Is Burning Sensation In Your Genital Area A Sign Of UTI? Urologist Weighs In With 2 Key Points

According to the National Library Of Medicine, uncomplicated urinary tract infections are among the common bacterial infections that around 40-50% of women are prone to experience. Sudden urge to pee, discomfort while peeing, and pain low down the tummy are some of the common symptoms of UTI, but there is ongoing confusion about whether a burning sensation can be a warning sign of UTI. We spoke to Dr Kshitij Raghuvanshi, a Robotic and Laparoscopic Urologist, at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune to understand whether a burning sensation can lead to UTI or not.

Is A Burning Sensation In The Genital Area A Sign Of A UTI?

Dr Kshitij Raghuvanshi said “genital region is a region which contains an external opening to the reproductive tract (vagina) and urinary tract (urethral opening). It lies near the anal region. It is important to understand that this region contains skin, subcutaneous tissue and many different glands. In women urethra and vagina and anal region lie near each other.”
He highlighted that the burning sensation in the genital region can be caused by various conditions: UTI, Stones, Vaginitis, inflammation of glands, STDs like herpes, and even perianal inflammatory conditions, etc.

How To Differentiate UTI From Other Causes Of Burning Sensation?

Dr Raghuvanshi  mentioned that to differentiate UTI from other causes of burning sensation in the genital region is by analysing the history and a good clinical examination is often enough.
He further added that UTI is accompanied by LUTS like increased frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, hematuria and Upper tract symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting and fever.
Reproductive tract involvement can be accompanied by a history of vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, and pain during sexual intercourse, he explains.

Why Are Women Prone To UTI?

Dr Raghuvanshi highlighted that women are generally more prone to the development of UTI because the length of the urethra in females is about four cm compared to male urethra about 18 cm. The proximity of the urethra to the anal region makes it easy for bacteria to ascend upwards and establish the infection.

He also highlighted that UTI is more common in diabetics, people who have bladder outlet obstruction, the presence of stones, indwelling catheters and stents. UTIs in males are generally considered complicated.

How To Prevent UTI?

According to Dr Raghuvanshi prevention of UTI is possible. He recommends:

• Maintaining perineal hygiene
• Cleaning genitals after intercourse
• Diabetics must try to keep their blood sugar levels under check
• Bladder outlet obstruction must be addressed, if present.
• The indwelling catheter must be changed periodically.
• Dr Kshitij Raghuvanshi highlighted that UTI is the most common hospital-acquired infection. Strict asepsis while manipulating the urinary tract must be mentioned. It can be done under antibiotic cover if required.
• In case of symptoms like increased frequency, urgency, urinary incontinence, blood in urine, pyuria, or fever with chills, an urological consultation must be sought.

Follow this urologist's suggested tips to keep UTI and burning sensation at bay.

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