How do I differentiate between the various UTI such as acute pyelonephritis, cystitis and urethritis?

Doctor's Answers 1

Pyelonephritis is considered an upper urinary tract infection, commonly referred to as infection of the kidney.

Patients tend to be acutely ill, have a high fever, and would complain of flank pain and associated symptoms of poor appetite and even vomiting.

Cystitis and urethritis are lower urinary tract infections, loosely term as “UTI”. Cystitis would be a urinary bladder infection and urethritis the infection of the urethra (urine tube).

Symptoms of cystitis would include:

  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Irritative symptoms, E.g. frequency, and urgency of urination
  • Painful urination
  • Blood in the urine

Symptoms of urethritis can be similar to cystitis but there may be an absence of lower abdominal pain but the presence of discharge from the urethra.

Having said that, all three conditions can occur at the same time. And infection can spread from the lower tract to the upper tract of the urinary system.

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When is it helpful to see a urologist for a UTI?

Hi, you should see a urologist in situations as follows: 1. UTI not getting better after a course of antibiotics 2. Frequent UTI i. e. 3 attacks in a year or 2 attacks in 6 months 3. Flank or back pain with or without fever 4. Blood in the urine 5. If you have previous urinary stone diseases or you had surgery to your kidneys/ureters/bladder 6. If you have neurological problems such as spine problems, Parkinson's disease, stroke. 7. Males In my opinion, young ladies usually will need to see a urologist for situations 1–4.

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Why does sex cause UTIs, and how can I prevent UTIs after sex?

Frequent sex can introduce bacteria infection of the bladder due to proximity of the female urethra with the vagina and the anus. The female urethra is short and therefore it is easier for UTIs to occur. We sometimes refer to frequent sex causing UTIs as “honeymoon cystitis”Ways to prevent UTIs after sex: 1. Try to pass urine after sex2 Proper hygiene such as wiping from front to back or a wash (with water) after sex might helpIf the UTI occurs too frequently, you will need to be seen by a specialist to rule out any underlying causes.

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