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When a UTI Keeps Coming Back A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause burning, frequent bathroom visits and significant discomfort. For some people, treatment resolves the problem and the infection does not return. Others find themselves dealing with urinary symptoms repeatedly. A recurring UTI should not simply become something you learn to live with. Repeated infections may sometimes justify further investigation to determine whether an underlying urinary problem is contributing to them. What Is a UTI? The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. A UTI develops when microorganisms—most commonly bacteria—cause infection within part of this system. Bladder infections are among the most common forms of UTI. If a bladder infection is not appropriately treated, infection can potentially spread upwards to the kidneys. Common UTI Symptoms Symptoms may include: Not everyone experiences exactly the same symptoms. Importantly, burning or frequent urination does not always mean that you have a bacterial UTI. Other urinary and genital conditions can sometimes produce similar symptoms. Why Might UTIs Keep Returning? Repeated UTIs can occur for several reasons. In some people, infections are genuinely separate episodes. In others, there may be factors that make it easier for bacteria to remain or repeatedly enter the urinary tract. Depending on the patient, a urologist may consider whether there are issues such as: Women are particularly susceptible to UTIs because of anatomical differences in the urinary tract. The relevant factors differ from person to person, so investigation should be guided by individual history rather than assumptions. Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters It can be tempting to recognise familiar symptoms and assume another infection has started. However, repeated antibiotic treatment without appropriate assessment is not always the right approach. Urine testing may be used to determine whether infection is actually present and, where necessary, identify the bacteria involved. Your healthcare professional can then decide what treatment is appropriate. Antibiotics should be used according to medical guidance. Do not save leftover antibiotics for a future episode, share antibiotics with someone else or change a prescribed course without speaking to an appropriate healthcare professional. How May Recurring UTIs Be Investigated? Your urologist may ask about: Depending on the findings, additional tests may be appropriate. These might include urine testing, blood tests, imaging of the kidneys and urinary tract, assessment of bladder emptying or, in selected patients, cystoscopy. Cystoscopy involves using a small specialised instrument to look inside the urethra and bladder. Not everyone with repeated UTIs requires extensive testing. The decision depends on the clinical circumstances. Can UTIs Be Prevented? Preventive advice should be individualised, particularly when infections are recurring. General bladder-health habits may include: If your UTIs are associated with a specific pattern or trigger, discuss this with your healthcare professional. Preventive medication may be considered in selected circumstances, but it is not something patients should start without medical guidance. When to Seek Medical Attention Contact a healthcare professional if you develop symptoms consistent with a UTI. More urgent assessment is important if urinary symptoms occur together with possible signs of kidney infection, including: These symptoms can indicate that infection has travelled beyond the bladder and needs prompt medical treatment. You should also seek assessment for blood in the urine rather than assuming it is simply part of another UTI. Recurring Symptoms Deserve a Closer Look Having repeated urinary symptoms can be frustrating, but repeatedly experiencing the same problem is also useful clinical information. A recurring UTI may warrant a more detailed assessment to establish whether there is an underlying factor contributing to infection. The aim is not simply to treat today’s symptoms, but where possible to understand why they are happening. Book a Consultation with Kalahari Urology If you are experiencing urinary symptoms or have concerns about your urological health, consider arranging a consultation with Dr Wela Vabaza at Kalahari Urology for specialist assessment and guidance. Kalahari Urology | Dr Wela VabazaTel: +27 65 076 6455Email: Reception@kalahariurology.co.zaPractice Number: PR 1255703Website: kalahari-urology.co.za Early assessment can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate next steps.

