Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment in Gurgaon, India
What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections in any part of the urinary system. Our urinary system consists of kidneys, ureters, bladders, and urethra that filter and expel toxic waste from the body. The urine moves through the urinary system without contamination to release the toxic waste. However, if any bacteria enters the urinary system, the individual is at risk of getting a UTI.
Urinary tract infection is more common in women than men. According to the data, approximately 50% of women are likely to have UTIs at least once in their life with many having chances of repetitive infections. Men and children can also have UTIs, however, the chances are rare. If your UTI symptoms are persistent or recurring, it is advisable to seek medical assistance. Artemis Hospitals has a team of the best urologists, and gynecologists, experts who can help you prepare a treatment plan. Call us to book an appointment today!
What Are The Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections?
UTI symptoms occur due to inflammation of your urinary tract lining. Symptoms like high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, etc. can also indicate infection in the urinary system, however, apparent symptoms due to Inflammation can lead to -
- Burning sensation while peeing
- Strong and persistent urge to urinate
- Passing frequent and small amounts of urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may appear pink, red, or cola-colored.
What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?
Most UTIs are caused by the bacteria that enter the bladder through the urethra. A bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli) is considered to be the cause of more than 90% of UTIs that exist in the lower intestine. Subsequently, certain risk factors can increase the chances of getting urinary tract infections are as follows -
- Sexual activity, especially with new or multiple partners
- Gender (if you are a female)
- Certain types of birth control such as diaphragms
- Poor personal hygiene
- Problem emptying the bladder completely
- Menopause-related hormonal changes
- Immobility due to prolonged bed rest
- Catheter-related UTIs
- Certain medical conditions such as kidney stones, enlarged prostate, diabetes, bowel incontinence,
- Pregnancy (rare cases)
- Surgery involving the urinary tract
What Are The Different Types of UTIs?
Types of UTIs depend on the affected part of the urinary tract. UTI types include -
Patients with UTI in the bladder experience pelvic pressure, lower belly discomfort, frequent urination which is often accompanied by pain, and blood during urination.
If the infection is in the kidneys, which can be due to a medical condition, patients may feel a sharp pain on the back or side, accompanied by a high fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
Urinary tract infection in the urethra causes a burning sensation while urinating along with a discharge.
When Should I Consult The Doctor For My Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment?
Urinary tract infection symptoms can indicate a medical condition. Consult a doctor for your urinary tract infection treatment if your symptoms are persistent and do not go away with medication or home remedies. Here are some signs that may indicate the need for medical evaluation:
- High fever, chills, or back pain may indicate kidney malfunctioning
- Blood in urine.
- Recurring UTIs (more than 2-3 times a year).
- Pregnant women or those with underlying conditions, like diabetes, who experience UTI symptoms.
How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed?
The doctor asks about the symptoms, durations, and frequency. It is also important to inquire about the history of previous urinary tract infections, and whether the patient is sexually active or not.
The patient may be asked to undergo urinalysis where a sample of urine is tested for the presence of infection in red and white blood cells, bacteria or nitrites, and protein/glucose levels. In case of infections, a subsequent urine culture test is recommended to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection.
The doctor conducts a physical examination around the abdomen, pelvic area, and lower back to check for any signs of tenderness or discomfort. If needed, imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans are done to generate 3D images to help the surgeon. The doctor may also recommend a blood test to check for infection.
This test is done to examine the bladder and urinary tract abnormalities by inserting a thin flexible tube with a camera on the other end, into the urethra.
In some cases, when the doctor suspects UTI symptoms as a result of a medical condition like kidney stones, ultrasound, CT scan, X-rays, etc are effective in locating the structural deformities, detecting obstruction around the kidneys/bladder, and visualizing the urinary tract.
Urinary Tract Infections: Treatment & Management
Treatment for UTIs is a combination of symptom management and prevention. UTIs due to medical conditions can be treated by respective treatment approaches. Depending on the severity and location of the infection, treatment for urinary tract infection includes -
The doctor will prescribe mild antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary system. A simple bladder infection may require antibiotics for 1 to 5 days (for women) and 1 to 14 days ( for men).
In case of pregnancy, diabetes, or mild kidney infection, the antibiotics are given over a course of 7 to 14 days. Along with that, the doctor will recommend staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water. Women with recurrent bladder infections are advised to take antibiotics after sexual contact, every single day, or during a course of 3 to 5 days to prevent infections.
For pain relief, the doctor may prescribe over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen that can help alleviate pain and reduce fever. Certain medicines can provide relief from burning and urgency but do not treat the underlying infection. In case of very severe infections associated with kidneys, the doctor treats you for a medical condition that is primarily causing the infection. Commonly prescribed medications include:
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX)
- Nitrofurantoin
- Fosfomycin
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate
- Cephalexin
What Can I Do To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections?
Urinary tract infection prevention aims to manage symptoms associated with bacterial infection in the urine. It involves a combination of lifestyle changes, good hygiene practices, and dietary modifications to prevent exposure to infections and medical conditions that can cause UTIs. Here are some preventive tips for urinary tract infections -
Staying Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush bacteria out of your urinary tract. A person should drink at least 6-8 glasses daily unless restricted by a medical condition.
Encouraging Good Hygiene
Practice wiping front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from spreading from the anus to the urethra. Avoid any harsh soaps, douches, or scented feminine hygiene products that can irritate the urethra.
