Urinary Tract Infection

What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, happens when bacteria get into any part of the urinary system — the bladder, kidneys, ureters or urethra. Most UTIs affect the bladder and urethra, which are part of the lower urinary tract.

UTIs are very common, especially in women. In fact, more than half of all women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. Men, children and older adults can also get UTIs.

When left untreated, a UTI can lead to a kidney infection, which is more serious and can cause permanent damage.

What Causes a UTI?

Most UTIs are caused by E. coli, a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines. The bacteria can spread from the rectum to the urethra and up into the bladder.

Common causes and risk factors include:

• Not drinking enough water
• Holding in urine for long periods
• Wiping from back to front after using the bathroom
• Sexual activity
• Certain types of birth control (like diaphragms)
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Having a urinary catheter
• Conditions like diabetes or kidney stones 

Common UTI Symptoms

UTI symptoms can vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is affected.

Bladder or urethra infection (lower UTI):

• Burning feeling during urination
• Urge to urinate often, even if little comes out
• Cloudy, dark or bloody urine
• Bad-smelling urine
• Lower belly or pelvic pain
  
  

Kidney infection (upper UTI):

• Fever and chills
• Pain in your back or side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling tired or weak
  
  

How Is a UTI Diagnosed?

If your health care provider suspects a UTI, they will usually ask for a urine sample to look for signs of infection like white blood cells and bacteria. In some cases, additional tests may be needed, such as:

Urine culture (to identify the specific bacteria)

Imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scan for repeat infections

Cystoscopy (a camera to look inside the bladder)

Antibiotics
Most UTIs are treated with oral antibiotics, which help clear the infection in a few days. It's important to take the full course, even if you start feeling better.

If your infection is more serious or affects your kidneys, you may need stronger antibiotics or treatment in a hospital.

Pain Relief
To ease symptoms while the antibiotics take effect, your doctor may recommend:

• Drinking lots of water to flush out bacteria
• Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen for pain
• A heating pad on your lower abdomen
  
  

Some people also take urinary pain relievers (like phenazopyridine), but only for a short time and under medical advice.

How to Prevent UTIs

You can lower your risk of urinary tract infections with a few simple steps:

• Drink plenty of water daily
• Don’t hold your urine for too long
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
• Urinate after sex to help flush out bacteria
• Avoid scented products near your genitals (like sprays or douches)
• Choose cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants
• Talk to your health care provider if you get frequent UTIs — you may benefit from preventive treatment

If you think you have a UTI, don’t wait — talk to your health care provider. Fast treatment can prevent the infection from spreading to your kidneys and keep you feeling your best.