What Are Kidney Stones? Kidney stones are hard deposits that form when certain substances in urine become concentrated enough to form crystals and eventually stones. Some are small enough to pass through the urinary tract without intervention. Others can become lodged in the ureter—the tube connecting a kidney to the bladder—and cause significant pain or obstruct urine flow. Knowing the symptoms and understanding when kidney stone treatment may be needed can help you respond appropriately. What Does a Kidney Stone Feel Like? Kidney stones do not always cause symptoms while they remain in the kidney. Problems commonly begin when a stone moves into the urinary tract. Possible symptoms include: Symptoms vary depending on the stone’s location and whether it is causing an obstruction. Why Do Kidney Stones Form? Urine naturally contains minerals and other substances. Kidney stones can develop when certain stone-forming substances become sufficiently concentrated to crystallise. There are different types of stones, and the reasons they form vary. Factors that may increase the likelihood of kidney stones include: Having had one kidney stone may also increase your likelihood of developing another. How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed? Your doctor will consider your symptoms and medical history. Tests may then be used to determine whether a stone is present and, importantly, where it is located and how large it is. Depending on the situation, assessment may involve: Understanding the stone’s size and position helps determine whether it is likely to pass or whether intervention should be considered. For patients with recurrent stones, further investigation may help identify factors contributing to repeated stone formation. Kidney Stone Treatment Depends on the Individual Stone There is no single treatment that is right for every kidney stone. Smaller Stones Some smaller stones can pass naturally. A healthcare professional may recommend appropriate fluid intake and medication to manage symptoms or assist stone passage where clinically suitable. Follow-up can still be important to confirm that the stone has passed and is no longer causing obstruction. Stones Requiring Intervention A larger stone, persistent obstruction, uncontrolled symptoms, infection or other clinical factors may make active treatment necessary. Treatment can involve breaking a stone into smaller fragments or removing it using a procedure. Modern urology offers several minimally invasive approaches, but the appropriate procedure depends on the stone’s: Your general health and individual anatomy are also considered. Can You Prevent Kidney Stones? Not every kidney stone can be prevented, but certain measures may reduce risk. Stay Appropriately Hydrated Adequate fluid intake is one of the most important components of kidney stone prevention. Water is generally the preferred fluid. However, there is no single ideal amount for every person. Your needs can vary according to climate, physical activity, medical conditions and previous stone history. This is particularly relevant in South Africa’s hotter regions, where fluid losses through sweating can increase. Understand What Type of Stone You Have Different stones can require different dietary recommendations. Depending on the stone type, a healthcare professional may discuss factors such as sodium, animal protein, calcium or oxalate intake. Do not drastically eliminate calcium or other nutrients simply because you have heard they cause stones. Dietary recommendations should be appropriate for the type of stone and your overall nutritional needs. Follow Up After Repeated Stones If you repeatedly develop kidney stones, identifying why may allow your healthcare team to recommend more personalised preventive measures. When to Seek Medical Attention Kidney stone symptoms should be assessed, particularly when the pain is significant or persistent. Seek urgent medical attention if severe stone-like pain occurs together with: A stone that obstructs urinary drainage in the presence of infection can require urgent medical treatment. Blood in the urine should also be appropriately investigated because kidney stones are only one of several possible causes. Don’t Assume Every Back Pain Is a Kidney Stone Kidney stones can produce characteristic pain, but pain in the back, side or abdomen can have many causes. Likewise, having experienced a kidney stone before does not mean every future episode of pain is another stone. Appropriate assessment helps establish the diagnosis and determines whether observation or kidney stone treatment is required. Book a Consultation with Kalahari Urology If you are experiencing urinary symptoms or have concerns about your urological health, consider arranging a consultation with Dr Wela Vabaza at Kalahari Urology for specialist assessment and guidance. Kalahari Urology | Dr Wela VabazaTel: +27 65 076 6455Email: Reception@kalahariurology.co.zaPractice Number: PR 1255703Website: kalahari-urology.co.za

