginal Prolapse, Voiding Difficulties.

Miss Kiki Mistry

Consultant Urological Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Urology, Functional Urology, Urinary Incontinence, Urinary Tract Infection, Emphasis on Women's Healthcare, Urogynaecology, Female Urology.

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