Shape_Singapore_June_2017

TROUBLE DOWN UNDER
About half of all women will get a urinary
tract infection (UTI) at least once in their
lifetime, and about 25 per cent will have
recurrent episodes.
A recurrent infection is defined as having
two or more UTI episodes within six months,
or three or more within a year, said Dr Valerie
Gan, a consultant at the Singapore General
Hospital’s Department of Urology.
Recurrent UTI is one of the most common
problems referred to urologists by primarycare
physicians. Women are at greater risk
of developing such an infection than men,
who rarely suffer a repeat episode. But
when it does happen, it usually indicates an
underlying cause, such as urinary stones.
Recurrent UTI among men requires further
evaluation, said Dr Gan.
Urinary tract infections are most
commonly caused by bacteria, and some
people take cranberry juice in the belief
that it can help prevent infection. “There is
conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy
of cranberry products and lactobacillus
probiotics in preventing UTI,” she said.
“However, these are unlikely to be
harmful if taken as supplements in the
prevention of UTI.”
She dispenses tips on how to reduce
the risk of such infections.
1 DRINK ENOUGH FLUIDS: It helps to
dilute urine and flush away the bacteria.
2 EMPTY THE BLADDER AFTER SEXUAL
INTERCOURSE: It helps to flush out
bacteria and decrease the chances of
a recurrent infection. It is a sensible
practice, but there is no medical evidence
to say it helps.
3 AVOID CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS
SUCH AS DIAPHRAGMS AND
SPERMICIDES: These devices can
contribute to bacterial growth.
4 USE VAGINAL OESTROGEN: This
comes in the form of a topical cream or
vaginal tablets and may benefit postmenopausal
women. Low oestrogen
levels have been linked to the thinning of
the vaginal lining, with a decrease in cellular
glycogen. The lack of protective lactobacilli
and the decrease in tissue quality also make
it easier for bacteria to be introduced.
5 DO NOT DOUCHE: Douching has not
been shown to decrease the frequency of
UTI. In fact, it may increase the likelihood
of infection.
If you show signs of UTI, you should
seek treatment and get your urine tested,
said Dr Gan. The infection needs to be
treated, as the bacteria will not go away
on their own. Drinking water may help
alleviate the symptoms but it does not get
rid of the infection, she said. “If left alone, a
simple UTI involving the bladder may infect
the kidneys.”
She added: “The patient may develop
systemic symptoms like fever, and may
require hospitalisation for intravenous
antibiotics.” Antibiotics, she said, are the
mainstay treatment for UTI.
SHAPE JUNE 2017 | LIVE HEALTHY | 27