UTI: 5 facts and 5 myths

UTI: 5 facts and 5 myths

Urinary tract – UTIs can affect any part of it.

5 Facts

• Fact 1: UTIs are more common in women. Due to their shorter urethra, women are more prone to UTIs.

• Fact 2: Bacteria cause most UTIs. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common bacteria responsible for UTIs.

  But, in both men and women, UTIs are not contagious, or passed between partners by physical (or sexual) contact.

• Fact 3: UTIs can affect anyone: UTIs can occur in people of all ages, including children and the elderly. If they occur in children and men, there is often an underlying structural cause, and they should be investigated.

• Fact 4: Symptoms can vary: UTIs can cause a burning sensation (dysuria), frequent urination (frequency), and abdominal (or back or loin) pain, amongst other symptoms.

• Fact 5: Antibiotics can treat UTIs: Antibiotics are effective at treating bacterial UTIs.

5 Myths

• Myth 1: UTIs only affect sexually active people. Reality: UTIs can occur in anyone, regardless of sexual activity.

• Myth 2: UTIs are always caused by poor hygiene. Reality: While hygiene plays a role, UTIs can be caused by various factors, including medical conditions (e.g. kidney stones, and prostate problems, in men).

• Myth 3: Cranberry juice can cure UTIs. Reality: Cranberry juice may help prevent UTIs, but it’s not a treatment for active infections.

• Myth 4: UTIs are not serious. Reality: Untreated UTIs can lead to more severe infections, such as kidney damage or sepsis.

• Myth 5: UTIs only affect the bladder. Reality: UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and prostate in men.