What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection is an infection occurring in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. While UTIs are more common in women, men also develop them.

This article provides information on UTIs, including causes, symptoms, prevention and more.

WHAT CAUSES UTIS?

UTIs develop when bacteria enter the body through the urethra and begin multiplying. These infections mainly occur in women, affecting their bladder and urethra. Female anatomy makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra and travel to the bladder.

Other UTI risk factors include using diaphragms or spermicidal agents for birth control, hormonal changes in menopause, catheter use, examinations or surgeries affecting the urinary tract, urinary tract blockages and suppressed immune system. While you don’t have to be sexually active to get a UTI, sex, particularly with a new partner, also increases your risk.

UTI SYMPTOMS

UTI symptoms and severity vary from person to person but can include some or all of the following:

• Cloudy urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Strong, persistent urge to urinate
• Red or cola-colored urine
• Pain while urinating
• Needing to urinate frequently
• Pain in the abdomen
• Pain in the lower back
• Pain in the pelvic area
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

It is important to talk with your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

UTI COMPLICATIONS

Prompt treatment typically prevents complications from UTIs. However, untreated UTIs can cause permanent kidney damage, low birth weight or premature babies (when an infection develops during pregnancy), narrowed urethra in men and sepsis, the body’s potentially life-threatening overreaction to an infection.

HOW TO PREVENT UTIS

You can reduce your risk of developing UTIs by doing the following:

• Drink Plenty of Water. This helps dilute your urine and causes you to urinate more frequently, flushing out bacteria as you do.
• Wipe From Front to Back. This reduces the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra.
• Avoid Irritating Feminine Products. Douches, powders and deodorant sprays can irritate the urethra and increase the risk of infection.
• Change Your Birth Control Method. Diaphragms, unlubricated condoms and condoms treated with spermicides can create conditions that support bacterial growth, so using other methods can be helpful.
• Empty Your Bladder Soon After Having Sex. This helps flush bacteria from your system.

WHEN TO SEEK TREATMENT FOR A UTI

Unlike certain infections that resolve on their own, UTIs don’t go away without treatment. If you think you have a UTI, you should contact your healthcare provider promptly. The longer you wait, the more time the infection has to grow and spread.

Your provider can diagnose your condition and prescribe antibiotics, which are very effective at treating UTIs. In addition to taking medication as prescribed, you can reduce your symptoms and help speed up healing by using over-the-counter pain medication, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, drinking lots of water and green tea and urinating often.

If you don’t have a Baptist Health provider, our online directory is a helpful resource for finding one.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Women's Care at Baptist Health
What Is a UTI and How Can I Treat It?
UTI vs. Yeast Infection
How to Get Rid of a UTI in 24 Hours?