Burning sensation and discomfort down there, especially while urinating, seems like a nightmare. While experiencing the problem once in a while is normal, but for some, it is their daily reality. Urinary tract infection or UTI, as we commonly know it, is a very common problem faced by children as well as adults. The incidence of the problem has significantly increased over the past few years, owing to unhealthy lifestyle practices and a lack of proper hygiene. Luckily, treatment for urinary tract infection is offered at the leading urology surgery hospitals in Mumbai. Here you can find the best doctors, offering state-of-the-art modalities for the effective management of recurrent urinary tract infections.

What is UTI?

Urinary tract infection, as the name suggests, is an infection that involves the organs of the urinary tract. These include the urethra, kidneys and bladder. Infection that involves the urethra is known as urethritis, that involving the kidneys is known as pyelonephritis and the one where the bladder is involved is known as cystitis. The bacteria that cause urinary tract infection are not present inside our body or in the urine, rather these enter the body from outside. The condition is marked by the following symptoms:

• Pain in the abdominal or pelvic area
• Pressure on someone in the lower pelvis
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Bladder incontinence
• Pain and discomfort while urinating
• Traces of blood in the urine
• Change in the colour of urine

Experts from the top urology surgery hospital in India suggest that UTI can be easily managed with some healthy lifestyle changes and medication, however many people choose to suffer because they shy away from speaking proper help. People rarely talk about such issues openly.

Busting the myths

Although urinary tract infections are very common, there are many myths associated with these, majorly owing to the lack of proper knowledge. We are going to bust some of these myths with the help of the best urology specialist in Mumbai.

Urinary tract infection is similar to a yeast infection- Well, urinary tract infection and yeast infection are two different problems that most people often confuse to be one. This is mainly because the symptoms of both the problems are somewhat similar. However, it is important to understand that UTIs are very different from yeast infections. The former is triggered by the invasion of bacteria in the urinary tract and can be easily taken care of with the prescribed antibiotics. Yeast infection, on the other hand, is a result of fungal build-up on the skin. The condition is treated using antifungal medications.

UTI is a female problem - There is a popular misconception that UTI only affects women, just like periods. Well, urinary tract infection is a problem that affects the urinary tract and just like females, males have one too. So, they are susceptible to developing the infection as well. The incidences, however, are comparatively lower than women, the reason being that the urethra of women is shorter, making it easier for the bacteria to travel inside. Males have a longer urethra, which means that the bacteria have to travel a longer distance to trigger the infection.

People with frequent UTIs should not have sex - If you believe that refraining from indulging in sexual activities is going to lower your risks of UTI, you might need to reconsider that thought. No doubt, women are quite likely to develop UTI after sex, but this doesn't mean that you have to give up altogether. You can easily manage the problem by urinating before and after indulging in sexual activities. If the problem still persists, you can consult an expert and take the prescribed dose of antibiotics.

Cranberry juice can help to negate the risks of UTI - No doubt drinking Cranberry juice can help to lower the risk of UTI, but it does not completely negate them. Hence you still have to be careful when it comes to your hygiene. Apart from taking Cranberry juice you can also try to stay hydrated, take showers instead of using bathtubs and refrain from using sprays and powders down there.