UTI

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in women.

UTIs in women are common. The peak incidence is nearly 9% around the age of 20-22 years - the age of greatest sexual activity - and also around the menopause.

Overall the incidence is of the order of 4-6%.

Usually the infection is ascending - ie through the urethra, but can be (rarely) from other reasons.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS

Residual urine in the bladder increases the risk, this can be because of PROLAPSE also.

Kidney and bladder stones increase the risk. These are more prevalent with concentrated urine.

INVESTIGATIONS

Your GP or nurse (or nurse in our clinic) will “dip” the urine. An infection is more likely with:

• leucocytes (white blood cells)
• nitrites

Microscopic investigation of the urine: this is done in the hospital where they will try to grow any bacteria there may be present.

If you suffer from recurrent UTI then specialist investigations will be necessary. This will involve a referral to a specialist like Mr Connell for a cystoscopy, where we look with a little camera into the bladder.

SEE Interstitial Cystitis

Operations (full list)