Men vs women: Who are more prone to UTI?

MANILA — Does urinary tract infection (UTI) know no sexes?

Unfortunately, the bacteria E. coli that causes UTI is more common among women than men.

In dzMM’s “Magandang Gabi Dok,” urologist Dr. Samuel Yraztorza explains that UTI, the most common urinary problem, is more prevalent among women because the urethra, the tube where the urine flows from the bladder, is closer to the anus compared to those of the men.

The bacteria E. coli, which can be found in the intestinal tract, can easily escape the anus and transfer to the urethra.

“So ang infection usually galing sa puwetan, pumapasok sa daluyan ng ihi, at umaakyat sa daluyan ng ihi, umaakyat sa pantog o sa kidney kaya nagkakaroon ng impeksyon.”

“Ang ina-advice, pagkatapos dumumi, ‘pag nag-wash ka, palayo sa puwerta dapat,” he said.

However, men are not exempted from having UTI, which can also be brought about by poor personal hygiene.

UTI may also be contracted when the body’s immune system is down, especially if the patient has diabetes, heart problems, or any sickness that may compromise the immune system.

Symptoms of UTI

Yraztorza said it is easy to identify if a patient has UTI because of these common symptoms:

– burning pain before, during, or after urination
– pain in the abdomen and/or hips
– frequent urination
– urge to urinate even if little urine comes out

If the patient has these symptoms, there is an 80 to 90 percent chance it is UTI.

However, before drinking any medicine, check with your doctor who may advise the patient to first undergo a urinalysis.

Complications

About 50 percent of UTI cases are cured even without medication. It usually ends on its own as the body washes the bacteria away through urination.

However, if left unattended, chances are higher that it will come back.

Complications may arise if the bacteria reaches the kidneys, which may result in pyelonephritis. Patients with pyelonephritis or inflammation of the kidneys may bring chills and fever to the patient.

Men experiencing UTI may also be considered as complicated cases. It may pose a problem in their prostate, urinary tract, or other complications.

If a woman experiences UTI at least once every year, she must also consult the doctor.

“Ang babae madalas nga mag-UTI pero ‘pag nagkakaroon siya ng UTI every year, kailangan investigate na ‘yan bakit madalas.” –Pia Regalado, ABS-CBN News