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Urologist: What Is It, When To See One & What To Expect
If we look back at ancient medical fields, Greeks or Egyptians, doctors repeatedly check the color, texture, and odor of urine to predict urology problems. However, they also look after blood, bubbles, and other signs of disease.
Today, the modern medical field is concerned with the health of the entire urinary system. It is called urology. This blog is going to focus on what a urologist is and what you can expect from a urologist, what urologists do, and more.
What Is Urology?
It is one type of medical field that focuses on urinary diseases like urinary tract, and male reproductive tract. Some urologists only focus on the general urology problems of the urinary tract. Other specialized urologists treat such as:
- Female urology- Focuses on conditions of a woman’s urinary and reproductive tract.
- Male infertility- It concerns the problems that prevent a man from conceiving a baby with his partner
- Neurourology- a neurologist concerned on urinary problems due to conditions of the nervous system
- Pediatric urology – Focuses on children’s urinary problems.
- Urologic Oncology, focuses on the bladder, kidneys, prostate, testicles, and cancer of cancers of the urinary system.
What Is A Urologist?
In simple words, the doctor who treats the urinary disease of male, female, and children is called a Urologist. Urologists can treat everything that relates to the Urinary process and reproductive tract.
In some cases, it has been seen that urologists suggest surgery. For example, they may remove cancer cells or open up the urinary tract. Urologists can treat any part of these urinary systems. This included:
- Kidneys filter waste blood to produce urine.
- Ureters are the tubes. Through Ureters, urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder.
- The bladder(hollow sac) stores urine.
- Urethra is the tube where urine travels from the bladder out of the body.
- The adrenal glands are situated above each kidney. It releases hormones.
When To See An Urologist?
When you may understand that the time has come to see a urologist? If you have the following symptoms, we recommend that you visit the best urologist in Kolkata.
- Blood in your urine
- Urine leakage.
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate.
- Trouble urinating.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Pain in your lower back, sides and pelvis.
- Weak Urine Flow, dribbling.
What can you expect from an urologist?
When you make an appointment with the best urologist in Kolkata, be prepared with a few question lists of urology problems that you should ask. It will help you to get the best suggestions from the doctor and make a good discussion.
On this note, you have to confess all urinary problems that you have. Plus prepared all medical history and documents. Urologists may proceed to tests for diagnosis of your physical conditions. Some of these tests are:
Physical Examinations
This process is different in order of gender. If you are male, then the doctor may do a rectal exam while, for females, you may need to have the pelvic test.
Urinalysis
For this process, the doctor asked for blood, semen, and urine samples.
Which conditions do urologists treat?
Urologists can treat a wide range of urology problems. Go to the following part:
In men, urologists treat:
- Cancers of the bladder, penis, kidneys, testicles, and adrenal and prostate glands.
- Prostate gland enlargement.
- Infertility.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Kidney stones.
- Interstitial cystitis (bladder syndrome)
- Kidney diseases.
- Prostatitis.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Varicoceles, or enlarged veins in the scrotum.
In women, urologists treat:
- Bladder prolapse.
- Overactive bladder.
- Cancers of the bladder, adrenal glands and kidneys.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Kidney stones.
- Interstitial cystitis.
- UTIs.
In children, urologists treat:
- Bed-wetting.
- Blockages in the urinary tract structure.
- Undescended testicles.
What Type Of Procedures Does Urologist Follow To Treat?
Urologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat urologist problems and the male reproductive system. They employ various procedures and treatments to address these conditions. Here are some common procedures that urologists may perform:
- Cystoscopy
This procedure involves using a cystoscope, a thin tube with a camera on the end, to examine the bladder and urethra. It helps diagnose and treat conditions such as bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and bladder cancer.
2. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
It is a surgical procedure performed to treat an enlarged prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The urologist removes excess prostate tissue through the urethra using a resectoscope.
3. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
This non-invasive procedure is used to treat kidney stones. High-energy shock waves are directed at the stones, which break them into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass through the urinary tract more easily.
