Urinary Tract Infections and Yeast Infections are common but highly treatable conditions

Dr Astha Dayal

We frequently encounter patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections, two very common problems, which can be uncomfortable, recurrent and frustrating. Women most often do not understand the difference between the two, but with proper understanding, care and treatment, they can be managed successfully.

• Urinary Tract Infection or UTI occurs when harmful bacteria, most often Escherichia coli (E. coli), enter the urinary tract, causing infection in the bladder, urethra, ureters, or kidneys. Women are more prone to UTIs due to their shorter urethra, which allows bacteria to travel more easily to the bladder.
• UTI is more common in sexually active women as sexual intercourse can push bacteria into the urethra.
• Poor local hygiene, like wiping from back to front can introduce bacteria like E coli from the stool into the urethra, especially as jet spray is used more often than toilet paper.
• With UTI, women mostly complain of pain or burning Sensation during urination, frequent urge to urinate, but only very little urine comes each time, cloudy or bloody urine, pain or pressure in lower abdomen, and fever and chills.
• We need to manage it by doing a urine routine microscopy and culture test before starting and treatment.Treatment involves antibiotics accordine to the culture report. It’s essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms resolve early to prevent the infection from recurring or becoming resistant.
• Besides this, to prevent UTI one should drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria.Also, urinate after sex to remove bacteria from the urethra. Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet.Wear loose cotton underwear to keep the genital area dry.Avoid scented soaps, powders, and douches that can disrupt the natural bacterial balance.

Yeast Infection or Candidiasis is actually an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that is naturally present in the vagina. Usually bacteria and fungi live in vaginal flora in equilibrium, but this balance can be disturbed because of several factors like

• Antibiotics-These can kill beneficial bacteria, allowing yeast to overgrow.
• Hormonal changes of pregnancy, menstruation, or hormonal medication can increase yeast growth.
• High sugar levels create a good environment for yeast to grow, so it is common in Diabetes, or if there is increased sugar intake, in PCOS when there is insulin resistance.
• Moisture also helps yeast growth. Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing or synthetic underwear can trap moisture and heat, promoting candidiasis.
• Yeast infection causes itching and irritation around the vaginal area, thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, pain or dryness during sex, burning sensation during urination, or redness and swelling of the vulva.
• Candidal infections can be very distressing. They are treated with antifungal medications, in forms of creams, suppositories, or oral tablets which may be needed for a longer time so that symptoms don’t reoccur.
• To prevent Yeast infections, one should keep the area dry.Wear loose, dry,cotton clothing, and clean the vaginal area with mild, unscented soap and water.Avoid overwashing and dab yourself dry after each wash before wearing clothes. Avoid scented products like soaps, tampons, or sprays in the vaginal area.Avoid douching as it can alter the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina.
• Having a low carbohydrate diet also helps prevent yeast infections.For diabetic women, controlling blood sugar levels can reduce its recurrence.

Both UTIs and yeast infections are common but highly treatable conditions. Recognising the symptoms and causes will help one take proactive steps in preventing them. Self-medication should be avoided. While antibiotics and antifungal medications are essential for treating these infections, lifestyle modifications, including proper hygiene, staying hydrated, and wearing breathable clothing, can play a significant role in prevention.

Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgeon Dr. Astha Dayal is Director,
Obstetrics and Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon