Urinary tract infections–UTIs–are prevalent medical conditions affecting the urinary system. Commonly caused by a bacterial infection, UTIs are responsible for nearly 8 million doctor visits a year. Nearly 10% of women get yearly UTIs, while 40-60% of all women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. While women are nearly 30% more likely to develop a UTI than men are, men are still susceptible to this painful condition.
While most UTI cases are easily treatable with medication and preventative measures, untreated UTIs can cause serious medical complications such as kidney infection and disease, low birth weights (in pregnant women) and sepsis (a potentially life-threatening medical emergency). Urinary tract infections are widespread and very dangerous. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Below, we will discuss UTI causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures. Looking for more information? Book an online UTI visit on Sesame to talk with a licensed health care provider today.
UTI Causes
A urinary tract infection commonly occurs when bacteria (usually E. coli) enter the urinary system through the urethra. After entering the body, the bacteria can spread to different parts of the urinary tract. While your body has natural defenses against harmful and invasive bacteria, sometimes these defenses fail, and the infecting microbes can populate and spread.
Bacteria can enter the urethra and urinary tract through various transmission methods. Gastrointestinal bacteria, including E. coli, can move from the anus to the genital area. Women are at particular risk of this as women have a shorter urethra than men. In addition, the opening of the urethra is closer to the anus, making it more likely that bacteria will infect it.
Risk Factors
Certain factors may put you at higher risk for a UTI.
Risk factors include:
Gender: As detailed above, women are more likely to develop a UTI than men due to their anatomy. The urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to infect the bladder, and the opening of the urethra is closer to the anus.
Sexual activity: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of developing a UTI. In addition, certain birth control methods (such as diaphragms and lubricants with spermicide) can irritate the genital area, making it more susceptible to infection. Men who have anal sex may be at a more pronounced risk of developing a UTI due to the possibility of coming into contact with fecal bacteria. In general, regular sexual intercourse can heighten the risk of UTIs.
Age: Older adults are at greater risk of developing UTIs. A decline in estrogen in women post-menopause can cause changes in the urinary tract, which can increase the risk of developing UTIs. In men, an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) traps urine in the bladder, leading to bacterial build-up and infection. Kidney stones cause similar blockage problems to urinary flow and increase the risk of UTIs and complications that can arise from them.
Catheter use: Catheters help individuals who cannot urinate on their own. This tube is inserted into the urethra. Catheters can become infected with harmful bacteria, leading to a urinary tract infection. These medical devices may also cause blockage in the urinary tract, leading to urine build-up in the bladder.
A weakened immune system: Individuals with a weakened immune system are at greater risk for developing recurrent UTIs. The body cannot defend itself against germs, making it vulnerable to infection.
This is not a complete list of ALL risk factors associated with UTIs, although these are among the most common. Individuals who experience recurrent urinary tract infections should speak to a doctor of Urology (urologist) to help determine the cause of their repeated infections.
Types of UTIs
The term “urinary tract infection” is a blanket descriptor for bacterial infections of the various organs in the urinary tract. While most UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the body through the urethra, the germs can spread and infect the ureters (ureteritis), kidneys (pyelonephritis), and bladder (cystitis). An infection of the urethra is known as urethritis.
Symptoms of a UTI
The symptoms of a UTI may vary. Some people experience no symptoms at all, while others experience severe discomfort.
Common UTI symptoms include:
- A strong and persistent urge to urinate (urinary incontinence)
- A burning sensation while urinating (dysuria)
- Frequent urination with little volume
- Cloudy or hazy urine
- Bloody urine
- Strong smelling urine
- Pressure or cramping in the groin, lower abdomen or lower belly
- Lower back pain (common with kidney infection)
UTIs are easily cured and don't cause complications. If left untreated, they can lead to problems such as recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney infections, and sepsis. You must undergo treatment for a urinary tract infection as soon as you start feeling symptoms. If you are beginning to experience symptoms, talk to a health care professional immediately.
UTI Diagnosis
UTIs are diagnosed via urine tests. You can use several at-home UTI tests to help detect an infection. These tests are effective at detecting the presence of certain abnormalities in the urine but come with some risk of false negative and false positive results.
A microscopic urinalysis test must be performed at a health care facility to diagnose a UTI definitively. During a medical evaluation for a possible UTI, you will be asked about your symptoms, medical history, and sexual history. Your sexual history is pertinent, as STIs are common causes of UTIs. After this overview, your health care provider will ask for a urine sample to test. Urinalysis screens for any abnormalities in the urine, such as excessive amounts of white blood cells or nitrites. A urine culture will reveal the exact bacteria causing the infection and the antibiotics that are effective or ineffective in treating the infection.
If your provider suspects an underlying health problem is causing your UTI, they may ask you to undergo additional testing to determine the underlying cause. Further tests are usually performed at a urology clinic. Your urologist may request an X-ray or CT scan to see if an enlarged prostate causes the UTI. If you have a bladder infection, the urologist may perform a cystoscopy to look inside the bladder for any potential problems. Cystoscopy is a procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the urethra and passed into the bladder.
You will usually get your test results within a day of your test. Your health care provider will inform you if any follow-up testing is needed and walk you through the next steps.
UTI Treatment
UTIs are bacterial infections that require antibiotic therapy to treat the condition completely. These prescription medications will kill invasive bacteria while preventing their spread to other body parts.
Standard antibiotic treatment options for UTIs include:
These antibiotics reduce UTI pain while preventing the infection from worsening, shorten the overall infection time, and help your body heal quickly. With antibiotic treatment, most uncomplicated UTIs will go away in a matter of days.
Antibiotics have been shown to cause some mild side effects. These include nausea, diarrhea, and skin rash. If these symptoms become severe, or if your UTI doesn’t start feeling better after a few days of antibiotic treatment, talk to a health care provider right away.
There are no over-the-counter or home remedies that can adequately treat a UTI. There is little evidence that non-prescription treatment options like cranberry products or probiotics can properly treat a urinary tract infection. Still, they can help alleviate the symptoms of one.
UTI Prevention
Not all urinary tract infections are avoidable; however, you can cut down on your risk of developing one by practicing these easy preventative measures:
- Drink plenty of water
- Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to do so, and be sure to empty your bladder completely
- Use a condom with a water-based lubricant while having sex
- Urinate shortly after having sex
- Maintain good genital hygiene (avoid douching and scented products as these can irritate the area)
- Men should wash under the foreskin when taking a bath or shower (if uncircumcised)
While some UTIs are unavoidable, these tips can help minimize your risk of developing one. Regular checkups and preventative care for underlying causes can also help reduce the likelihood of contracting a UTI. If you are at risk for prostate problems, get it checked and treated when appropriate.
Not only are UTIs painful, they can also cause severe complications if left untreated. Getting care for a UTI has never been easier or more convenient. Book an online UTI doctor visit or an online urology visit to talk to a licensed health care provider from the comfort of your own home. Providers can prescribe antibiotic medication to be delivered to your home or picked up at your local pharmacy when appropriate.
