Urinary tract infections in women and men.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any portion of your urinary system—your kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra. UTIs most often occur in the bladder and the urethra, and when they occur in these, they're referred to as Cystitis (bladder infection) & Urethritis (infection of urethra)

The work of the urinary tract is to create and release urine, flushing out waste and excess water. When bacteria—most often E. coli from the bowel, get into the urethra and begin to multiply, they can cause an infection. That's what we refer to as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Anybody can have a UTI, but it is much more prevalent in women because of a shorter urethra. However, men's urinary tract infection, though less common, may be more complex. Women who are pregnant also have higher risk because of hormonal changes and pressure on the bladder.

Urinary tract infection symptoms

Recognizing the urinary tract infection symptoms early can prevent discomfort and complications. Here are some common signs :

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning feeling during urination
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or cola-coloured)
• Pelvic pain in women—especially in the centre of the pelvis and around the pubic bone
• Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or lower back

Additionally, when it comes to urinary tract infection in men, symptoms may include :

• Difficulty urinating
• A slow or weak urine stream
• Painful urination or ejaculation
• Rectal pain (especially if the infection spreads to the prostate)

Urinary tract infection for pregnant women can be more serious. It may not always present typical symptoms, but could include :

• High fever
• Back pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Early labour (if untreated)

At Healing Hands Clinic, we believe early intervention is key. Our highly trained urologists help identify UTI symptoms early, even in complicated cases involving pregnancy or underlying prostate conditions.

Diagnosis of a UTI

If you do think you have a UTI, don't try to self-diagnose—visit a healthcare provider.

Here's what a diagnosis typically entails:

• Urine Test (Urinalysis) : You will be requested to give a urine sample to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria.
• Urine Culture : This tells doctors what type of bacteria are infecting the body so they can prescribe appropriate antibiotics.
• Imaging Tests : If you get frequent UTIs or have harsh symptoms, ultrasounds or CT scans are applied to search for structural problems.
• Cystoscopy : A camera-containing tube is inserted to examine the bladder if infections recur.

Early diagnosis avoids complications such as kidney infection, so don't waste time on medical care—particularly for urinary tract infection in men or women who are pregnant.

Treatment

The good news is, UTIs are highly treatable

When to Consult a Urologist

Don’t brush off UTI symptoms; timely help can make a huge difference.

See a doctor if you :

• Experience burning or pain during urination
• Have cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
• Feel pelvic or back pain
• Have fever or chills
• Have symptoms that don’t improve in 1–2 days
• Suffer frequent UTIs (more than 2–3 per year)

Medical Treatment

• Urinary tract infection antibiotics are the first line of treatment and may include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or Fosfomycin.
• In more serious or complex situations, more potent or longer antibiotic courses might be prescribed.
• For urinary tract infection in pregnant women, certain safe antibiotics are administered under strict medical supervision.

Lifestyle Tips

• Stay Hydrated : Water helps flush bacteria from your urinary tract.
• Avoid Irritants : Limiting the use of caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic fruits which can irritate the bladder.
• Practice Proper Hygiene : Wipe from front to back and urinate after sex to help flush out bacteria.
• Warm Compress : A heating pad on the abdomen can help in relieving pelvic discomfort.

Especially in men and pregnant women, UTIs can become complicated quickly. Untreated infections may spread to the kidneys, leading to serious health issues.

At Healing Hands Clinic, you'll find more than just antibiotics — you’ll find a dedicated team of doctors, empathetic staff, and the best medical technology all working together to provide the comfort, healing, and peace of mind you need.

Final Thoughts

A urinary tract infection (UTI) isn't anything to be embarrassed about—it's prevalent, particularly among women, and completely curable. Whether it's urinary tract infection cystitis, early onset of bladder problems, or recurring infections, knowing your symptoms and acting sooner rather than later can prevent you from experiencing pain, anxiety, and long-term complications.

The most important thing is that you pay attention to your body, take preventive measures, and don't delay seeking medical attention. So if you or a loved one is getting UTI symptoms, take that first step. Health starts with awareness—and every little bit matters. Get in touch with Healing Hands Clinic today, where you’ll find a dedicated team of doctors, empathetic staff, and the best medical technology all working together to provide the comfort, healing, and peace of mind you need.