Popular Myths on Urinary Tract Infections

By Glory Nyawira.

Many myths and misconceptions persist about UTIs: how they occur, how they can be prevented and how they can be treated among others.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)occur when the bacteria Escherichia coli (E.coli) often from the skin or the rectum enters the urethra and affects the urinary system. Infection in the kidneys results in pyelonephritis, urethritis affecting the urethra, cystitis on the bladder tubes, prostatitis affecting the prostate gland in men and vaginitis affecting the vagina in women.

Understanding UTIs is crucial for taking control of our health and potentially avoiding unnecessary pain and visits to the doctor. Here, is a breakdown of the most prevalent misconceptions surrounding UTIs accompanied by accurate facts for clarity;

Only women can get UTIs. Well, children are also affected by UTIs with fever as a common sign in infants and toddlers.

Also, 3 in 25 men experience UTI symptoms in their lifetime compared to 10 in 25 women. Women are at higher risk because their urethras are shorter and located closer to the rectum making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

UTIs are caused by holding in your urine. Everyone has had to hold in their urine at some point. This does not directly cause UTIs but can trigger the growth of bacteria in the urinary system. Major causes of UTIs include changes in bacteria that live in the body e.g. the vaginal flora, structural problems in the urinary tract such as enlarged prostate in men, use of urinary catheters, and health conditions such as diabetes.

UTIs can be passed to your partner. UTIs are often mistaken for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, sexual activity increases the risk of UTIs where there's genital-to-genital contact or genital-to-anal contact and even the use of contraceptive diaphragms and condoms that are coated in spermicide.

All UTIs go away on their own.

A UTI can resolve on its own but there are higher chances that they are going to persist and without medical intervention, they can progress and spread to kidneys or other parts resulting in a more serious complication especially if they are recurrent.

UTIs always show symptoms. Asymptomatic UTIs are possible, especially in older adults or people with other underlying health conditions.

UTIs must be treated with antibiotics. While antibiotics are often prescribed, they are not the only treatment options. Acute UTIs are treated with antibiotics whereas chronic recurrent UTIs may require long-term or repeated treatment.

Taking probiotic yoghurt can cure UTIs. Probiotic yoghurt and cranberry juice are well described as control measures rather than a cure as they ensure a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body.

Also drinking a lot of water helps flush out toxins and bacteria as it facilitates urine production.

Pregnant women are not prone to UTIs. Pregnancy increases the pressure in the bladder as pregnancy-induced hormonal changes disturb the urinary system making it a threat if not detected early and left to escalate.

'Sweet teeth' are not prone to UTIs. Excessive munching on sweets and sugary food uncontrollably results in sugar making its way into the blood stream and thus making urine conducive for spread of bacteria (E.coli) as a surge in blood sugar levels impairs the body's ability to fight off infections.

As an individual making empowered decisions about your health starts with ensuring you understand the true causes, symptoms and appropriate treatments for UTIs or any other infection regardless of any rumour or belief.