Survey Shows Confusion About Urinary Tract Infections

(NUI) - Approximately 40 percent to 50 percent of women will experience a urinary tract infection, during their lifetime.

Accounting for more than 8 million doctor visits a year, left untreated, these common often overlooked infections can lead to severe health problems.

A national survey of 400 women who have experienced uncomplicated UTIs has revealed numerous misconceptions about risk factors and treatment options. The survey was conducted by the National Women's Health Resource Center and was supported by a grant from Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corp.

More than 85 percent of women surveyed did not realize that sexual activity is a primary risk factor for developing a UTI and were unaware that simple precautions, such as substituting other birth control methods for diaphragms or condoms with spermicide, can help prevent an infection.

"Today's active women need resources that will empower them to take charge of their health and prevent them from losing valuable time and energy to a common, often avoidable and easily treated condition," said Amy Niles, president and chief executive officer of the National Women's Health Resource Center.

Of the women surveyed, 75 percent did not realize that bacteria in the urinary tract or bladder could cause an infection. Instead, 30 percent believed the cause of a UTI to be primarily diet-related, such as not drinking enough fluids or consuming too much of a certain type of food or drink.

Regarding treatment, 34 percent responded that they would like to improve the process of curing a UTI by using an over-the-counter medication. However, an antibiotic is the only treatment that can cure a UTI, with regimens as short as three days available with a prescription.

"Many women suffer unnecessarily because they do not realize how easy a urinary tract infection can be diagnosed and treatment begun with a single office visit," said Dr. Richard Colgan, assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore and medical director in the department of family medicine.

"Women should talk to their health care providers about the risk factors, simple lifestyle changes and short-course treatment options that can help them quickly and effectively treat the problem," said Colgan.

For More Information:

Information about UTIs is available at www.healthywomen.org and at www.allaboututi.com.

Article courtesy of www.newsusa.com.