Urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms & treatment

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection anywhere in your urinary tract. This includes your kidneys, bladder, the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder (ureters), and the tube that connects your bladder to the outside of your body (urethra).

UTIs occur most often in your bladder and urethra. They’re typically painful and annoying, though they’re not harmful unless the infection spreads to your kidneys. Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men, with 40%-60% of women reporting having a UTI at least once in their life.

Types of urinary tract infection (UTI)

Depending on where in your urinary tract an infection develops, your symptoms may differ.

UTI in the bladder (cystitis)

Also known as a bladder infection, you may experience an intense urge to urinate frequently. You may also notice pain with urination, cloudy urine, and discomfort in your lower abdomen.

UTI in a kidney (pyelonephritis)

This typically occurs when bacteria from a bladder infection spreads to your kidneys. You may experience more severe symptoms, such as back pain, fever, chills, and nausea.

UTI in the urethra (urethritis)

This occurs when the infection leads to inflammation of the urethra. You may experience discharge and pain with urination.

Contact your doctor if you think you may be experiencing any UTI symptoms.

Is a UTI a STI?

Although UTIs share some similar symptoms, they are not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

STIs are infections transmitted through sexual contact and are caused by specific bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Whereas the bacteria that causes UTIs is usually from the gastrointestinal tract, such as E. coli.

Although UTIs and STIs are different, some symptoms can overlap, such as pain during urination. It’s important to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of urinary tract infection (UTI)

A UTI typically occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract. E. coli bacteria, found in the large intestine, can move easily from the anus into the urethra, making it responsible for 90% of bladder infections.

Due to human anatomy, females are more likely to develop a UTI because they have a shorter urethra than males. This gives bacteria easier access to the urinary tract, especially during sexual activity.

Women who are postmenopausal are more likely to experience urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to lower estrogen levels. During menopause, estrogen levels decline, which affects the lining of the urinary tract. Estrogen helps maintain the health of the urethra and bladder, which helps reduce the risk of bacterial infections. When estrogen levels drop, the lining becomes thinner and more vulnerable to infections.

Diagnosis & treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI)

Your Aurora urologist will talk with you about your symptoms and take a urine sample to test for bacteria, white blood cells, or blood. If you have frequent UTIs, your doctor might recommend additional imaging tests or inserting a scope into your bladder to check for other causes.

Once you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor will work with you to decide on the right treatment to meet your needs. Most UTIs can be cured with antibiotics. If you have frequent UTIs, your doctor may recommend a longer course of antibiotics or – if you’re a woman – single-dose antibiotics after sexual intercourse or vaginal estrogen therapy.

You may feel relief of symptoms after 24-48 hours of taking antibiotics for UTIs, but it typically takes up to seven days for the bacteria to clear out of the urinary system. The type and duration of treatment depend on the bacteria found in your urine and your current health condition.

While it’s possible for a UTI to resolve on its own, most of the time it doesn’t and can get worse without proper treatment. If your infection is severe, you may need to stay in the hospital for IV antibiotics and round-the-clock care to prevent kidney damage.

Prevention of urinary tract infection (UTI)

The following tips can help you prevent getting a UTI in the future:

• Urinate before and after sexual activity.
• Wipe in a front-to-back motion after urination or a bowel movement.
• Increase your fluid intake, especially water.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Avoid using scented feminine hygiene products in the genital area.

Some studies have shown that cranberry-based products may be effective in fighting urinary tract infections, although results are inconclusive. Consuming unsweetened cranberry juice, cranberry supplements, or dried cranberries may help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract.