A Guide to Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is one of the leading causes of visiting the doctor. It is common in women rather than men due to the anatomic structure of women’s excretory system in relation to the reproductive system. This means that because women’s anus is located very near to the urethra, as compared to men, the spread of infection is most likely to occur in female. Symptoms may vary from frequent urination to painful peeing. UTI is also referred to as acute uncomplicated cystitis. This was discussed by experts on a symposium held last July 19, 2016 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Makati, Philippines sponsored by the Cathay Drug Co. Inc. and Zambon Italy.

Urethra is the passageway of urine coming from the kidneys. If the Escherichia coli, a form of bacteria that is the most common culprit causing UTI, coming from the gastrointestinal tract where they normally reside, accidentally reach the urethra, problems occur. One of the most common problems caused by this is the urinary tract infection.
UTI can be caused by several factors and most of them are one’s habitual practice which may seem “harmless”, but in the long run, will lead to this type of infection. If left untreated, this can lead to decrease quality of life.

Studies show that some of the most common causes of UTI are:

• prolonged sitting rather than getting up and do some exercises
• excessive consumption of sweets
•  incorrect way of wiping after urinating (women), wiping should be from Front to Back ALWAYS!
• Not peeing after sex – peeing after sex helps flush out the bacteria that may reach the urethra
• Dehydration – hydration is the most common remedy for UTI
• Using some types of birth control pills that can irritate the urinary tract such as diaphragm
• Pregnancy – due to the pressure to the bladder
• Wearing sexy underwear – they can cause friction so it is advise to wear cotton panties as much as possible and to change is as often as necessary

To identify a UTI, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

• A burning feeling when you urinate
• A frequent or intense urge to urinate, even though little comes out when you do
• Pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen
• Cloudy, dark, bloody, or strange-smelling urine
• Feeling tired or shaky
• Fever or chills (a sign the infection may have reached your kidneys)

UTI is not a medical emergency and can be avoided if we follow simple rules such as drinking plenty of water and peeing immediately when you feel the urge to, wiping from front to back (urethra to vagina to anus) after peeing, peeing before going to bed and most importantly, observing proper hygiene.

Treatments for UTIs

When one suffering from uncomplicated cystitis visits the doctor, they are usually given prescription of antibiotics that he has to take for 7 days. Aside from the cost, taking antibiotics usually 3x a day for 7 days is an added burden. However, most of the doctors nowadays prescribed Fosfomycin, such as Monurol 3g/sachet granules for solution, a prescription drug intended to treat UTI in just one dose! Talk about taking the right drug with the right dose at the right time and, duration. Again, discuss your case with your doctor before taking any prescription drug. Monurol is a prescription drug, so one must obtain valid prescription from a trusted expert/doctor as it is against the law to dispense without prescription. It is also important to mention that before using any prescription drug, you have to seek expert’s advice first and ask about Fosfomycin or Monurol.

Monurol is a product of Cathay Drug Company, Inc . is ranked no. 8 in the Philippine Pharmaceutical Industry Audit for Ethical segment by IMS Qtr. June 2015 and the company is ranked no. 2 among national pharmaceutical companies (ethical segment). It is located at Amorsolo Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City with contact number +632.892-5936 or you may reach them at info@cathaydrug.com