Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that invade the urinary system and multiply. The infection can occur in any part of the urinary system, but usually starts in the urethra.

Causes

In most cases, bacteria (usually from the digestive tract) begin growing in the urethra. They cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. An infection limited to the urethra is called urethritis. From there bacteria often move on to the bladder, causing a bladder infection (cystitis). If the infection is not treated promptly, bacteria may then go up the ureters to infect the kidneys (pyelonephritis). Most infections arise from one type of bacteria, E. coli, which normally live in the colon and rectal area. In women, the rectum and urethra are fairly close together, and the bacteria can migrate into the urethra. This makes women more prone to Urinary Tract Infections. Infection can also be sexually transmitted. This type of infection usually does not spread past the urethra. Both partners need to be treated in the case of a sexually transmitted infection.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Sex: female
  • Being sexually active
  • Using a diaphragm for birth control
  • Menopause
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney stones
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Weak immune system
  • Abnormalities of the urinary system, including vesicoureteral reflux polycystic kidneys
  • Paraplegia
  • Sickle-cell anemia
  • History of kidney transplant
  • Bladder catheter in place, or recent instrumentation of the urinary system

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Frequent and urgent need to urinate
  • Passing small amounts of urine
  • Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
  • Increased need to get up at night to urinate
  • Blood in the urine
  • Leaking urine
  • Low back pain
  • Fever and chills
Note: Bloody urine, low back pain, a high fever and chills are all signs of a kidney infection. Call your health care provider immediately.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. A sample of your urine will also be tested for blood, pus and bacteria. Children and men who develop UTIs may require additional testing. There may be structural abnormalities of the urinary system that predispose them to infection.

Treatment

Urinary Tract Infections are treated with oral antibiotic drugs. Antibiotics will be prescribed for at least 2 to 3 days and maybe as long as several weeks. The length of the treatment depends on the severity of the infection and on your personal history. You most likely will start to feel better after a day or two. However, it is important that you continue to take the entire course of medication. Otherwise, the infection is likely to return. You may be asked to have your urine checked after you finish taking the antibiotic. This is to make sure that the infection is truly gone. If you experience recurrent infections, your doctor may prescribe stronger antibiotics or have you take them for a longer period of time. He or she may also recommend that you take low-dose antibiotics as a preventive measure, either daily or after sexual intercourse. If you still experience recurrent infections, you may be referred to a specialist. Pyridium is a medicine that decreases pain and bladder spasm. When taken, it may turn your urine and sometimes your sweat an orangish color.

Prevention

Here are some steps you can take to help keep bacteria out of the urinary tract:
  • Drink plenty of liquids.
  • Urinate frequently.
  • Empty your bladder and then drink a full glass of water after having sex.
  • Wash genitals daily.
  • Take showers instead of baths.
  • If you are a woman, always wipe from the front to the back after having a bowel movement.
  • Avoid using douches and feminine hygiene sprays.
  • Drinking cranberry juice may help prevent and relieve UTIs.