Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and the Doctor Who Can Treat It

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. However, most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract, particularly the bladder and urethra. This condition can cause pain, a burning sensation during urination, and an increased urge to urinate.

Women are at a higher risk of developing UTIs than men. Although UTIs can generally be treated effectively, an untreated infection may spread to the kidneys and potentially lead to more serious complications. UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics, along with preventive measures to reduce the risk of recurrent infections.

One of the specialists who can treat UTIs is a urologist, particularly when the infection occurs repeatedly, is accompanied by urinary problems, or is related to abnormalities in urinary tract function. For these conditions, especially recurrent UTIs in women, patients can consult a urologist specializing in functional, female, and neuro-urology, such as dr. Andika Afriansyah, Sp.U, Subsp. FFN (K), MARS, who practices at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.

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What are the symptoms of UTI in women?

A UTI causes inflammation in the urinary tract, which can lead to various symptoms, including:

Pain in the flank, abdomen, pelvic area, or lower back.
Pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
Difficulty controlling urination, which may cause involuntary urine leakage (urinary incontinence).
Urinating more frequently than usual.
A sudden, strong urge to urinate that is difficult to control.
Pain or a burning sensation during urination.
Blood in the urine, which may make the urine appear pink, red, or brownish.

In addition to the symptoms above, a UTI may also cause:

Extreme tiredness or weakness.
Fever.
Chills.
Nausea and vomiting.
Confusion or changes in mental status, particularly in older adults or in severe cases of infection.

Causes of UTI in women

A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra, multiply, and cause an infection. Most UTIs affect the bladder and urethra, with Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacterium normally found in the digestive tract, being the most common cause.

Several causes of UTIs include:

E. coli bacterial infection, which is the most common cause of UTIs, particularly bladder infections.
The spread of bacteria from the anal area to the urethra, allowing bacteria to enter the urinary tract.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and mycoplasma, which can cause infection of the urethra.

Risk factors for UTI in women

Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men. Several factors can increase the risk, including:

Having a shorter urethra, which allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily.
Going through perimenopause or menopause, as changes in estrogen levels can affect the balance of bacteria in the vaginal area.
Using certain types of birth control, such as diaphragms or spermicides.
Having a history of recurrent UTIs, defined as having two or more UTIs within six months or three or more within one year.

Treatment for UTI in women

Treatment for a UTI generally involves antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. The type of antibiotic and duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection, the symptoms experienced, and the patient’s overall health condition.

Patients are advised to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if their symptoms have already improved. This is important to ensure that the infection is completely treated and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

If a UTI is caused by an underlying disorder or abnormality within the urinary system, the doctor will also identify and treat the underlying cause to help prevent recurrent infections.

In severe cases, such as when the infection has spread to the kidneys or the patient’s overall condition has deteriorated, hospitalization may be necessary. During hospitalization, patients may receive intravenous fluids and medications as well as close monitoring until their condition improves.

Doctor for UTI in women at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri: dr. Andika Afriansyah, Sp.U, Subsp. FFN (K), MARS

One of the doctors who can treat UTIs in women at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is dr. Andika Afriansyah, Sp.U, Subsp. FFN (K), MARS, a urologist specializing in functional, female, and neuro-urology.

He treats various conditions related to urinary tract function, urological problems in women, and urinary disorders caused by abnormalities or disorders of the nervous system.

dr. Andika completed his medical degree at Universitas Indonesia in 2008. He then continued his Specialist Training in Urology at the same university and completed the program in 2020.

To further develop his expertise, dr. Andika completed subspecialty training as a Consultant in Functional, Female, and Neuro-Urology through the Indonesian College of Urology in 2022. With this expertise, he treats various urinary tract disorders in both men and women, including urinary problems associated with neurological conditions.

What conditions does dr. Andika treat?

As a urologist specializing in functional, female, and neuro-urology, dr. Andika treats various conditions, including:

Urinary tract disorders in women, including recurrent UTIs.
Urinary problems, such as difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, or an inability to completely empty the bladder.
Urinary incontinence or difficulty controlling urination (involuntary urination) in adults and older adults.
Bladder dysfunction caused by neurological conditions (neuro-urology), including in patients who have had a stroke or have diabetes.
Various urinary tract dysfunctions that require evaluation and treatment by a urologist specializing in functional, female, and neuro-urology.

dr. Andika’s practice schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri

dr. Andika Afriansyah, Sp.U, Subsp. FFN (K), MARS is available for consultations at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri according to the following schedule:

Tuesday: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri more convenient, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or Care Dokter app, which is available for download on Google Play and the App Store. These services can help you plan your visit, check queue numbers, and access other useful information.

The information provided on this page is intended for educational and general informational purposes only and does not represent the full range of medical services that each doctor may provide. To determine the most appropriate treatment for your health condition, please consult the relevant doctor directly.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or require further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.