A painful or burning sensation when urinating may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI). This happens when there is a bacterial infection, usually from the skin or rectum, enter any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Apart from the pain, you may also experience tenderness above the bladder area, feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder, and frequent urination.
Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI compared with men due to their shorter urethra, which is closer to their rectum. Additionally, if you are postmenopausal, chances of having a UTI is also higher owing to low oestrogen levels that increase the risk of infection.
Preventing UTIs
There are a few tips that you can practice to lower your risk of developing a UTI:
- Drink plenty of water and fluids. Doing this helps keep bladder tissue hydrated and healthy. It also dilutes your urine and lowers the concentration of bacteria in your bladder. Aim to drink about 1.5 litres of fluid daily to prevent infections.
- Empty your bladder regularly. Bacteria like warm and wet environments to grow. When you do not empty your bladder, you provide good living conditions for the bacteria to thrive in. Aim to empty your bladder four to eight times per day.
- Urinate soon after sexual intercourse. Urinating after sex quickly removes some of the bacteria that are close to or in the urethra. This prevents an infection from developing.
- Consume cranberry supplements. Concentrated over-the-counter cranberry supplements are recommended over cranberry juice to help decrease your chances of getting a UTI.
- Wipe from front to back. This prevents bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
- Other hygienic practices. Take showers instead of baths, regularly change your period products during your menstrual cycle, and minimise douching, sprays, or powders in the genital area.
Treatment for acute UTIs
To make a diagnosis of UTI, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, perform a physical test, and order urine tests if necessary.
As UTIs are caused by bacteria, antibiotics are needed to treat them. When taking antibiotics, it is important to take them exactly as your doctor tells you. Additionally, drink plenty of water or other fluids. You would begin feeling better within a few days after starting antibiotics.
Managing recurrent UTIs
Recurrent UTIs refers to three or more episodes of UTIs within 12 months or two or more episodes within 6 months. About 30% to 40% of women will experience recurrent UTIs in their lives and this can take a considerable toll. However, do take comfort in knowing that this is not likely due to anything you’ve done; some women are just prone to UTIs.
Practice the prevention strategies recommended above to reduce your chances of developing a UTI. Additionally, prophylactic antibiotics are a common way to deal with recurrences. However, caution needs to be exercised due to the increasing phenomenon of antibiotic resistance, and is often considered a last resort.
Talk to a Urologist
Experiencing pain while urinating is never normal. Don’t ignore the signs. Consult with a urologist today to get to the root of the problem and find relief.
Click here to schedule a teleconsult appointment on ConnectDr Telehealth App and take control of your urinary health. Don’t let discomfort hold you back any longer. Act now for a healthier tomorrow.
