Advanced UTI Test

Urinary Tract Infection Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition, which includes urethritis (infection of the urethra), cystitis (bladder infection) and pyelonephritis (kidney infection). It is characterised by obvious symptoms and possible recurrence. If not being treated properly, UTI may lead to serious consequences.

Causes

The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra.

• Infection of the bladder (cystitis).This type of UTI is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria normally living in
  the intestine. However, sometimes other bacteria are responsible.
• Sexual intercourse may lead to cystitis, but you don’t have to be sexually active to develop it. All women are at risk of cystitis because of their anatomy — specifically, the short distance from the urethra to the anus and the urethral opening to the bladder.
• Infection of the urethra (urethritis).This type of UTI can occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Also, because the female urethra is close to the vagina, sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma, can cause urethritis.

Symptoms:

1. Frequent urination with only a small amount of urine passed each time
2. Pain or burning sensation when urinating
3. Urine is cloudy and may even contain blood
4. Lower abdominal pain (near the pubic bone), indicating bladder infection
5. Fever, lower back pain, nausea and vomiting may indicate possible kidney infection

Children with UTIs may also:

1. Generally unwell – babies may be irritable, not feed properly and have a high temperature (fever) of 37.5C or above
2. Wet the bed or wet themselves
3. Deliberately hold in their pee because it stings

Why women are more vulnerable to UTI?

Compared with men, women are more vulnerable to UTI. It is mainly due to the differences in their biological structures:

Length of urethra

Men’s urethra is about 15 cm long, and women’s is only 5 cm. Thus, bacteria can reach the bladder more easily and then reflux towards the kidneys.

Stimulation by sexual intercourse

Penetration of the penis not only stimulates the genitals but also brings bacteria from the vulva into the female urethra.

Opening of urethra

Men’s urethral opening locates at the tip of the penis, and women’s is at the vulva adjoining the vaginal opening and is also close to the anus and enclosed by the labia majora and minora. If the vulva is unclean or if wiping is made from the anus to the vulva (back to front) after using the toilet, the urethra is susceptible to infection by bacteria at the vulva, vagina or anus.

Periods prone to infection Pregnancy: the uterus enlarges and presses the bladder, making the latter unable to empty completely. Menopause: weakening of immunity

Prevention

1. Maintain personal hygiene
2. After using the toilet, wipe from the vulva to the anus (front to back)
3. Maintain sex hygiene, and empty your bladder after having sex
4. Avoid soap, liquid soap, vaginal douche, which contain fragrance
5. Avoid wearing overly-tight or air-impermeable trousers, including panties
6. Drink plenty of water
7. Avoid the habit of withholding urine
8. Stay alert for early detection and treatment

Booking Procedure

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More information can be found︰

• Department of Health  
• iHealth
• The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong
• NHS