UTI - more than just a female annoyance
Written by Natalie Hopkins
Edited by Priya Ram
Jan 23rd 2022
Edited by Priya Ram
Jan 23rd 2022
It’s no secret that UTIs (urinary tract infections) are not only irritating but common, considering 50% of women will get one in their lifetime. Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria found within the intestine adhering to the lining of the urethra, causing painful and frequent urination.¹ With antibiotics, cranberry juice, and patience being the only remedies, an infection can be more than just bothersome for those with recurrent UTIs. They are not only painful but because they are common, they are overdiagnosed for women with any urinary symptoms which lead to overuse of antibiotics.² In a study conducted by The Department of Urology at David Geffen School of Medicine, six focus groups of women ranging ages 20-81 were asked about their experiences with medical care surrounding frequent urinary tract infections.³ The purpose of this study was to better inform clinicians on treating recurrent UTI patients and to shed light on the feelings and frustration that women experience.
To best understand the goals and fears of the women being studied, ground theory methodology was used. This means that instead of having a predetermined hypothesis or expectation of how the focus groups will go, the analysts gathered the data and focused on repeated keywords to determine what the frequently discussed subjects in the groups were.³ This allows for the patients’ voices to be heard rather than altered to fit the narrative of what is being studied. From this method, themes fell into two categories: negative impacts of taking frequent antibiotics and frustration with the way medical professionals handle treatment. The concerns with antibiotics were regarding resistance, fungal overgrowth, and recklessly providing them without other considerations. With regards to negative views on medical care, the consensus was about underestimating the condition, using UTI as a blanket diagnosis, being uneducated about other remedies, and not getting a timely diagnosis with laboratories.³ All of these issues presented can be frustrating to constantly endure as presented by the study, following up with reasoning for these remarks. Taking into consideration the patient as a whole is important in patient care as the name “patient care” itself indicates putting the patient first. The lack of concern for patients' needs regarding alternatives needs to be addressed along with lack of promptness in treating severe symptoms as such and being thorough about antibiotic side effects.
The study ends by concluding the two most prevalent keywords are “fear” and “frustration.” To supplement the argument for physicians to consider these statements other studies with similar findings are cited to provide additional support and information.⁴ This research demonstrates women’s struggles with solutions to UTIs and physician understanding, aiding the general public and physicians themselves in having a better sense of empathy and thoroughness in practice. This study presents a hopeful approach to understanding that the issues women are facing are worthy of discussion and require action and change in healthcare systems.
References
1. Urinary tract infection: How bacteria nestle in. ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160307092308.htm. Published March 7, 2016. Accessed December 30, 2021.
2. Hooton TM, Besser R, Foxman B, Fritsche TR, Nicolle LE. Acute uncomplicated cystitis in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance: A proposed approach to empirical therapy. OUP Academic. https://doi.org/10.1086/422145. Published July 1, 2004. Accessed December 30, 2021.
3. Scott, Victoria C., et al. “Fear and Frustration among Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Findings from Patient Focus Groups.” Journal of Urology, vol. 206, no. 3, 2021, pp. 688–695., https://doi.org/10.1097/ju.0000000000001843.
4. Markowitz MA;Wood LN;Raz S;Miller LG;Haake DA;Kim JH; Lack of uniformity among United States recommendations for diagnosis and management of acute, uncomplicated cystitis. International urogynecology journal. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30099566/. Published 2019. Accessed December 30, 2021.