4. Prostate Biopsy
Urologists may perform a prostate biopsy to obtain tissue samples from the prostate gland for further examination. It is typically done to diagnose or rule out prostate cancer.
5. Vasectomy
This is a surgical procedure performed on males for permanent contraception. The urologist cuts and seals the vas deferens, preventing sperm from reaching the semen.
6. Circumcision
Urologists are responsible for conducting circumcisions, which is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the foreskin that covers the tip of the penis. This procedure is usually done for cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
7. Nephrectomy
It is the surgical removal of a kidney. Nephrectomies may be performed to treat kidney cancer, and severe kidney infections, or to remove a healthy kidney for transplantation.
8. Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
Urologists can provide various treatments for erectile dysfunction, including medications, penile implants, vacuum erection devices, and lifestyle modifications.
9. Urodynamic Testing
Urologists may conduct urodynamic tests to evaluate the function of the urinary system. These tests measure bladder pressure, urine flow, and other parameters to diagnose conditions like urinary incontinence or overactive bladder.
10. Minimally Invasive Surgeries
Urologists often use minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, to perform procedures like kidney or prostate surgeries. These techniques offer smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
Final Words
Note that the specific procedures performed by a urologist may vary depending on the patient’s condition, urology problems, and the urologist’s expertise. It is best to consult with a urologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Here, we have jotted the most frequent questions about urology problems that people have asked. So, go through this part.
1. What Are Urologic Diseases?
The medical term “urologic diseases” refers to a wide range of medical conditions. All are related to urine filters and urine carried out of the body. The urologic disease can affect any age group of people. It doesn’t matter whether they are children, men, or women.
This disease can affect a particular part of the body. For females, it involves the urinary tract. And in men, they affect productive organs or the urinary tract.
2. What Is A Common Urology Problem?
Common urology problems include bladder control problems, urinary tract information, kidney stones, and prostate problems. However, some urologic problems are sustained for a short time, while others stay for a long time.
3. How Can I Keep Your Urinary System Healthy?
There are a few disciplines that you can follow to keep your urinary system healthy:
- Use the bathroom often and when needed.
- Urinate after sex.
- Be in a relaxed position while urinating.
- Follow hygiene at the toilet.
- Take time when urinating to fully empty the bladder.
- Do pelvic floor muscle exercises.
8 Misconceptions about Kidney disease
We have access to unlimited information owing to the digital space, and it gets quite difficult to segregate the facts from myths. If we take a closer look at certain medical conditions, then it is no surprise that people still try our age-old practices to get a cure. Moreover, people never think twice before believing a false statement with no scientific reason. The maximum number of false allegations are associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). These need to be cleared to help you achieve healthy well-being and understand the kidney disease symptoms.
Kidneys require more attention
Kidney overwork, as well as their condition, is overlooked. You need to take care of these bean-shaped paired vital organs of the body. They help to filter out the toxins from your body and maintain the flow of fluids in the body.
Kidneys help to keep your blood clean, help you stay hydrated, and also regulate various hormone functions. The degradation of these organs leads to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
9th March is celebrated as World Kidney Day to spread global awareness about the importance of kidney function and how to reduce the damage and protect it from daily impact. It is an initiative to debunk the myths associated with kidney treatment, cause and occurrence.
Let’s step into and debunk 8 common myths associated with kidney disease.
Myth 1: Kidney disease doesn’t affect everyone
Kidney disease or kidney stone symptoms is quite common nowadays due to a sedentary lifestyle. Even if a person appears healthy, they might be suffering from some level of kidney disease.
High blood pressure, aging, diabetes, history of kidney problems running in the family are the potential reasons behind every 1 out of 7 being affected by the disease. So, kidney disease can affect anybody irrespective of caste, sex and race.
Myth 2: Kidney testing process is time-consuming and costly
After consulting with a kidney specialist, it becomes quite easy to determine the testing process. You might be surprised that the kidney testing process requires two inexpensive tests:
- Urine test- This helps diagnose the amount of protein in the kidney and shows the sign of kidney damage.
