Urinary Tract Infections – Part 1

If you’ve ever suffered from a urinary tract infection, you definitely won’t want a repeat of the experience. If you’ve so far escaped the dreaded ‘UTI’ (as it’s commonly referred to), count your blessings, but be aware it could occur at any time. That’s because, for a number of reasons, older adults have a higher risk of UTIs.

As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, which means our body is less efficient at fighting off infection. What’s more, the potential for UTIs increases with age-related conditions such as diabetes and the necessity of catheter use. Incontinence can result in a greater build-up of bacteria in the genital region, while cognitive or physical decline may mean less attention is paid to bathroom hygiene. An inability to fully empty the bladder also contributes to UTIs, with age-related conditions such as weakened bladder muscles, enlarged prostate (in men), and bladder prolapse all playing a part in ineffective urination. Although seniors would like to think it is only a younger generation that engage in unsafe-sex (another risk factor in contracting UTIs), older people also risk their safety in areas of intimacy.

Women are especially prone to contracting UTIs. So much so, more that half of all women in New Zealand will experience a UTI (most commonly cystitis) at some stage in their life. Part of the reason for women experiencing UTIs more often than men, lies in their anatomy. Because, in women, the urethra is close to the anus, there is a greater potential for bacteria to enter the urethra. The opening of a woman’s urethra is also closer to the bladder, which means bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to reach this organ. Menopause also increases the chance of UTIs because hormonal changes in the vagina and urethra make it more difficult for these areas to fight infection.

The sooner UTIs are diagnosed, the sooner they can be treated, so an ability to recognise the infection’s early warning symptoms are an advantage. Many people assume UTIs affect only the urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder to outside the body). However, UTIs can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (two muscular tubes which carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). While most UTIs affect the bladder and urethra (where they can result in significant pain), the infection can be much more serious if it involves the kidneys.

Seeking early treatment for a UTI is vital because, despite a number of myths on how to treat the infection with home remedies, medical intervention is required. Your doctor will usually take a urine sample to check for the presence of a UTI. Then, if an infection is detected, you will be prescribed a course of antibiotics. Following the use of prescription medication, symptoms usually clear up within a few days, but it’s important to take the course of medication as prescribed by your health professional. If pain is serious, your doctor may also prescribe some pain relief. Currently, it is also possible, given your personal circumstances, to obtain antibiotics for UTIs from selected pharmacies.

UTIs affect older people more frequently than a younger age group – but armed with a knowledge of early warning symptoms, we can all do our best to seek treatment as soon as possible.