A urinary tract infection, also called a UTI, is an infection in your urinary system. Your urinary system is made up of your bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra.
"Urinary tract infections are very common in women, and studies show that UTIs account for over 6 million patient visits to doctors each year in the United States," Lisa Casanova, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist with Riverside Health System. Men can get urinary tract infections, too. However, only 3 percent of men are affected by UTIs in the United States each year.
What causes urinary tract infections?
For most urinary tract infections, the bacterium Escherichia coli is the cause. E. coli is found in the intestines of most people. But sometimes this bacterium travels to the urinary tract, which causes a urinary tract infection.
Other causes of persistent UTIs can include urinary tract abnormalities or blockages in the urinary tract. A suppressed immune system, diabetes and other diseases that prevent the immune system from protecting the body from infection can also cause UTIs.
Women are at higher risk for developing a urinary tract infection. These risk factors are outlined below:
- Female anatomy
Women have a shorter urethra than men, allowing bacteria easier access to the bladder. - Sexual activity
Having sexual intercourse can cause UTIs, because bacteria is introduced into the urinary system during sex. If you have a new sex partner, this may also increase your risk. - Some birth control methods
Some women who use spermicidal products as birth control may be at higher risk. Condoms that contain spermicidal products can also cause UTIs for some women. - Menopause
Many women experience several UTIs during menopause due to estrogen loss. This decline in estrogen causes the vaginal tissue to thin, making women more prone to urinary tract infections.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include the following:
- A burning or painful sensation when you urinate, which could also be caused by a sexually transmitted disease. It's important to get immediate medical care if you have these symptoms.
- A sudden urge to urinate, although you might not pass any urine
- Cloudy, dark or bloody urine
- Urine that has a strange odor
- Pain in your back or lower abdomen or bladder spasms
- Fever, shakiness or chills
How are UTIs treated?
The main treatment for urinary tract infections is antibiotic medication. However, some women with UTIs do not feel better after taking antibiotics, especially if the same antibiotic is prescribed many times to treat recurring urinary tract infections. Your doctor may need to order a urine culture to find out what type of bacteria grows on the urine sample. This can help your doctor know what types of antibiotics to prescribe, to treat the urinary tract infection.
Complications can occur if an antibiotic medication doesn't kill the bacteria that is causing the UTI. In this case, the bacteria continue to grow, which might result in the infection going into the kidneys.
How can UTIs be prevented?
If you are prone to getting frequent urinary tract infections, the following prevention tips can help you avoid them:
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements.
- When you wipe yourself, always wipe from front to back.
- Go to the bathroom and urinate immediately after sexual activity.
- Do not use feminine products that might irritate your urinary tract. Feminine sprays, douches, or powders applied to the genital area can irritate your urethra.
- Consider changing your birth control method if you are sensitive to spermicidal products.
- Wash the vaginal area after sexual activity.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes, which can trap bacteria near the urethra.
- Take showers instead of baths. Use a mild pH-balanced soap, as some scents and bath products can irritate the urethra.
- Try to avoid foods that irritate the bladder, including alcohol, acidic juices, caffeinated drinks, and spicy foods.
- Go to the bathroom frequently and do not hold your urine. Urinate as often as you need to.
"Remember to contact your doctor if you're experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections. Your physician can treat your symptoms and help you develop a prevention plan," says Dr. Casanova.
If you're looking for a physician to manage your gynecologic and urologic care, one of our Riverside Partners in Women's Health's women's health practices to schedule an appointment.