- Blood test- This test helps determine the GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) number and shows how well the kidney functions.
Myth 3: Kidney diseases can be detected through symptoms
It is difficult to understand whether a person is affected by kidney disease. There are no specific kidney disease symptoms in the relay stage of the kidney disease. Most people do not even realize that they have a kidney disorder and remain unaware of the condition for years.
Usually, the symptoms start appearing when the disease reaches its advanced stage. So, it is always advised that if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or any other health issues, opt for a yearly health assessment.
Myth 4: Kidney disease has no treatment
People think that those who are at risk of kidney disease are not curable. But, you can easily reduce the severity and prevent kidney disease by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and this includes :
- Regular exercise
- Eating healthy and nutritious food
- Ditching the junk and oily food
- Maintaining blood sugar level and blood pressure
- Quitting overuse use of painkillers
- Quitting smoking and drinking.
These small steps will help to keep your kidney healthy. Moreover, a proper diagnosis at the right time can help to reduce the progression of the severity.
Myth 5: It is still unknown what causes kidney disease
The latest medical facilities have made it possible to understand what can lead to kidney disease. The two common reasons are – high blood pressure and diabetes. Both these diseases have the intensity to damage the tiny blood vessels present in the kidney. Other than these, there are many secondary reasons as well, such as –
- Heart disease
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Inborn kidney malfunction
- Glomerulonephritis
Myth 6: Dialysis is the only treatment for kidney disease
Dialysis is required when the disease progresses toward a severe condition or when the patient reaches the last stage of kidney disease. But, if the problem is detected in its early stage, then there are manageable approaches that can reduce the intensity of the disease.
You must exercise daily, take proper medications after consulting with the medical specialist and maintain a healthy diet. So, if you can stop the condition from getting worse, then you can prevent dialysis as well as the chances of kidney failure.
Myth 7: Back pain is a clear symptom of kidney disease
Back pain can originate from various reasons, and kidney disease might be one of them. But, a person suffering from pain in the back might not have any sign of kidney damage. So, you must consult the specialist to get a definite result and treatment.
If there is a blockage of kidney infection symptoms, you might suffer pain in the back that radiates from the flank and spreads to the side. This pain can even be felt when stretched or spread into the groin areas.
Myth 8: Kidney disease can be completely cured
The damages to the kidney are irreversible, and thus it is not curable. Yes, you can slow down the progression of damage to these blood filtration organs, but only if detected at the early stage. You can also try to reduce sodium intake and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep the disease under check. It usually has a high chance of progressing toward kidney failure.
Chances of getting affected by CKD
Reports show that women suffer from kidney disease more than men. Usually, people above the age of 20, suffering from diabetes, hypertension, or both, can lead to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
Can CKD generate diabetes?
Even if you do not have diabetes, chronic kidney disease can lead to its development eventually. The reason is that the kidney helps to break down insulin. But, if the organ is unable to perform, then insulin accumulates in the body over time, leading to high blood sugar levels or diabetes.
How to treat CKD?
Kidney failure has two treatments, dialysis or kidney transplant, which can only be undertaken if the doctor prescribes them. It is true that the treatments to cure Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are quite limited in most cases.
Moreover, there are fewer chances to prevent kidney disease, but debunking the myth can help you get health advice without losing time. So, you must always consult with the specialist at ILS Hospitals who are experienced in treating kidney damage and add a kidney protective edge to your prescription.
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7 Ways to manage Endometriosis
If menstrual cramps or ‘Dysmenorrhea’ stops you from carrying out everyday tasks, including climbing up the stairs and walking, you consult with a reputed gynecologist. These are signs of Endometriosis, a common reproductive disorder that is found in women 25-35 years of age. Endometriosis has a long-term impact where the tissues of the innermost lining of the uterus start to grow outside. This results in inflammation, scars and lesions, and only a gynecologist can help to manage endometriosis treatment.
