Urinary Tract Infections : Women

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UTI in short, is a common illness in a woman, especially during the reproductive period. The incidence in western countries is .5/woman /year.
It is commoner in women compared to men due to their shorter urethra (Tube from the lower end of the bladder to opening for urine). Bacteria from large intestines contaminate the skin around the anus, migrate to the vaginal opening and may ascend through the urethra to the bladder and sometimes via ureter to the kidneys.
Infections of the bladder are called cystitis, infections of urethra urethritis and that of kidneys pyelonephritis.

Symptoms of UTI

In cases of urethritis, pain while passing urine (dysuria), more frequency, pus discharge from urine opening may occur.
In cases of cystitis, dysuria, frequency, urgency (inability to hold urine), lower abdominal pain or discomfort and sometimes blood in urine may occur.
In pyelonephritis, the symptoms usually are fever (temp above 38° C ), flank pain or discomfort, tenderness on touching at the angle of lower ribs with muscles( costovertebral angle) in addition to dysuria frequency etc. Nausea and vomitings are also common. This can be a serious illness with fall of BP, shock and malfunction of other organs in the body.

Risk Factors In Women

Risk factors for UTI in a woman are previous UTI’s, abnormal anatomy, stones or other obstructions, sexual intercourse and use of spermicidal jellies. Women in some countries may not complain due to social taboos.
Diagnosis is based on history and finding of pus cells and bacteria in midstream urine. It can be confirmed by urine culture. Collection of proper midstream sample after proper cleaning and drying of genital areas is important to avoid false results.
Treatment consists of a short course of antibiotics in uncomplicated cases. Complicated cases may require hospitalisation and injectable antibiotics. Antibiotic selection depends on the usual causative agents in the area. Treatment of repeated UTI is different. In urethritis, the organisms are often different and require other chemotherapeutic agents.


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