Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) affect millions, yet many suffer in silence, ashamed or embarrassed to seek help until the pain becomes unbearable. It’s time to break this silence and encourage open conversations about UTIs. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that occurs in the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing an infection. The most common types of UTIs are bladder infection (cystitis), kidney infection (pyelonephritis), and urethra infection (urethritis).
Pharm. Yakubu Achimugu, practicing with USAID, explains, “Generally, UTIs may occur in mature men and women from age 15 and above, depending on the source of the infection.” UTIs can be caused by poor hygiene, sexual activity, certain medications, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and the use of catheters or other medical devices. Untreated or late-treated UTIs can lead to serious and life-threatening complications. These include kidney damage, as bacteria can spread to the kidneys, causing permanent damage, chronic pain, and potentially leading to kidney failure. Recurrent infections are another risk, making them harder to treat and increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to septicemia, a life-threatening condition that can cause organ failure and death. Kidney abscesses, infected pockets of pus, can form in the kidneys, requiring surgical drainage. Repeated UTIs can cause bladder scarring, leading to decreased bladder capacity and increased frequency of urination. Chronic pelvic pain can also result, impacting daily life and mental well-being.
The hidden suffering of people with UTIs can be overwhelming. Some common experiences include feeling embarrassed or ashamed to discuss symptoms, suffering in silence due to stigma or fear of judgment, experiencing intense pain or discomfort during urination, feeling anxious or stressed about frequent urination, dealing with interrupted sleep or daily activities, feeling isolated or alone in their struggle, worrying about the impact on relationships or sexual health, struggling with recurrent infections or antibiotic resistance, feeling frustrated or helpless about treatment options, and dealing with emotional tolls like depression or anxiety. It’s essential to realize that UTIs are a common and treatable condition, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Sharing her experience, Ogwu Praise Ajifa, a third-year law student at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Ayingba Kogi State, said, “When I started feeling pain below my abdomen, I thought it was spiritual. I prayed and rubbed anointing oil, but the pain continued. Thankfully, it was the end of the semester, and when I went home, my mother took me to the hospital. I was told I had a UTI. The doctor prescribed some drugs and advised me to drink water frequently.” Similarly, Sarah (a fictional name as the person would like to maintain anonymity) recounts, “When I first experienced a UTI and felt pain beneath my abdomen, I thought it was human waste. I went to the toilet, but the pain continued. I couldn’t walk straight and was constantly going to pee. It wasn’t easy to urinate without feeling pain. I didn’t want to tell my mother at first, but the pain became unbearable. When I finally told her, I discovered it was a UTI. I was given a liquid to mix with water and advised to drink water frequently. I still don’t like talking about my experience.”
Many people, like Anonymous, are not aware of what UTI is. When they start experiencing symptoms, they often do not recognize them as indicative of a UTI. Fear and stigma can prevent them from seeking medical help. The symptoms of UTIs may include painful urination (dysuria), frequent urination (frequency), urgent need to urinate (urgency), cloudy or strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain or discomfort (lower abdomen, back, or sides), blood in the urine (hematuria), fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, burning sensation while urinating, inability to empty the bladder fully, painful sexual activity (dyspareunia), and increased frequency of urination at night. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity and location of the infection. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms, such as severe back pain, chills, fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C), vomiting, nausea, blood in the urine, and difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. By combining medical treatment with lifestyle changes and preventive measures, you can effectively manage UTIs and reduce the risk of recurrence. Lifestyle changes include staying hydrated to flush out bacteria, urinating when needed without holding it in, practicing good hygiene by wiping from front to back, avoiding certain foods that irritate the bladder, and using a heating pad to alleviate pain. Preventive measures include drinking cranberry juice or taking supplements to prevent bacterial adhesion, taking probiotics to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, practicing safe sex using condoms and lubricants, avoiding tight clothing, and wearing breathable fabrics.
Onyegbule Joy Chidinma, a second-year Medical Laboratory Science student at Madonna University, Elele Rivers State, emphasizes, “In raising awareness about UTI, it’s important to emphasize that self-medication has terrible side effects and may even worsen the situation.” She further explains, “Using a friend’s prescription should be frowned upon as people’s body systems differ. What worked for person A may cause serious complications for person B.”
The societal stigma surrounding UTIs often worsens the condition, as many individuals delay seeking medical advice due to embarrassment. This delay can lead to the progression of the infection, making it more difficult to treat and increasing the risk of complications. Educating the public about UTIs and promoting a more open dialogue about health issues can help reduce this stigma. Schools, workplaces, and community centers can play a crucial role in disseminating information about UTIs, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Health education programs should include information on maintaining good hygiene practices, recognizing early symptoms, and understanding the importance of seeking timely medical care.
Support groups and online forums can also provide valuable platforms for individuals to share their experiences and seek advice in a non-judgmental environment. These communities can offer emotional support, practical tips for managing symptoms, and encouragement for those hesitant to seek professional help. In addition to personal hygiene and lifestyle adjustments, understanding the role of diet and nutrition in preventing UTIs is important. Certain foods and beverages, such as caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners, can irritate the bladder and should be consumed in moderation. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health and strengthen the immune system, reducing the likelihood of infections.
Healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of completing prescribed antibiotic courses to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent antibiotic resistance. Misuse or incomplete use of antibiotics can lead to recurrent infections and complicate treatment. Regular medical check-ups and screenings are also vital, especially for individuals with a history of UTIs or those in high-risk categories, such as people with diabetes, pregnant women, and the elderly. Early detection through routine urine tests can identify infections before symptoms become severe, allowing for prompt treatment.
By speaking more openly about UTIs, we can work towards a society where affected individuals can seek medical help and speak up without fear, ensuring UTIs are treated with the seriousness they deserve. UTIs are a common and treatable condition, yet many suffer in silence due to stigma and lack of awareness. By encouraging open conversations, sharing experiences, and raising awareness about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of UTIs, we can break the silence and support those affected. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let’s work together to bring awareness to the silent suffering and ensure UTIs are treated promptly and effectively.
– Omede Joy Elizabeth
