Grace Redwood, a 27-year-old PR professional, vividly describes her experience with a UTI: “It was excruciating. I felt nauseous and not on this planet.” She endured cold shivers, fever, and agonizing back and stomach pain, eventually leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. “I ended up having to call an ambulance as my lips went blue, my temperature was sky high, and I was completely dazed,” she shares.
Despite the severity of her condition, Grace’s boyfriend initially dismissed her pain, highlighting a common misconception that UTIs are not serious. This misconception is further fueled by a lack of awareness and understanding, especially among men. New research from Newfoundland Diagnostics reveals that a staggering 71% of men who have never experienced a UTI don’t believe they can be that painful.
Dr. Chung Tang, medical director at Pall Mall Medical, sheds light on why this misconception persists. “Generally, UTIs are more common in women, so men might be less familiar with the symptoms and the severity of the discomfort they cause.” Additionally, societal expectations often pressure men to downplay pain and discomfort, contributing to the dismissal of UTI symptoms.
The belief that UTIs are temporary is another contributing factor. Research indicates that 25% of women with at least one UTI will experience recurrent infections, and some individuals live with persistent symptoms due to chronic UTIs. Shockingly, around 6,000 people die from hospital-acquired UTIs annually, highlighting the seriousness of these infections.
Mo Carrier, a 27-year-old from Manchester, faced recurrent UTIs during her university years. She describes the constant pain in her lower abdomen, a dull ache, and pressure in her pelvic area. “I remember being in a lecture and I had to leave the room because I was in so much pain and couldn’t think about anything other than needing to go to the toilet,” she recalls.
UTIs affect the urinary tract, including the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), and kidneys (kidney infection). There are precautions that individuals can take to reduce their risk, such as staying hydrated, peeing frequently, especially after sex, and wiping front to back after using the toilet. It’s crucial to seek medical attention and get tested if any symptoms arise.
While UTIs are more common in women, men are not immune. Christian Coker, a 38-year-old fitness instructor from London, experienced a UTI himself. “After a few days of discomfort, I checked in with my GP. I also went to my sexual health clinic for a check-up as I suspected it may have been an STI. The last thought I had on my mind was that it was a UTI, as I thought men couldn’t get them.”
Dr. Tang emphasizes the importance of increased awareness and education to reduce the stigma surrounding male UTIs. “Public health campaigns can play a crucial role in normalizing the conversation around UTIs in men by highlighting that they can affect anyone, regardless of gender. Doctors and pharmacists should actively discuss UTIs with men, ensuring they understand the symptoms and the importance of seeking treatment.”
The Urology Foundation’s trustee and consultant urologist, Roland Morley, clarifies that UTIs in men can be caused by various factors, including tight foreskin, urethral strictures, enlarged prostate, and difficulty emptying the bladder.
To raise awareness and encourage conversations about UTIs, Newfoundland Diagnostics and The Lazy Scientist have created a hot sauce, “Feel The Burn,” that imitates the symptoms of a UTI. This initiative aims to bring attention to the impact of these infections, particularly on women.
The experiences shared by Grace, Mo, and Christian underscore the need for a broader understanding of UTIs and their potential for causing significant pain and complications. By dispelling misconceptions, increasing awareness, and promoting open conversations, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, receives timely and appropriate medical care when faced with UTIs.
