4 months after I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I went to the hospital for my usual antenatal session and was informed by the doctor that I had developed UTI.

I’m guessing you are surprised reading this… Well, that’s how I was surprised too. I was surprised because I didn’t notice the usual symptoms they taught us would show when one has UTI. I remember asking my doctor... “Are you sure? I haven’t seen any symptoms yet?” and he confirmed it.

I remember asking my doctor... “Are you sure? I haven’t seen any symptoms yet?” and he confirmed it. That was when I discovered UTI can be asymptomatic during pregnancy. Apparently, some of the symptoms of UTI don’t show up in the early stage of pregnancy. In an imaginary world, a delicate work of creation such as the feminine body would be sheltered away from anything that can put a dent on it because it is a masterpiece (especially during pregnancy when the woman is carrying a developing fetus).

 In reality, it’s different because we have to move around and engage in different activities which sometimes expose our body to harmful Bacteria and Fungi. Let’s backtrack a bit for those who do not know. UTI is the acronym for Urinary Tract Infection. 

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. UTI prompts you to urinate more frequently as a result of the bacteria irritating the lining of your urinary tract. The urine signal is passed from your bladder to your brain even when your bladder is empty, this irritation causes inflammation and a painful burning feeling when you urinate.

 

What causes UTI (Urinary tract infection)?

First of all, you need to understand that anyone can get UTI but it’s mostly common with women, especially during pregnancy when our bodies are going through different changes to accommodate the developing fetus. The changes a woman's body undergoes during the pregnancy phase increases her chances of getting a urinary tract infection.

So far, the lead cause of urinary tract infection has been identified as the E. coli bacteria which stays in the bowel. Bacteria are microscopic organisms that are everywhere. Some are good because they support life, plants, animals and are also used in industrial medicinal processes, while others (Pathogens) are harmful. (Yea, I’m also thinking the same thing - there’s really no need for the harmful bacteria when we already have the good ones doing all we need them for). 

 

Does UTI in Pregnancy affect Fetal Development?

This is the most common medical complication experienced during pregnancy and it poses risks to both the fetus and mother if it isn’t treated promptly or properly.UTI in pregnancy can get intense to the point where it can result in serious health complications like miscarriage, preterm birth, mortality or kidney disease but it’s important to note that it doesn’t pose any danger to the development of the fetus. 

During pregnancy, it may get serious and spread from the bladder to the kidneys which can result in the bacteria moving into the bloodstream causing some damage that can reduce the function of the kidney. UTI can also mimic pregnancy symptoms and can cause a fake positive pregnancy test result so it is not advised to ignore or leave it untreated.

 

Can UTI be transmitted sexually?

Age and sexual activity increase the risk of UTI but it is not a sexually transmitted infection. However, the virus can travel to the urinary tract as a result of the friction between two people during sexual activity because sex can shift the bacteria forward into the bladder where it can multiply. 

Getting infected doesn't necessarily mean your partner was infected prior to the sex happened, any genital contact can introduce the bacteria into the urethra with or without a condom. It also cannot be contacted from the toilet because the male and female Urethra don't touch the toilet seat. 

Poor personal hygiene, urinary incontinence, frequent sexual intercourse with multiple people, a suppressed immune system, urogynecology surgery, bladder cancer, autoimmune diseases, the blocked flow of urine and diabetes amongst others are some of the things that can increase the risk of developing a UTI. 

 

What are the Symptoms of UTI?

1. Painful Urination; This is a common sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) due to the inflammation of the bladder and urinary tract. Urination is usually painful and the pain may originate in the bladder, perineum or urethra (which is the tube that carries urine outside of your body).
2. Abdominal Pain; The abdomen is home to many organs, some of which are responsible for digestion and urination. All are subject to dysfunction and infection, which can lead to abdominal pain which occurs between the chest and the pelvic regions (especially around the area of the pubic bone). The abdominal pain can vary from crampy to achy, dull to burning and intermittent to sharp pain. This is caused by Inflammation or diseases that affect the organs either through the things you ate, infection or even anxiety.
3. Cloudy Urine; This is often either caused by infection, inflammation or other conditions of the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra) or the reproductive organs. A small amount of blood in the urine that is not visible to the naked eye can also cause cloudy urine.
4. Release of Little Urine; This is the slow flow of urine caused by a blockage along any part of the urinary tract, which occurs when urine cannot leave the kidneys. This can affect one or both kidneys and usually results in a decreased urine output. 
5. Blood-Tinged Urine; Blood in the urine is a common symptom in people with urinary tract stones, it is also called hematuria. The blood can be red, pink, or brown. Sometimes the blood cells are too small to see without a microscope (called microscopic hematuria), but your doctor can test for this symptom. When one has a UTI, the bacteria infect the lining of your urinary tract which leads to inflammation and irritation, causing red blood cells to leak into your urine.
6. Lower Back Pain; This pain occurs when the lower UTI is left unchecked or doesn’t respond to antibiotic treatments. The infection moves into the kidney, the intensity usually extends to the groin and pelvic area.

 

Other Symptoms include

• Fever and Chills

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Frequent Urination and Strong Persistent Feeling of Urination

• Strong Smelling Urine

• Feeling Tired and Lethargic

 

How is UTI treated?

Mild UTI can be treated and cured at home, the symptoms of the bladder infection usually improve between 48 - 72 hours after an antibiotic treatment while kidney infection takes about a week or longer to be cured. More severe cases of UTI should immediately be reported to a doctor or a pharmacist. Antibiotics can kill the bacteria causing the urinary tract infection. Some of the commonly recommended drugs for UTI include;

• Uristat Ultra 
• Amoxicilin 
• Ceftriaxone
• Cephalexin (Keflex) 
• Fosfomycin

 

Home Remedies for treating UTI include;

• Use of Pain Relievers like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.
• Use of Incontinence pad/pants; These can lessen the concern of urinating in your sleep or give you the option of not getting out of bed to urinate since they are more absorbent than normal pads or pants and help reduce frequent visits to the restroom.
• Use of Antibiotics. 
• Use of Vitamin C
• Practising Proper Self Hygiene; Learning the proper way to clean private parts helps in preventing the chances of getting UTIs because most people have little to no idea the right way to clean the private part.

Many UTIs develop when bacteria from the rectum or faeces gain access to the urethra, the small channel that allows urine to flow out of the body. Once bacteria are in the urethra, they can travel up into other urinary tract organs where they can lead to infections.

After urinating, wipe gently in a way that prevents bacteria from coming into contact with the genitals, your hand or tissue (it’s best to wipe from front to back). Also use separate pieces of toilet paper to wipe the genitals and anus.

 

Other home remedies include

• Use of Probiotics
• Use of Heating Pads
• Practising Healthy Sexual Hygiene
• Drinking More Fluids during the day.

 

Some facts about UTI include;

• It is estimated that about 50-60% of women will experience UTI in their lifetime because it is a common infection.
• A large percentage of bladder infection cases are recurrent, they usually occur between three months of the first infection. Usually, more than three UTIs in 12 months is a case of recurrent UTI.
• A doctor's diagnosis is required when a person has a third recurrence of the infection in a 12 month period.

 

When do you need to see a Doctor?

Some of the UTI symptoms listed have similarities with some other infections such as vaginal yeast infection and other sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea. It’s recommended to contact your doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms especially if it's a recurring urinary tract infection (three or more infections in a year). The drugs prescribed will depend on your health condition and the type of bacteria found in your urine. 

I hope that you have found this useful. Please feel free to share with your family and friends.