What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
Urinary Tract Infection, or UTI, is a common health problem that affects many in Davao Region, especially women and children.
In this article, we will learn what a UTI is, what causes it, how to recognize its symptoms, and how to prevent it. We will also look at how common UTIs are in the Philippines, particularly in Davao Region, and what indicate Filipinos should do to avoid getting this infection.
UTI: Infection of any part of the Urinary System
A urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters (these are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Most UTIs happen inside the bladder and urethra.
How Does Urinary Tract Infection Happen?
Most UTIs are caused by bad bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra (see image below). The most common bacteria that causes UTIs is called Escherichia coli or E. coli. Once inside the urinary system, these bacteria can multiply and infect the other parts of the urinary system. Unless treated immediately, bad bacteria can go up the ureters and reach the kidneys.
How Common are UTIs Cases in Davao?
Urinary Tract Infections are one of the most common infections in the Philippines. A 1998 study done in Davao City and published in the Philippine Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases found a 6.29% prevalence rate among outpatients. As of writing, there is no up-to-date scientific study of UTI cases are in Davao or Panabo City.
But here are some important facts that may give us insight of UTI prevalence in Davao Region:
• Based on the Field Health Service Information System report of the Department of Health, UTI is the 4th leading cause of illness (morbidity) for females in the Philippines.
• A 2020 study of UTI cases among the Lumads in Southern Philippines was published in the Journal of Social Health. Researchers gathered 49 participants and confirmed a high-prevalence rate of UTI in their group. They also found that UTI is most prevalent among females than males, regardless of age.
• In Davao Oriental, there were total of 1,033 cases of UTI among males and females reported in 2021.
These numbers show that UTIs are a serious health issue in both Davao, Panabo City, and the rest of the country.
Who Gets Urinary Tract Infection? (Risk Factors)
Anyone can get a UTI. But some people are more likely to get this infection than others. Here are the most common risk factors:
- Being Female: Girls and women are more likely to get UTIs because their urethra is shorter, so bacteria can reach the bladder more easily.
- Sexual Activity: People who are sexually active have a higher chance of getting UTIs.
- Use of Birth Control Methods: Some birth control methods, such as IUDs and spermicides, can increase a woman’s chances of getting UTI.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women are at higher risk because of changes in their bodies.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes have weaker immune systems and more sugar in their urine. This condition helps bacteria grow inside the urinary system.
- Older Age: Older adults, especially men with enlarged prostates, are more at risk.
- Using Catheters: People who use tubes to drain urine are at higher risk.
- Kidney Stones or Tumors: These can block urine flow and help bacteria grow.
- Babies with Urinary Problems: Some babies are born with urinary tract abnormalities that make infections more likely.
What are the Symptoms of UTI?
Experiencing UTIs is difficult. How can one know if their urinary system is infected? Here are the most common symptoms to look out for:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Feeling the need to urinate more often than usual
- Cloudy, dark, or bad-smelling urine
- Frequent urination
- Low Urine output
- Pain in the lower belly or back
- Fever (especially if the infection has reached the kidneys)
- In children, sometimes the only sign of UTI infection is a fever or being cranky
Why Are Women and Girls More at Risk of Getting UTI?
Females, women and girls, are more likely to get UTIs because:
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- Their urethra is shorter, which means bacteria reaches the bladder faster.
- The opening of the urethra is close to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to get in and infect the urinary system.
- Hormonal changes experienced by women during pregnancy and menopause can make UTIs more likely.
How to Avoid UTI?
Here are some simple tips to help prevent UTIs, especially for Filipinos in Davao Region and Panabo City:
- Drink plenty of water every day to help flush out bacteria.
- Do not hold your pee for too long. Go to the toilet when you feel the need.
- For females, it is important to wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from the anus reaching the urethra.
- Practice good hygiene—keep your private parts clean and dry.
- Avoid using harsh soaps or feminine sprays in the genital area.
- Change underwear regularly to keep your genitals clean.
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- See a urologist if you have symptoms or if you are at higher risk (e.g., pregnant, diabetic, elderly).
What Happens if a UTI is Not Treated?
After lab tests confirm the presence of bad bacteria, Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are usually treated with antibiotics prescribed by a urologist. It is important to take all the medicine, even if you start feeling better so that all the bad bacteria inside the urinary system are gone.
If a UTI is not treated, it can become serious. The infection can spread to the kidneys and cause more pain, fever, and even kidney damage. In rare cases, UTI can lead to life-threatening problems. That is why it is important to see a urologist if you experience symptoms of UTI.
Key Takeaways about Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- UTIs are common in the Philippines, including Davao and Panabo City.
- UTI is a health problem experienced more by women, children, and people with certain health conditions.
- It is important to recognize the symptoms of UTI early. This include pain when urinating, frequent urge to pee, and cloudy urine.
- Always practice good hygiene and healthy habits to avoid UTIs.
- See a urologist if you have symptoms of UTI or are at higher risk of getting infected.
RMCI provides residents in Panabo City and Davao Region with access to competent UROLOGISTS. To set appointment with our urologists, contact us at 09257807696.
Sources: Philippine Urological Association (PUA), World Health Organization (WHO), Philippine Department of Health (DOH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Philippine News Agency (PNA)
