Pink Prescriptions - January 2025

Goodbye, UTI!

PinkRx1122January 2025 Issue — Pink Prescriptions

Joint Health—Takes a Joint Effort

Even though no one wants a urinary tract infection (UTI), it seems we all get them from time to time. Some more frequently or severe than others. In addition to making you feel as though you have to go, in spite of the fact that you just went, UTIs are painful and require a trip to the doctor’s office. As often as women have to deal with UTIs, one would think we know everything about this common occurrence.
However, when we asked women what they wanted to know about UTIs, we learned there’s still a lot of questions surrounding this sensitive subject. So, we reached out to two local experts to get some answers to help minimize the risk of getting a UTI.

 


PinkRx1124 Calvert
By Michael Langley, M.D.
New River Urology,
now part of Novant Health


Can men get UTIs?
Men can get urinary tract infections. Men typically present with more significant symptoms such as blood in the urine, severe burning, fever, chills, and possibly even mental confusion.

Do UTIs affect women differently?
Urinary tract infections do affect women in different ways. Generally speaking, most women will experience burning with urination, frequency, urgency, and pressure although some women can present as just bloody urine with no other symptoms. When experiencing urinary symptoms, it is important to perform a urine culture to determine what bacteria are present. This will allow your provider to know which antibiotic is most appropriate for proper treatment.


Can I get a UTI from a toilet seat? Are UTIs contagious?

It is not likely that you will get a urinary tract infection from a toilet seat. The bacteria that cause UTIs can’t survive for very long on a dry surface such as a toilet seat, therefore it is highly unlikely to cause a problem. Additionally, the bacteria would need to enter your urethra to cause an infection, which is not easily achieved by contact with a toilet seat.

Urinary tract infections themselves are not directly contagious, which means you cannot catch a UTI from another person such as through casual contact, sharing food or drinks, or being near someone who has one. However, the bacteria that causes a UTI (such as E. coli), can be spread through sexual contact or from improper hygiene practices. For example, during sexual activity, bacteria from the genital area or anus can be transferred into the urethra, which may lead to a UTI, particularly in women. For hygiene purposes, wiping from back to front after using the toilet or sharing contaminated items like towels can also spread bacteria that causes UTIs.

My symptoms showed up on a Saturday when my doctor’s office is closed. How can I manage the pain until I can see my doctor?
Typically, over-the-counter AZO is good for managing burning and frequency from urinary infection until cultures can be done and antibiotics started. Visiting an urgent care center is also an option to seek treatment if symptoms begin outside of regular physician office hours.

What if I see blood in my urine? Does that indicate something more serious than a UTI? Blood in the urine (hematuria) can be a sign of a urinary tract infection, but it can also indicate a more serious issue such as kidney stones, bladder or kidney cancer, enlarged prostate, or trauma or injury among other conditions. If you have hematuria, you should see your doctor for a full evaluation to determine the cause.

Dr. Michael Langley is a board-certified urologic surgeon specializing in the treatment of kidney stones, prostate disorders, bladder cancer, and urinary disorders. Dr. Langley is accepting new patients—call (843) 706-2255 to schedule an appointment.




PinkRx1124 Calvert
Dr. Eve A. Ashby
Beaufort Memorial
Lowcountry Medical Group


My best friend never gets a UTI, but I seem to get them all the time. Am I doing something wrong?
Everyone’s anatomy is different; sometimes, changes to the pelvic floor due to weight fluctuation, pregnancy or pelvic surgery can change the location of the urinary structures to make you more vulnerable to getting an infection.

Because of this, some people develop UTIs more frequently than others—what’s known as “recurrent urinary tract infections.” While there’s no way to fully prevent urinary tract infections, you can take steps to lower your risk. These include:

Staying hydrated is important when it comes to preventing UTIs. Fluids help flush bacteria in the urinary tract out of the body.

Empty your bladder after having sex. Sexual activity can enable bacteria to enter the urinary tract, so pausing to urinate after sex can help flush bacteria back out.

Go when you need to go. While it can be tempting to hold your urine when you’re busy, it’s not a good habit. Make sure you’re taking regular bathroom breaks to fully empty your bladder.

Reconsider the type of birth control you’re using. Some types of birth control, including diaphragms and spermicide, can increase the risk of UTIs. Talk with your OBGYN about other options for preventing pregnancy. It’s also a good idea to rethink using scented products (including perfumed soaps) or douches in the genital area.

Talk with your provider about preventive meds. In some cases, antibiotics may be recommended as a preventive strategy, taken after sexual activity. For postmenopausal women, vaginal estrogen cream (a pea-sized amount around urethra) may also help prevent UTIs.

Can I get a UTI from having sex?
“Honeymoon cystitis” is a term often given to urinary tract infections after having intercourse. This may be due from bacteria exposure to the female urethra during the active intercourse and hence the development of a UTI two to three days afterward. Sometimes this happens sporadically, but for some women this may be a frequent issue. 

However, healthy hygiene practices can be helpful in avoiding or minimizing these UTIs:
In pre-menopausal women it is important to urinate shortly after intercourse and keep hydrated.

In postmenopausal women, because of the natural decrease in vaginal estrogen, urinary tract infections are more common. Using a little bit of estrogen cream around the urethra at night two to three times a week can strengthen the urethra and help minimize UTIs.

If there is anal intercourse, it should not be followed by vaginal intercourse, as this will increase the risk of E. coli infection of the vagina and the bladder.

Remember to adequately clean any vaginal contraceptive such as a diaphragm or NuvaRing after intercourse, or any sexual aids after use, with a non-perfumed or unscented mild soap.

Abstaining from intercourse when you’re on your menstrual cycle is another option to avoid infection.

If recurrent UTIs seem to prevail, consider using unscented soap and eliminate any perfumed vaginal products.

If frequent UTIs continue to be a problem, consider following up with a urologist to make sure there are no anatomic abnormalities to the urethra or bladder.

Should I abstain from sex if I have a UTI?
Abstaining from sex will help prevent a second infection; pelvic inflammation from a UTI could make intercourse and orgasm painful, as well.

Can recurrent UTIs be a sign of a serious condition
like kidney damage or cancer?
Recurrent UTIs can occur when your immune system is suppressed due to chronic illness, cancer, diabetes, or undergoing treatment for autoimmune illnesses.

Blood in the urine is almost never normal and needs a thorough investigation to rule out infection, kidney stones, or cancer. Sometimes, having asymptomatic kidney stones in the kidney or bladder can lead to recurrent infections, as well as having a narrow urethra, which can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder during voiding. 

What’s the difference between a bladder infection and a UTI?
The urinary tract consists of the kidney, ureter (tube draining kidney into bladder), bladder and urethra. Any or all of these parts can be the cause of an infection.

“UTI” is a general name for an infection of any of these parts. 

How can you tell the difference between
a yeast infection and a UTI?
Both can cause burning during urination, but soreness or itching around the vulva or outer vagina can point to a yeast infection, while urgent need to void or frequent voiding and back/pelvic pain can point to a UTI.

Eve A. Ashby, D.O., FACOOG, is a board-certified gynecologist with Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group in Beaufort and Okatie. Dr. Ashby is also an Assistant Professor and Regional Director of Medical Education for A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Call (843) 770-4588 to schedule an appointment.

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