Travel to India for UTI Treatment: Expert Doctors, Trusted Hospitals

UTI treatment

UTIs are widespread infections of the urinary system, such as of the bladder, urethra, ureters, or even kidneys. The severity, frequency and underlying cause determine the treatment. Here’s a detailed overview:

Standard Medical Treatment

Antibiotics (First-line treatment)

Administered depending on the location of the infection, the level of infection and bacterial resistance. Common choices:

• UTIs of simple nature (in the majority of cases bladder infections): Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, Fosfomycin.
• Complicated UTIs or kidney infection (pyelonephritis): Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, or Piperacillin-tazobactam (hospital cases).
• Period: 3-7 days in case of mild infection and more in cases of complications.

Pain relief

• Phenazopyridine (to burn and to hurt).
• NSAIDS such as ibuprofen may be used to treat a fever or pain.

Supportive Measures

• Consume lots of fluids (particularly, water) to clear out bacteria.
• And void often; do not retent urine.
• Use a heating pad on the lower abdomen or back that is warm so as to relieve pain.

Preventive Measures

• Good hydration (2–3 liters/day).
• Hygiene of the toilet (wipe front to back).
• Postcoital empty bladder.
• No irritants such as perfumed soaps, douches, and rough feminine hygiene products.
• Close garments and underwear made of cotton to eliminate bacterial growth.

UTIs recurrent (Chronic or Frequent Infections)

• Prophylaxis (Low dose); prophylaxis antibiotics (daily or post intercourse, under medical supervision).
• Estrogen (in case of postmenopausal women) to replace protective vaginal flora.
• In some instances, cranberry supplements /D-mannose can help decrease recurrence.

Best UTI treatment in India

The Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can be treated in different ways depending on the infection type (bladder, kidney, or recurrent), the health status of the patient and the presence of complications. Here’s a complete overview:

First-Line Medical Treatment (Most Effective)

• Antibiotics - primary form of therapy, selected on the basis of severity, urine culture and resistance.

Uncomplicated bladder infection (cystitis):

• Nitrofurantoin (5–7 days)
• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (3 days) - in case of a low local resistance.
• Fosfomycin (single dose)

Difficult or serious infection / kidney infection (pyelonephritis):

• Ciprofloxacin or Levofloxacin (5 -14 days)
• Ceftriaxone or other IV antibiotics (in the case of hospitalized patients)

Pain Relief

• Phenazopyridine - to burn pain (use only on a temporary basis).
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), - to reduce fever or pain, or inflammation.

Supportive Home Care

• Consume lots of fluids (2-3 liters/day) in order to clear the bacteria.
• Frequent urine- urinating.
• Put heating pad on lower abdomen because it is painful.
• Avoid irritants - caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods till infection gone.

Preventing Recurrence

• Stay hydrated daily.
• Urinate after sex.
• Wipe front to back (for women).
• Wear cotton underwear and tight clothes should be avoided.
• Recurrence may be reduced with Cranberry supplements or D-mannose.
• In postmenopausal women → vaginal estrogen cream can restore the natural protection.
• In regular instances of UTIs (preventive) low-dose antibiotics (prescribed by a doctor).

Special Situations

• Pregnancy: Treated with safe antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cephalexin or fosfomycin (UTIs not treated can result in complications).
• Men: Are usually presumed to be complex to treat, this is because they take longer periods on the antibiotic treatment and also, to be assessed on whether they have prostate involvement.
• Children: Children should always be examined in the course of their medical life in relation to the possibility of urinary tract abnormalities.

Urinary tract infection treatment Hospitals

Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon

The hospital is well equipped with a Urology Department that consists of specialists in most of the sub-fields. Symptomatic clinical evaluation (burning during urination, frequent urge, etc.). Urinal analogy and urine culture tests to determine which bacteria are causing and which antibiotics it is sensitive to. Other tests/imaging when necessary ultrasound, CT scan, imaging to exclude structural problems, or recurrent infections to exclude stones or obstructions. Taking right antibiotics according to type and severity of infection. The time can be different (mild bladder infection and kidney involvement). Pain relief/supportive therapy (if such symptoms as burning, urgency). Recommendation regarding prevention: hydration, hygiene, etc. Several specialists in urology including female urology, recurrent/chronic UTIs, exist. Multidisciplinary support: infectious disease specialists, gynaecologists (in the women), nephrologists in case of kidney involvement. They can offer more intensive management in the case of severe or complicated UTIs (kidney infections, the risk of spreading, high fever, etc.). Tests such as cystoscopy to help diagnose ongoing or complex problems with the urinary tract.

Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon

It possesses very large infrastructure: about 1,250 beds, very modern diagnostic laboratory and imaging, state of the art operation theatres, robotic surgery, critical care and numerous specialty institutes such as Urology and Nephrology. Complete urinalysis / urine culture / sensitivity studies to determine causative organisms and appropriate antibiotics. Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scan, etc. in those instances in which UTI is recurrent or there is concern of anatomical abnormality or involvement of the kidneys. Treatment with antibiotics depending on the bacteria found. Simple bladder UTIs can be treated in outpatient forms; more complicated forms (upper tract, renal involvement) can require additional care. (Best practice in nephrology/ urology departments). Treatment with the participation of both nephrology and urology specialists, depending on the kidneys involvement and related complicated UTI. Hydration, hygiene and preventive advice. Recurring UTIs follow-ups. In the case of recurrent, recalcitrant, or complex infections (as with stones, anatomical, or renal scars), Medanta may offer further diagnostics, perhaps with surgery, reconstructive urology, etc. They also possess a Nephrology department which includes Under Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) as one of the conditions that can be treated.

Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon

It is accredited (JCI, NABH) with a number of centres of excellence such as Urology/Renal Sciences. The Urology department is well endowed in the hospital with senior urologists such as Dr. Anil Mandhani (Executive Director, Urology) among others. They treat the kidney diseases and the urinary tract diseases and have been practicing advanced urology. Complete laboratory services urine analysis, culture and sensitivity probably (as a subset of urology/renal sciences). (The references to those of UTI are not expressly stated in all sources.) Imaging and endoscopic equipment: FMRI has developed imaging ( CT, MRI ), Flexible Ureteroscope, laser equipment etc. In simple UTIs (lower tract), standard antibiotic treatment, symptomatic treatment etc. may be treated. In complex or recurrent UTIs: FMRI has the capability to treat the reasons as anatomical, stones, obstructions etc. due to their endoscopic and surgical urology/renal units. Nephrology multi-disciplinary support, in case of kidney involvement. Prevention, hygiene, lifestyle advice and follow-up.

Max Hospital, Saket

It is a super-specialty hospital with a huge number of bed (530+ beds are stated in some sources) and several specialty units such as Urology and Nephrology. Urinalysis, urine culture and sensitivity tests are covered through Urology / Nephrology departments. The tests are used to diagnose causative organism and the right antibiotic. There are imaging facilities (ultrasound, CT scans) and other diagnostic supports available to examine the presence of complicating factors in recurrent or severe UTIs. Average antibiotic treatment of uncomplicated UTIs. In the case of complex or frequent UTIs, the services of a urology and nephrology specialist. Minimal invasive surgeries or surgeries on the eventualities of anatomical problems, stones or other obstructions that are causing recurrence of UTIs. Max Saket has developed urology services such as reconstruction surgery of urinary tract. Max Saket has various urologists that treat UTIs, among other issues of the urinary tract. Hygiene, prevention of recurrence and hydration advice. Follow-ups, especially in recurrent infections or risk of any kind, such as diabetes, structural urinary tract problems etc.

Urinary tract infection treatment Doctors

Dr. Rajiv Yadav

Dr. Rajiv Yadav, urologist specialist in India, has over two decades of experience in the treatment of Urological diseases involving Prostate, Kidney & Urinary bladder. His clinical focus is on Robot assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Prostate Cancer, Kidney Cancer and Urinary bladder cancers. He leads a team of experts which is proficient in handling all sorts of complex urological procedures.

Dr. Sanjay Gogoi

Dr. Gogoi has over 25 years of experience in comprehensive urology practice, specializing in complex and challenging urological procedures. He has performed over 1000 renal transplants. He also has a distinction in conducting one of the largest series of Paediatric kidney transplants in India. Dr. Gogoi is trained in robotic surgery and has extensive experience in performing robotic surgical procedures for both benign and malignant diseases of kidney, bladder, prostate, and adrenal glands. His forte is Retzius Sparing Robotic Radical prostatectomy, Radical Cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder & Robotic Kidney Transplant in large BMI patients. He is renowned for his work in reconstructive urology, including complex urethral strictures, congenital malformations (extrophy, epispadias, hypospadias etc), neobladders, phalloplasties, neo-vaginas, anti-incontinence treatments, and genito-urinary fistulas. Recognised both in India and abroad for his excellent outcomes in managing Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) (e.g. bladder agenesis, hypospadias, exstrophy- epispadias complex etc.)

