Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused when bacteria enter the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body) and subsequently multiply. These bacteria are microscopic living organisms that enter the urinary tract from outside the body. The most common type of bacteria causing 90 per cent of UTIs is Escherichia Coli (E coli). Typically, a UTI is characterised by an infection in one or more places in the urinary tract, such as the ureters, urethra, bladder and/or kidneys. Often, the terms UTIs and bladder infections are used interchangeably. However, there is a distinction made between the two.

A bladder infection is an infection that takes place only in the bladder. It is the most common type of UTI and is relatively simple to treat. Every bladder infection is a UTI but not every UTI is a bladder infection. However, the symptoms of bladder infections and all other UTIs are largely the same and require the same/similar treatment.

What are the symptoms of a UTI/bladder infection?

UTI and bladder infection symptoms often cause great discomfort; therefore, getting treatment as soon as possible will serve your best interests. If you experience any of the following symptoms, reach out to your doctor to assess if you are suffering from a UTI and discuss plans for treatment.

Symptoms of a UTI/ bladder infection include one or more of the following:

A burning sensation when peeing

A constant feeling of urgency to pee with very little urine being produced

Needing to pee more than usual (especially at night)

Pee that looks dark, cloudy, and with a strong smell

Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area or lower back

Occasionally blood in the urine

If left untreated, a UTI or bladder infection, specifically, can cause serious issues, including spreading to your kidney. Therefore, if you think you have a UTI, reach out to your doctor as soon as possible.

How can you prevent a UTI/bladder infection?

UTIs are fairly common and can happen to anyone at any time. However, the following tips can help you prevent getting them all together.

Understand your anatomy. Women are more predisposed to developing UTIs because of their anatomy. They have shorter urethras, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder. Women should take extra care in avoiding getting infected.

Pay attention to your hygiene habits. Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear that makes it difficult for your genitals to breathe. Bubble baths and scented vaginal products tend to cause irritation that further leads to UTIs, women should avoid these products. Maintaining normal hygiene practices such as showering frequently is also equally important.

Have good urinary hygiene. Pee often and, when you can avoid it, do not hold in your pee for long periods of time. For women, make sure you wipe from front to back so you do not carry any bacteria from your bottom to your vagina. Additionally, washing your genitals after sex is important to ensure bacteria don’t have the chance to cause an infection.

Assess your hormonal changes. Menopause, pregnancy, and having your period can increase your risk of infection. Ensure you take extra care to follow preventative measures for a UTI if you are experiencing any of these hormonal changes.

Make an extra effort if you have a chronic illness that affects your immune system. Illnesses, such as diabetes and HIV, which cause changes to your immune system can make you more prone to contracting UTIs. Take extra care to follow these tips to help you avoid contracting an infection.

Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking lots of water and the popularly recommended cranberry juice will aid in ensuring your bladder and urinary tract are constantly being flushed, limiting the number of bacteria present and helping to prevent future UTIs.

Pee after having sex. Peeing after sex allows you to flush the bacteria from your urethra and is an important hygiene practice after intercourse.

How do you treat a UTI/bladder infection?

UTIs and bladder infections are common and easily treated. As a bacterial infection, the required treatment is antibiotics. Typically your physician will prescribe you a short course of antibiotics as long as your infection is considered a simple, non-complicated one. If it is thought that it is more complicated, you may be required to take antibiotics for an extended period. Additionally, you may have to have a urine sample tested to confirm it is, in fact, the strain of bacteria that causes UTIs and bladder infections causing your symptoms.

How telemedicine can diagnose and treat UTIs

UTIs are among the most popularly treated illnesses via telemedicine worldwide. Research has shown that a urine sample is not necessary to treat common UTIs and bladder infections. All you need to do is answer a few questions about your symptoms and give some information about your medical history. If your health-care provider assesses that you do have a UTI, they can provide a personalised treatment plan for you. Telemedicine offers you the convenience of quality health care from wherever you feel comfortable using text, audio, or video call.

No uncomfortable waiting rooms. If you have been peeing much more frequently you may want to be close to a bathroom when you have a bladder infection or UTI. That being said, driving to a health-care provider and waiting long hours in the waiting room may not feel like an ideal or comfortable situation. Quick, online consultations from your home will allow you to be close to the bathroom and in the comfort of your home without having to wait for treatment.

Easy and quick prescriptions. UTIs will need antibiotics to be treated, and since you cannot get this treatment over the counter it is important to consult with your doctor to help get rid of your symptoms as soon as possible. After diagnosis via telemedicine, your doctor can send a prescription to the pharmacy of your choice and you can begin your treatment immediately.

Convenient lab requests. If after your telemedicine consultation your doctor thinks you may benefit from doing a urine sample, they can easily write up a lab request from you. MDLink will be able to not only provide you consultation via telemedicine but you may also visit their drive-through lab testing site with your lab request and provide a sample to the doctor without the inconvenience of long waits at the doctor’s office.

UTIs can seriously interfere with your everyday life and be a great inconvenience. Taking advantage of the convenience and accessibility of telemedicine is a perfect way to ensure your UTI does not disrupt your routine.

Dr Ché Bowen, a digital health entrepreneur and family physician, is the CEO & founder of MDLink, a digital health company that provides telemedicine options. Check out the company’s website at www.theMDLink.com. You can also contact him at drchebowen@themdlink.com.