Proper Urinary Habits
Avoid holding your urine for long periods, as this allows bacteria to grow in the bladder. Try to empty your bladder completely each time you urinate. Also, encourage urination after sexual activity to flush out bacteria that may have entered the urethra during intercourse.
Lifestyle Modifications
Choose loose-fitting cotton underwear and avoid tight or synthetic fabrics that can trap moisture and encourage bacterial growth. Also refrain from using any irritating products such as perfumed sprays, powders, or bubble baths near the genital area, as they can cause irritation.
Dietary Changes
Certain food items like cranberry Juice or supplements can help prevent UTIs by reducing bacteria's ability to stick to the urinary tract. Encourage probiotic foods like yogurt with live cultures or probiotic supplements to support healthy bacteria levels. Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, as they can irritate the bladder.
Regular Doctor’s Consultations
Regular doctor consultations can help manage conditions like diabetes effectively, as high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of infections. Subsequently, if you experience frequent UTIs, get a prescription for a low-dose antibiotic taken daily or after sexual activity and vaginal estrogen therapy for postmenopausal women to reduce UTI risk.
Urinary Tract Infections In Women: Myth & Facts
Myths | Facts |
Only sexually active women get UTIs. | While sexual activity can increase the risk of UTIs, women of all ages and improper lifestyles can get them. Other factors like menopause, poor hygiene, or certain health conditions can also lead to UTIs. |
Drinking cranberry juice cures UTIs. | Cranberry juice can help reduce the risk of UTIs due to compounds that prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. However, it does not treat an active infection. Prescribed antibiotics are effective for the treatment. |
UTIs will go away on their own. | Mild UTIs symptoms can be resolved without treatment. However, most require antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys, which can cause serious complications. |
Poor hygiene is the main cause of UTIs. | UTIs are often caused by bacteria like E. coli entering the urethra, which isn’t always linked to hygiene. Certain medical conditions can make women more prone to UTIs regardless of hygiene practices. |
Antibiotics always cure UTIs immediately. | Certain antibiotics are effective against UTIs caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. If symptoms persist after the medications, follow up with your doctor for further evaluation. |
UTIs always have obvious symptoms. | While some women experience symptoms like burning sensation during urination, urgency, cloudy urine, etc. Some UTIs can be asymptomatic, especially in older women. |
Choose Artemis Hospitals for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Treatment in Gurgaon, India.
UTIs are treatable and manageable with prompt measures and timely doctor’s consultations. Adopting healthy lifestyle practices and seeking adequate care when symptoms arise can reduce the risk of complications and improve overall urinary health.
Artemis Hospital has a team of highly skilled urologists with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating UTIs effectively. The collaboration between nephrologists, gynecologists, and infectious disease specialists ensures comprehensive care. We have special female urologists and gynae for our female patients to ensure comfort.
For expert care, call us today at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91-959-928-5476. You can also easily schedule an appointment through our online patient portal or download the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Your health is our priority—let us help you take the next step toward healing.
FAQs
How common are urinary tract infections?
UTI is very common in women with almost 50% of women experiencing it once in their life. While it affects men, women, and children, urinary tract infections are less common in men and children.
Who is at the greater risk of getting a urinary tract infection?
Women are considered to be at a greater risk of having UTIs than men because their urethra is shorter.
How long does it take to flush out a UTI?
With prescribed antibiotics, most UTI symptoms improve within 1–3 days, though the full course (5–7 days) must be completed. Mild to moderate symptoms of UTI might resolve in a week, but it is recommended to seek consultation with the doctor to avoid any complications.
Can UTI cause urine incontinence?
Urinary tract infection can cause urine incontinence due to the prolonged inflammation from the infection which irritates the bladder. This causes a strong urge to urinate and potential urine leakage.
Can I cure UTI at home?
Mild to moderate symptoms of UTIs can be managed with a healthy lifestyle, proper hygiene habits, and dietary restrictions. UTIs can be cured at home by staying hydrated which can flush out the bacteria through urine. However, for recurrent UTIs, a doctor’s consultation is highly recommended.
Can a UTI go away on its own?
Yes, mild to moderate symptoms of UTIs can go away on their own. Some home remedies and medications can help manage pain and discomfort and do not need an aggressive treatment approach.
What are the risks and complications of untreated urinary tract infections?
Untreated Urinary tract infections can lead to several complications including -
- Kidney Damage: Prolonged infection can cause permanent kidney scarring
- Sepsis: A life-threatening condition where the infection spreads to the bloodstream
- UTI is Pregnancy: Increased risk of preterm labor and low birth weight
- Urethral Stricture: Narrowing of the urethra due to chronic inflammation
What is the difference between a urinary tract infection and cystitis?
Urinary tract infections or UTIs are infections that occur as a result of bacterial presence in the urinary system. Cystitis is when the infection is limited to the urinary tract.
Does cranberry juice prevent a urinary tract infection?
While there is some evidence that suggests cranberry juice can prevent the bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract, it is still debatable. Consider encouraging good hygiene practices, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes to prevent urinary tract infections.
How do I know which part of my urinary system is infected?
If you have infections in the urinary bladder you may feel the need to urinate a lot which may cause pain. You may also experience pelvic pain and pressure in the lower abdomen. In case of urethral infection, there may be discharge and a burning sensation while peeing. UTIs in Kidneys may result in fever, chills, back pain, nausea and vomiting.
What foods should I avoid if I have a UTI?
People with UTIs must avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic fruits, as they can irritate your bladder.