Dr. Anil Mandhani

Dr. Mandhani has a unique experience of working in the best state-run hospital in India, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, where he helped train more than 100 residents to acquire M.Ch. degree and then in the best corporate hospitals in NCR. His expertise in robotic surgery (more than 550 cases) is unparalleled and he has been known for managing complex situations emanating from deviant outcomes of surgery done by others. His vast experience in kidney transplant surgery (more than 1000 kidney transplants) with many modifications has been his force to reckon with.

Dr. Anupam Bhargava

Dr. Anupam Bhargava, is a well-known Genito-Urinary Surgeon (Urologist) practising in Delhi. He has organised four National workshops and has been a committed teacher. He has several publications to his credit in his field of work. He has been attending National and International Conferences and has been chairing and participating in scientific sessions. He continues to impart training in Endourology to National and International Doctors which is wildly very popular among doctors from developing countries. He has vast experience in Endourology, Reconstructive Urology and Cancer Prostate.

UTI symptoms and treatment

The effects of the infection on the bladder, urethra, or kidneys differ in terms of their symptoms.

Typical Symptoms (Lower UTI - bladder/ urethra):

• Pain on urination.
• Urgent need to urinate often, even when little is produced.
• Dark or cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
• Abdominal/pelvic pain/pressure in lower part of abdomen.
• Blood in urine (hematuria)

Other Symptoms (Upper UTI kidney involvement):

• Fever and chills
• Sides or back (flank pain) pain.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue or malaise

Treatment of UTI

The treatment is based on severity, type (simple vs complicated), and those factors related to the patient (age, gender, underlying conditions).

Simple / Uncomplicated UTI

• Antibiotics (course, typically 37 days): The commonly used antibiotics include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin, or fluoroquinolones (selection is based on resistance and the patient status).
• Analgesia: ibuprofen or paracetamol fever/pain.
• Hydration: consume a lot of fluids to clear bacteria.

Complicated or Recurrent UTI

• Prolonged antibiotic therapy (7 days or longer, 14 days or longer).
• IV (intravenous) antibiotics when it is severe or there is involvement of the kidney.
• Further enquiry into underlying causes: kidney stones, obstruction, diabetes or structural abnormalities.
• Prophylactic antibiotics in small doses or lifestyle interventions could be included in the list of preventive measures.

Supportive / Preventive Measures

• Drink 2–3 liters of water daily.
• Pass urine more often; do not hold urine too long.
• Wipe front to back (use proper hygiene).
• In some individuals cranberry juice/supplements can be used to reduce the recurrence.
• Soon after intercourse (in women at risk of UTIs) empty bladder.

Factors Affecting UTI treatment cost in India

The following is an in-depth description of what factors affect the cost of treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI) in India:

Type & Severity of Infection

• Basic outpatient (consultation + antibiotics) is comparatively cheap.
• Complex or inpatient cases- IV antibiotics, tests and hospitalization- can tremendously raise the cost. 

Diagnostic Workup

• Urinalysis: Less expensive
• Urine culture and sensitivity: Expensive

Medication Expenses

• Antibiotics: More expensive on a course-by-course basis, based on the antibiotic, brand and length of treatment. 
• More medications (analgesics, alkalinizers): Less expensive.
• Inpatient drug charges may be high-in one study, antibiotics comprised 22.8-63% of direct costs in hospitalized versus outpatient cases of UTI. 

Consultation Fees

• Clinic visit: The price varies by the city and health care setting and price depends on general practitioners or urologists. 

Type of Hospitalization & Facilities

• Admission fees, room, nursing, and IV therapy on a daily basis may be higher in such cities as Bengaluru. 
• Costs are directly influenced by infrastructure and reputation of hospital (e.g. premium versus govt-run). 

Geographic Location

• Big metros are more likely to have expensive healthcare as compared to smaller towns or rural areas. 

Hospital/ Clinic Reputation

• Multi-specialty hospitals that are premium generally cost more in consultations, diagnostics and facilities.

UTI treatment in India with GetWellGo

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24 hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for UTI treatment.
• Expert urologists with a strong track record of success
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services
• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
• Local SIM Cards
• Currency Exchange
• Arranging Patient’s local food