The latest report shows that 1 in 10 women are globally affected by endometriosis. The condition affecting women below 25 years of age or postmenopause is rare but not ignorable. It has been reported that women who are lean and tall with low BMI get affected primarily.
What is the risk and cause of Endometriosis?
The common risk of Endometriosis is – Low BMI, abnormalities in the reproductive tract, short menstrual cycle, heavy flow during menstruation, problem in conceiving, etc.
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The cause is not quite clear. It is presumed that the endometriosis developing tissues might have been there since fetal development. Possibly, the condition has taken a spike due to puberty hormonal changes.
How to detect if you have Endometriosis?
Gynecologists always advise you to follow the signs and symptoms of a disease. This will help in early detection as well as manage endometriosis treatment.
If you have these symptoms, then it requires immediate medical consultation:
- Painful periods
- Severe premenstrual cramps
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Irregular bowel movement or constipation
- Pain during urination
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Constant fatigues
- Chronic pelvic pain
You must not skip the diagnosis, as untreated Endometriosis has the risk of developing into ovarian cancer. Further, mismanagement of Endometriosis might lead to infertility.
What are the ways to manage endometriosis treatment?
Doctors recommend a proper medical diagnosis, and based on that, treatments are prescribed.
Medical diagnosis includes:
- Examination of the pelvis to detect the presence of cysts
- Imaging tests, including USG, MRI, etc.
- Laparoscopy
- Biopsy
Management of Endometriosis
Your choice of endometriosis treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Pain management supplements and home therapies can help at the preliminary stage. If the risk of disease increases, surgeries are the best alternatives. Proper management of the disease can keep it under control but cannot cure it.
To manage Endometriosis, you have to include specific lifestyle changes, and that includes:
Regular exercise
Exercises help to keep the hormone balance in your body, especially estrogen. However, you must never step back if you feel pelvic pain during a workout. You can try brisk walking or any light exercises as an alternative. This would reduce the estrogen level, and you will feel less painful cramps during the period.
Working out helps the body to create more endorphins which make your body less susceptible to pain. So, with a regular habit of exercising, you will gain the endurance to bear menstrual pain.
Add green to your diet
The latest reports show that with a plant-based diet, you will be able to manage Endometriosis. So, try to add green fresh leaf veggies and fruits to your diet.
You can also add omega-3 fatty acid, such as walnuts and salmon, which is a healthy fat and helps in the management process. Try to cut down pork, beef, and red meat as these can trigger estrogen levels and increase inflammation.
Stop drinking alcohol
As soon as your body shows signs of Endometriosis, it would be best if you cut down on your drinking habits. Alcohol can trigger Endometriosis and make things worse.
Moreover, it can lead to severe abdominal pain and also increase abnormal tissue growth. If you are a heavy drinker, then, for the time being, you can switch to wine and beer; that won’t be a problem.
Add a healthy habit
A warm bath can help to relieve endometriosis pain. A long bath soaking in the tub feels quite relaxing.
Instead of relying on painkillers, you can also put a hot bag or a hot water bottle on your stomach. But, do check the heat intensity and do not burn yourself.
Try yoga or medication
Stress is part and parcel of the sedentary life and can worsen the endometriosis pain and symptoms. So, try to get involved in meditation or yoga. These have low intensity and involve less movement of the body, but they are highly impactful.
However, if the pain gets too intense, you can also consult with a therapist or a counselor and learn how to manage stress. These are all part of the self-care routine, and you must learn tricks and tips for stress busters.
Try to avoid caffeine and gluten products
Caffeinated drinks have the possibility of increasing inflammation and the risk of Endometriosis. This also includes soda, gluten and any sugary products. So, you must keep track of your diet and monitor what you are eating.
You must also avoid processed food, including bread, pasta, wheat and dessert. Try to include anti-inflammatory food in your diet, such as turmeric.
Get quality sleep
Maintaining a strict sleeping hour can help to boost the immune system of your body, and this helps to fight back Endometriosis.
