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 (a tube that carries the urine out of the body).
In most cases, bacteria (usually from the digestive tract and rectal area) 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 (two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) to infect the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Most infections arise from one type of bacteria,
E. coli,
which normally lives in the colon. In women, since the rectum and urethra are fairly close to each other, the bacteria can migrate into the urethra. This makes women more prone to urinary tract infections than men.
UTIs 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.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
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 or pain along the side of the ribs
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and poor appetite
Note:
Bloody urine, low back pain, a high fever, and chills are all signs of a kidney infection. Call your health care provider immediately.
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.
Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotic drugs. Antibiotics will be prescribed for at least 2 to 3 days and possibly as long as several weeks. The choice of antibiotic and length of 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.
To decrease pain and bladder spasm, you may be prescribed phenazopyridine (Pyridium). When taken, it may turn your urine, and sometimes your sweat, an orange color.
After taking the course of antibiotics, your doctor may request that you have your urine checked to make sure the infection is 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.
In some cases, severe UTIs are treated with intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) antibiotics. Other treatments are also used, such as oral antibiotics alone or a combination of IV or IM antibiotics followed by oral therapy (called switch therapy). Researchers reviewed 15 studies, involving 1,743 patients, and found that, in most comparisons, there were no significant differences among the treatments. They concluded that oral antibiotics, a more cost-effective and convenient option, appear to be as effective in treating UTIs as the other therapies.*
Here are some steps you can take to help keep bacteria out of the urinary tract:
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Urinate when you feel the need and do not resist the urge.
- Empty your bladder completely and 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.
