A urinary tract infection (UTI), a common condition in India, is an infection of the body’s urinary system. Particularly common among South Indian women with type 2 diabetes, UTIs are found in 47.9% of cases, notably higher than the 34.1% incidence in men.
Given its potentially fatal nature, UTIs require prompt and professional care. So, identifying the right medical specialist for a UTI is crucial in managing it.
In this article, we’ll explain the importance of treating UTIs, what specialists to consult for UTIs, and how to choose the right doctor.
Understanding UTI & Its Symptoms
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria enter the urinary system (which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra).
Symptoms of UTIs depend on which part of the urinary system is affected. Some common symptoms include the following:
- Strong urge to urinate frequently
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Cloudy urine
- Bloody urine
- Lower abdominal pain
- Back pain
- Pelvic pressure
- Fevers and chills (in severe cases)
Early intervention is key to controlling symptoms and avoiding worse complications (like kidney damage and severe infections).
In addition to understanding your symptoms, you need to know what doctor to choose in light of your symptoms.
Types of Doctors to Consult for UTIs
Depending on your symptoms and other factors (like age and sex), here are six doctors you can consult for UTIs.
1. General Physicians (GPs)
GPs are often the first point of contact for all UTI symptoms.
They perform initial assessments and urine tests and prescribe antibiotics based on the severity of your symptoms.
GPs also advise patients on preventive measures and may refer them to specialists if complications arise.
2. Urologists
Urologists are doctors who specialize in the urinary system and treat UTIs that go beyond the scope of GPs, including recurrent infections.
They perform advanced diagnostic tests, prescribe targeted antibiotics, and may recommend surgical intervention if needed.
3. Gynaecologists
Gynaecologists specifically address UTIs in women, considering their symptoms have different anatomical and hormonal factors.
They focus on female pelvic health, recommend preventive care, and may prescribe antibiotics or refer you to urologists for specialized treatment.
4. Nephrologists
Nephrologists manage UTIs that affect the kidneys (like pyelonephritis, a UTI that spreads from the bladder to the kidneys) and related complications.
They monitor kidney function, prescribe appropriate antibiotics, and provide treatment to prevent long-term damage to your kidneys.
5. Infectious Disease Specialists
These doctors treat patients with antibiotic-resistant UTIs. They use advanced diagnostic techniques, recommend alternative antibiotic regimens, and coordinate with other specialists to address underlying causes of UTIs.
6. Paediatricians
Paediatricians diagnose and treat UTIs in children, considering their unique developmental needs. They prescribe child-appropriate antibiotics, monitor recovery, and in some cases, refer them to pediatric urologists for specialized care.
Importance of Seeking Timely Medical Assistance for UTI
Seeking timely medical assistance for UTIs can be vital. If left unchecked, UTIs could develop into worse problems, such as kidney infection or sepsis (a life-threatening response to infection).
Seeing a doctor from the onset of your symptoms allows you to tackle potentially bigger, more life-threatening problems from the get-go. It enables swift symptom relief, reduces the risk of recurrent infections, and impedes the development of antibiotic resistance.
How to Choose the Right Doctor
Consider the following factors when choosing the right doctor to treat your UTI:
- Severity of symptoms: If you’re experiencing symptoms that aren’t too severe (such as cloudy urine or difficulty urinating), your best bet would be to go to a GP. However, if your symptoms are more severe, we recommend seeing a professional from the start.
- Doctor’s experience: It’s better to choose a doctor who has more experience treating UTIs. More years of experience means they’ve treated a variety of UTIs, which increases your chance of successful treatment. We recommend choosing a doctor with at least seven years of experience.
- Reputed hospital: We recommend selecting a doctor who comes from a highly trusted and well-reputed network of hospitals known for ethical and compassionate care. This puts your mind at ease and assures you receive fair treatment.
Also read: What Doctor Should You Consult For Urinary Problems?
Importance of a Hospital for UTI Treatment
UTIs can significantly deter your quality of life and, at worst, lead to life-threatening conditions. So treating them with the right care is of the utmost importance.
That’s why we recommend choosing experienced doctors who come from a trusted network of hospitals.
At Ayu Health Network of Hospitals, our patient-first approach ensures you get the right treatment for the right cost.
Visit our website to learn more, or call +91 6366-100-800 to speak with our staff.
FAQs
Which Doctor is Best for UTI Problems?
The best doctor for UTI problems is a urologist. For women, seeing a gynaecologist for UTI problems would be more appropriate.
Do You See a Urologist or Gynaecologist for UTIs?
You can see either a urologist or a gynaecologist for UTIs. Gynaecologists are exclusively for women, whereas a urologist can treat both sexes.
What is a UTI Doctor Called?
A UTI doctor is called a urologist.
Do You Go to a Urologist for a UTI?
Yes, you would go to a urologist to diagnose and treat a UTI.
How do Gynaecologists Check for UTIs?
Gynaecologists check for UTIs through urinalysis and urine culture. These tests can detect infections, urinary stones, and other sources of UTI.
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References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2859475/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18314207/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2883276/
https://oatext.com/epidemiology-of-urinary-tract-infection-in-south-india.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482344/
About the Author
Dr. Udaybhaskar M
Dr. Uday Bhaskar is a renowned urologist currently practicing at Ayu Health, Bangalore.
He is proficient in Endourology, RIRS, (open and laparoscopy), andrology (penile lengthening & penile prosthesis for erectile problems), and other urological procedures. Over the course of his career, he has performed many laser TURPs for prostate enlargement. He also has vast experience in treating renal stones and performing PNCLs.