So, avoid heavy meals at night and go to bed early. At least 6 hours of quality sleep is necessary to improve your fitness and reduce the severity of Endometriosis.
Try out alternative therapies
There have been proven results of endometriosis pain management for women who indulge in alternative treatment.
The list includes acupuncture, ayurvedic treatment, herbal body massage or herbal medicines. However, it is always advised to consult with the doctor before considering any therapy.
Medical Treatments to cure Endometriosis
It is most likely that you won’t be able to stand the pain as the conditions get worse. But, we cannot ignore the fact that some women are completely unaware and do not feel the extreme. Thus, regular checkups are suggested to eliminate all possibilities of the disease.
Doctors take the detailed history, go through the medical test and then suggest treatment –
- Painkillers – Supplement for the preliminary stage of pain management.
- Hormone medicines and contraceptives – These to control the growth of the endometriosis layers.
- Surgery – When medication is unable to control Endometriosis, surgery is the last option. The surgeon cuts the extra patches of tissues before it infects other organs of the body. Often, this involves hysterectomy (removal of the womb) to reduce the complications and life threats.
Takeaways
You must not ignore any kind of symptoms and immediately consult with a medical specialist. Based on the conditions, they can suggest the treatment options that would be suitable.
Delay Further, do not take over-the-counter supplements, as overdose can lead to extreme side effects. At ILS Hospitals, you can consult with the best gynecologist in Kolkata.
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Reasons Which Are Most Likely to Contribute to Urological Problems
Urological problems are pervasive in men and women of all ages today. Owing to our unhealthy lifestyle, these diseases could be short-lived or long term. Adults often ignore urological problems, but if these issues are not treated in time, one might have to face severe medical complications later.
The conditions do not occur automatically, and there is always some or other reason contributing to it. We usually do not pay attention to life events or habits that can potentially lead to urological issues. It’s high time we talk about them and take necessary notes to avoid them.
Ageing
With ageing comes a lot of bladder related problems due to the toughening of membranes. Urinary incontinence is one of the most prevalent issues in aged individuals. Furthermore, kidney stones and other chronic illnesses are also common. It is advised to visit urologists once you reach the age of 40.
Constipation
Constipation causes urinary tract infections in children and adults, which can further lead to urological disorders. If you suffer from constipation caused UTI’s, visit a urologist and bring necessary changes in your diet.
Blocked Urinary Tract
Obstruction in the urinary tract will lead to various urological problems concerning kidneys, urethra, uterus, bladder, etc. It will not only cause internal infections, but you might also witness the signs externally and through fluid discharge. Early detection and cure will save a person from complicated surgeries and stressful medication.
Diabetes
As diabetic people experience a severe grip of sphincter muscles and overactive bladder, the chances of occurrence of UTIs are high. Frequent urination may lead to infections. If you want to avoid urological complications, get diagnosed by a professional, and include the due medication.
Birth Defects
It is not mandatory that urinary tract related issue needs a stimulus to appear. In kids, these problems could be birth-related and can cause UTI’s at an early stage. Certain hospitals offer specialised services for such illnesses concerning children. Understandably, not all places are progressed enough to cater to all your needs and therefore, locate bigger cities near you for safe treatment. If you live in the northeastern part of India, try finding the best Urologist in Kolkata, as the city has some of the most advanced hospitals and offers a great set of choices for medical treatments.
Drinking Habits and Smoking
Alcohol increases the acidic character of urine. Also, the sugar content triggers the bacteria growth assisting in the development of UTIs. Similarly, smoking irritates the lining of the bladder and results in urinary incontinence. If you are a habitual drinker or smoker, the risk of urological problems is relatively high for you, and it’s time to consider your choices.
Physical Inactivity
Various researches have shown that prolonged sitting time and physical inactivity increase the risk of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). This situation is more common in females aged between 40-60 years. Encompassing 30 mins of aerobic exercise or any other physical workout form will help you overcome the urological issues.
