Contact
Address
Opening Hours
Saturday: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Women
It is estimated that up to 50-60% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, with many experiencing recurrent UTIs.
Why are women so prone to getting UTIs?
The primary reason is due to the much shorter length of the female urethra, which allows bacteria from the outside to enter the urethra and into the urinary tract more easily.
In women, this may be due to wiping from back to front after using the bathroom, or not urinating after sexual intercourse.
Fortunately, UTIs are usually easily treated with a course of antibiotics. However, in some cases, the infection may spread to the kidneys (if not appropriately treated), or may recur despite treatment.
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention should you experience symptoms of a UTI, as leaving it untreated may result in worsening or complications.
Contact UsWhat Symptoms Should I Look Out For?
- Strong and frequent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Passing small amounts of urine
- Blood in urine
- Cloudy and foul-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain
Kidney Infection: When a UTI Spreads to the Kidneys
A serious complication, infection can spread from the bladder up the ureters and into the kidneys. This is more likely to happen when a UTI was left untreated.
Symptoms include:
- Chills and fever
- Pain the the lower back on either side
- Nausea and vomiting
Should you experience any symptoms of a urinary tract or kidney infection, visit a urologist immediately for a detailed diagnosis.
Contact UsTreating a UTI
Fortunately, UTIs are generally very treatable. Upon a positive diagnosis (typically through a lab examination of a urine sample), your urologist will determine the appropriate mode of treatment, depending on whether it is a:
Simple infection
- Also known as an uncomplicated UTI, patients in this case still have a normal and unobstructed urinary tract with just lower urinary tract symptoms.
Recurrent infection
- These are UTIs that return soon after an earlier infection has already been treated. Typically, these are UTIs that occur at least twice within the last six months.
Severe infection
- When a simple UTI is left untreated, it can turn into a serious kidney infection, or worse, a blood infection. This can result in kidney damage or even life-threatening complications.
Simple Infection
These are usually easily treated through a course of antibiotics and resolve within a few days. Staying hydrated to flush out bacteria is also important.
Recurrent Infection
Your urologist may recommend taking daily medications for an extended period of time, or taking a dose after sexual intercourse, or after symptoms show up.
Severe Infection
Antibiotics are used to treat a kidney infection. However, if it has progressed to the point of kidney damage or septic shock, life-long management and emergency treatment may be needed, respectively.
Dr Michael Wong
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Urologist
FAMS (Urology),FICS (USA),FRCS (Edinburgh),M Med (Surgery),MBBS (Singapore)
With over 30 years of experience, Dr Michael Wong is a reputable urologist of international standing. He is particularly passionate about the detection and treatment of female urological conditions; and was the first in Singapore to be USA Fellowship-Trained in Female Urology and Neurology. Over the years, Dr Wong has kept himself actively involved in leadership roles in renowned urological organisations around the world.
Award 2018
by:
Our clinic provides specialised and dedicated care for women experiencing urological problems, helping them regain confidence and comfort in their lives.
For further enquiries, please contact our specialist clinic today
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
