Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A UTI is an infection in your urinary tract. Bacteria like E. coli trigger most UTIs when they enter your urinary tract. Most UTIs affect your bladder and urethra. But more severe infections can also impact your kidneys and ureters (the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder).

Anyone can get a UTI. But these infections are more common in females than males. Female patients have shorter urethras, so it’s easier for bacteria to invade the bladder. Roughly half of females and only 15 percent of males will experience at least one UTI during their lifetime.

UTIs cause inflammation in your urinary tract. This inflammation can cause:

• Blood in your urine
• Burning or pain when you urinate
• Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
• Frequent urination
• Pain in your abdomen, lower back, side or pelvis
• Pressure in your lower pelvis
• Urinary incontinence (accidentally leaking urine)

Other UTI signs that can accompany these symptoms include:

• Chills
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Nausea
• Pain in the penis (for male patients)
• Vomiting

It’s also possible to experience specific symptoms based on where the infection is in your urinary tract.

Bladder. A UTI that impacts your bladder will cause:.

• Blood in urine
• Frequent, painful urination
• Lower abdominal discomfort
• Pelvic pressure

Kidneys. If your UTI affects your kidneys, you will experience:

• Back or side pain
• Chills
• High fever (above 103°F)
• Nausea
• Shaking
• Vomiting

Urethra. A UTI that affects your urethra will cause:

• Burning with urination
• Discharge

Multiple factors can increase your risk of developing a UTI, including:

• Catheters. Using a catheter to urinate can make it easier for bacteria to enter your bladder.
• Suppressed immune system. Some conditions like diabetes can reduce your body’s ability to fight germs.
• Urinary tract blockages. Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can block urine from leaving your bladder.
• Urinary tract problems. Problems with your urinary tract that are present from birth (congenital conditions) can make urinating more difficult.
• Urinary tract procedures. Medical instruments used in urinary tract surgeries or exams can introduce bacteria.

Some risk factors apply specifically to female patients:

• Birth control. Diaphragms and spermicidal agents can increase UTI risk.
• Female anatomy. Females have shorter urethras than males, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
• Menopause. A drop in estrogen changes the urinary tract. It makes tissues thinner, drier and more vulnerable to irritation, increasing UTI risk.
• Sexual activity. Being sexually active elevates UTI risk. You are also at greater risk when you have sex with someone new.

UTIs can be painful and interrupt your daily activities. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, our expert providers can help. They may suggest several tests to diagnose your infection. These tests include:

• Urinalysis. Our providers will send a sample of your urine to the laboratory to test it for bacteria and white blood cells.
• Urine culture. Laboratory staff examine your urine sample to identify which bacteria is present. Results will directly affect your treatment options.

Some UTIs don’t respond to treatment. In these cases, our providers may recommend additional tests that can determine other conditions affecting treatment. These exams include:

• CT scan. This diagnostic imaging test captures pictures of your urinary tract to reveal any structural concerns or other signs of disease.
• Cystoscopy. This test uses a cystoscope (a thin tool with a light and lens on the end) to examine the inside of your bladder and urethra.
• Ultrasound. This diagnostic imaging test uses a wand and sound waves to see your bladder, kidneys and urethra.

Antibiotics are the first step in UTI treatment. If your provider prescribes an antibiotic, finish the entire course, even if your symptoms go away. If you don’t take all the medication, your infection may return and be harder to clear up.

If you develop frequent UTIs, our providers may recommend taking a low-dose daily antibiotic for slightly longer. This strategy isn’t common, but it may stop your infections from coming back.

The antibiotic may take a day or two to reduce your symptoms. Several lifestyle behaviors can offer some relief in the meantime. You can:

• Avoid drinks that irritate your bladder (alcohol, citrus juices, coffee and soda).
• Drink plenty of water to flush the bacteria from your bladder.
• Take pain-relieving medication to reduce burning and discomfort during urination.
• Use a heating pad on your stomach to reduce bladder pressure and pain.

Cranberry juice and UTIs

You may have heard you should drink cranberry juice if you get a UTI. Existing research is unclear about whether cranberry juice can treat UTIs. But evidence suggests cranberries contain a substance called proanthocyanidins that makes it harder for bacteria to stick to the walls of your bladder. However, cranberries can be very acidic and hard on your stomach. Taking cranberry extract supplements may upset your stomach less and still ward off UTIs.

Fortunately, you can take several steps to avoid getting a UTI. These behaviors include:

• Avoiding tight clothes. Tight clothes and nylon underwear can create a moist environment where bacteria thrive. Choose loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear.
• Changing birth control. Female patients who use diaphragms should consider a different birth control method if they get frequent UTIs.
• Drinking lots of fluids. Extra fluids can help flush bacteria from your urinary tract. Water is best, so drink between six to eight glasses every day.
• Taking showers. Avoid tub baths. Bacteria and dirt from your skin can float in the water and reach your urethra.
• Urinating frequently. Don’t wait until you need to go to the bathroom. Urinating is one of your body’s ways of eliminating waste. So, urinating more often can remove bacteria from your body.
• Urinating after sex. Having sex can push bacteria into the urethra. Urinating before and after sex can prevent bacteria from invading your urinary tract.
• Using good hygiene. Always wipe from front to back after bowel movements. And female patients should change pads or tampons frequently during their period and avoid using any deodorants around the vagina.
• Using a water-based lubricant for sex. Avoid lubricating products with spermicide because they can increase your risk if you’re vulnerable to frequent UTIs.

If you experience any UTI symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor. Most UTIs require antibiotic treatment.

Go to the emergency department if you’ve been diagnosed with a UTI and develop these signs as they may indicate your infection has gotten worse:

• Back pain
• Fever
• Vomiting