Urological problems pose daily challenges in the affected person’s routine and degrade the quality of life. If you have any of such issues underway, you can visit https://www.ilshospitals.com/ and find the best urology hospital in Kolkata. For similar aids in other cities, there are plenty of well-reputed hospitals that provide a wide range of medical services. Other than medicinal assistance, you might as well try replacing destructive habits with healthier options for a prosperous living.
Who is at Risk of Developing a UTIs?
Even though it is quite challenging to point out who is suffering from what, but some people are more likely to have a few conditions different as compared to the others. We are going to discuss about Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). UTI can be treated with mild medication, if diagnosed at early stages.
Let’s understand what factors cause an individual to suffer from UTI.
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Holding pee for long duration
Holding pee for a long time puts at the risk of UTI. The same holds true for People having spinal cord injuries; and certain other damaged nerves around the bladder may find it difficult to empty the bladder entirely. The residual amount of urine in the bladder promotes bacterial growth and enhance the chances of getting a UTI.
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Enlarged prostate or Kidney Stone
Any abnormality in the flow of the urine can cause a UTI to onset. Enlarged prostate and kidney stones are some of the reasons contributing to the same. The people having diabetes belong to this very category and thus are advised to take special care of their kidneys.
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Sex
Sex is yet another major factor for the same. People who are sexually active are at more risk of having a UTI as compared to a person who is not. Having sex increases the number of bacteria developing in the urinary bladder, especially in case of women. But thankfully, the body, usually cleans these pathogens within next 24 hours.
The problems begin when the bacteria manage to stick to the lining of the urinary tract and it becomes more difficult for the body to perform its function.
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Certain birth controls
Using a birth control is advised to keep STDs at bay, but some birth control means can actually promote UTIs. It is true especially while using certain spermicides and condoms, which creates irritation in skin and allows the bacteria to spread into the surrounding regions as well.
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Catheters or tubes
Some reasons of UTI originate from the medical facilities itself. Certain conditions make an individual unable to urinate normally. Usually these patients are helped with catheters and tubes to facilitate urination. Use of catheter for more than a day can elevate the chances of UTIs greatly as these probes promote the growth of bacteria within the ureter and the bladder.
Hospitals often recommend to limit the usage of catheters until it is absolutely necessary.
What Is UTI And How Serious Can It Get If Not Treated On Right Time?
Each of the organs plays an important role in the overall functioning of the body. One of such organ system is the Urinary System. It removes the toxic fluid from the body. It comprises of kidneys, ureter, urinary bladder and urethra. Almost every individual suffers from some kind of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) at least once in their lifetime. The same can be treated in hospitals.
What is UTI?
UTI is any infection related to the urinary system. The primary pathogen for most of the UTI is E. coli. It resides in the bowel. Other major pathogens are Chlamydia and Mycoplasma. Non-pathogenic factors could be responsible for the same as well. This includes the use of catheter for a long duration.
Most of the UTIs affect the reproductive system and urethra, but spares the bladder. Since several of the UTIs are sexually transmitted, it is usually treated to couple in hospitals.
How serious can it get?
Usually UTIs are not very threatening. The immune system of the body deals with it on its own. Most of the infecting bacteria are flushed out of the system within 24 hours. But sometimes, these pathogens latch itself onto the inner lining of the uterus.
If effective treatment is not availed on time from a good and experienced urologist in Kolkata, it gets transformed into something more serious. Chronic kidney infection is most likely to occur for most of the UTI. Chronic kidney infection for a prolong period can ultimately cause permanent damage such as poor kidney function, kidney scar and high pressure in the kidney.
The most fatal condition that may arise is when the pathogens enter the bloodstream. This condition is called septicemia. Only an effective treatment from an experienced doctor, in the initial curable stage can save the life of the patient. It mostly comes down from oral medication to surgery.
Curing UTIs may sometimes get tricky; mainly due to the fact that often the primary source of infection remains out of treatment and the infection keeps recurring along with the treatment. Also, a person with a history of UTI is often more prone to develop UTI in the future. In this regard, several precautions and measures must be taken at the same time to ensure effective recovery.