Dear Lorita,
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs are very common, especially in females.
The most frequent cause of UTIs is bacteria, primarily Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are typically found in the intestines and around the anus. Anyone can get a UTI, but females are more susceptible due to their shorter urethra, which is closer to the anus, where E. coli bacteria are present. The infection occurs when bacteria move up from the urethra through the bladder and ureters to the kidneys.
Although UTIs are often thought to be transmitted sexually, sometimes leading to misunderstandings and broken relationships, they are not strictly a sexually transmitted infection. However, sexual activity can increase the risk of infection because it brings bacteria closer to a woman’s urethral opening.
Doctors frequently advise sexually active individuals to urinate copiously within 30 minutes (or sooner) after sexual activity to help reduce the risk of infection. To do so, it is essential to stay well-hydrated, and drinking plenty of fluids before engaging in sexual activity can be helpful. Interestingly, dirty toilets carry a lower risk for causing a UTI than not urinating when needed.
In Uganda, many women fail to provide a clean midstream urine sample for testing, often submitting contaminated samples that can lead to incorrect diagnoses of UTIs.
If you suspect you have a UTI, it is important to consult your doctor for further testing, which may include culturing the bacteria to identify the most effective treatment. Your doctor can also provide additional advice on preventing UTIs, such as drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding holding urine, and wiping from front to back after using the bathroom.