Understanding Your Prostate Health Changes in urination are easy to dismiss, especially when they develop gradually. You might notice that your urine stream is weaker than it used to be, that you need to visit the bathroom more frequently, or that you are waking several times during the night to urinate. While these changes do not automatically mean something serious is wrong, they can sometimes be connected to prostate health. The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system. It sits below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra—the tube that carries urine out of the body. Because of its location, changes in the prostate can affect urination. Several conditions can affect the prostate, including benign prostate enlargement, inflammation and prostate cancer. Many symptoms overlap, which is why symptoms alone cannot tell you what condition you have. A medical assessment is needed to determine the cause. 7 Prostate Symptoms Worth Paying Attention To 1. A Weak Urine Stream A noticeable reduction in the strength of your urine stream may occur when urine has difficulty passing through the urethra. One possible reason is an enlarged prostate pressing on the urethra, although bladder conditions and other urinary problems can produce similar symptoms. 2. Difficulty Starting Urination Some men notice that they stand at the toilet for longer before urine begins to flow. You may also experience a stop-start urine stream rather than a continuous flow. These symptoms are commonly associated with lower urinary tract problems and deserve assessment if they persist or worsen. 3. Urinating More Often Than Usual Frequent urination can have many possible explanations. It may relate to the prostate, bladder, urinary infection, certain medicines, fluid intake or other health conditions. What matters is recognising a meaningful change in what is normal for you. 4. Waking Frequently During the Night to Urinate Getting up during the night to urinate is known medically as nocturia. An occasional nighttime bathroom visit does not necessarily indicate a prostate problem. However, repeatedly waking to urinate—particularly if this is new or interfering with sleep—is worth discussing with a healthcare professional. 5. Feeling That Your Bladder Has Not Emptied After urinating, you may still feel as though there is urine remaining in your bladder. An enlarged prostate can sometimes interfere with complete bladder emptying. Over time, significant obstruction may contribute to complications such as urinary retention, urinary infections or bladder stones. 6. Urinary Urgency Urgency is the sudden, strong feeling that you need to urinate and may struggle to delay going to the bathroom. Although prostate conditions can contribute, urgency can also be related to the bladder and other urinary conditions. 7. Blood in the Urine Blood in the urine is called haematuria. Sometimes blood is clearly visible, making urine appear pink, red or brown. At other times, microscopic amounts of blood are detected during a urine test. Possible causes include infection, urinary stones, inflammation, an enlarged prostate, kidney disease and, in some cases, cancers affecting the urinary tract. Visible or confirmed blood in the urine therefore deserves appropriate medical assessment rather than being assumed to come from the prostate. Does Having Urinary Symptoms Mean Prostate Cancer? No. This is an important distinction. Several non-cancerous conditions can cause urinary symptoms. One of the most common is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly called an enlarged prostate. BPH is not prostate cancer. It occurs when the prostate becomes enlarged without the growth being caused by cancer. Inflammation or infection involving the prostate can also cause symptoms. At the same time, urinary symptoms should not simply be attributed to ageing or BPH without an appropriate assessment. The purpose of seeing a doctor is not to assume the worst. It is to identify the most likely cause and determine whether treatment or monitoring is needed. How May a Prostate Problem Be Investigated? A prostate assessment begins with a conversation. Your urologist may ask about: Depending on your symptoms, age and individual circumstances, further evaluation may include a physical examination, urine testing, blood tests such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, urinary-flow assessment, ultrasound or other investigations. Not every patient requires every test. The appropriate investigation depends on the individual clinical picture. Treatment Depends on the Cause There is no single treatment for “prostate problems.” For example, mild symptoms associated with BPH may sometimes be monitored. Lifestyle adjustments may also be recommended. Other patients may benefit from medication. When symptoms are significant, complications develop or medication is unsuitable or ineffective, a procedure or surgery may be considered. Minimally invasive approaches are available for selected prostate conditions and patients. Your urologist can explain which options are clinically appropriate after establishing a diagnosis. When to Seek Medical Attention Consider arranging a routine medical assessment if you have persistent: More urgent medical attention may be appropriate if you are unable to urinate at all, develop significant pain, or experience urinary symptoms together with fever and chills. Blood in the urine should also be medically assessed. Paying Attention to Prostate Health Changes in urination do not automatically indicate a serious prostate condition, but they should not always be ignored. Understanding your prostate health means recognising changes, discussing persistent symptoms and obtaining an appropriate assessment rather than attempting to diagnose yourself. Early evaluation can clarify what is causing your symptoms and whether monitoring, lifestyle changes, medication or another form of management should be considered. Book a Consultation with Kalahari Urology If you are experiencing urinary symptoms or have concerns about your urological health, consider arranging a consultation with Dr Wela Vabaza at Kalahari Urology for specialist assessment and guidance. Kalahari Urology | Dr Wela VabazaTel: +27 65 076 6455Email: Reception@kalahariurology.co.zaPractice Number: PR 1255703Website: kalahari-urology.co.za Early assessment can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate next steps.