What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? UTI is one of the most common health concerns among adult
women. Up to half of all women will experience a UTI sometime in
their lives.
Any part of the urinary tract can become infected: the urethra,
the bladder (infection is called cystitis), the ureters or the kidneys.
Bladder infections are common and relatively easily treated, whereas
infections that involve the kidneys are less common but more serious.
Symptoms may include:
A frequent desire to urinate, even after immediately having
done so
A feeling of straining toward the end of urination
A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
Pain and burning when urinating
A need to urinate several times during the night
Urine that is cloudy or bloody (pink or red)
Pain in the abdomen or back
Fever
Poor urinary stream (usually in men)
Not everyone will have all these symptoms, and women may experience
them to varying degrees. In some cases, symptoms will be unnoticeable.
Causes Women get UTI's
more often than men primarily because of anatomy. In women, the
opening of the urethra is closer to the external genital area and
anus so bacteria are more likely to be near it, and the urethra
is shorter so bacteria are more likely to move up it.
Women's urinary systems can actively protect against UTI in several
ways. The process of urination flushes bacteria out of the urinary
tract. Bacteria that are normally present around a women's external
genital area guard the urethral opening, discouraging replication
and movement of unwanted bacteria. The urethra and bladder are usually
able to protect themselves against infection, too.
Unfortunately, many factors can disrupt this protective system.
Women are more likely to get UTI when they have a new sex partner,
are pregnant or have certain illnesses that obstruct the bladder
from emptying completely. Also, post-menopausal women tend to get
UTI more frequently. The most common way that UTI develop is that
bacteria first multiply in the external genital area, then move
up into the urinary tract.
Treatment at UHS If you experience
symptoms of UTI, please seek a medical evaluation. Infections
that are treated earlier will cause you less discomfort
and be easier to treat. The aim of treatment is to eradicate
infection.
If you are a UM student or UHS patient, call UHS because you may be able to save yourself a trip.
If you have had a UTI in the past but not within the past month,
call (734) 763-4511 to talk to a nurse about treatment for possible
UTI. The nurse will ask you questions and, if appropriate, prescribe
medications by phone. Occasionally, nurses will ask women to walk
in to see a clinician instead of receiving prescriptions by phone
(see Appointment
or Walk-in).
For temporary relief of discomfort, a medication (called Uristat
in non-prescription form and Pyridium by prescription) is available.
This medication is not an antibiotic so will not cure a UTI. It
should be used only until you are able to have a medical evaluation.
This medication will cause urine and tears to turn orange; women
should not wear contacts while using this medication.
Be sure to take all medications as directed, especially antibiotics.
Even though symptoms may disappear within a day or so, it is important
to take all your antibiotics because the infection may flare up
again and become difficult to eliminate.
If you experience UTI symptoms after treatment, it's important
to confer with your clinician because your infection
may require additional testing and treatment. Your clinician
may suggest a follow-up urine test to make sure that
the infection is gone. If infection persists your clinician
may order tests to determine the type of bacteria causing
infection and the location of infection.
For women who frequently experience UTI related to sexual activity,
clinicians may prescribe antibiotics that can be taken preventively
after sex.
Kidney infections require more intensive antibiotic treatment and
follow-up testing. Sometimes, hospitalization is necessary.
Prevention These suggestions
are intended to help prevent and resolve UTI, but they should not
be used in place of antibiotic treatment.
Drink, drink, drink! The more liquids one drinks the faster
urine forms to dilute and flush out any bacteria. Hydrating fluids,
such as water and fruit juice are best. A daily intake of 2 quarts
(eight 8-ounce glasses) is recommended. Cranberry juice has traditionally
been used to prevent UTI and research seems to substantiate that
benefit, but it will not cure a UTI.
Urinate often and try to empty
the bladder as completely as possible.
Urinate after intercourse to flush the urethra.
Wipe from front to back to reduce movement of bacteria from
the anus towards the urethra.
Avoid products such as soaps, bubble baths and douches that irritate
the urethra opening.
When using condoms, use plenty of water-based lubrication. Lubrication
minimizes friction that can irritate the urethral opening.
If you are sensitive to one kind of spermicide, try switching
types or brands to find one that works for you. For instance,
if you use foam, try a different brand of foam or try a vaginal
insert instead.
Diaphragms apply indirect pressure on the urethra and can reduce urine flow.
If you use a diaphragm and frequently get UTI, you may want to try
a different type, or switch to a different form of contraception.
Further information
For questions about urinary tract infections and treatment, call 734-763-4511 to speak to a UHS nurse.
For illustrations of the urinary tract and more, see Medline
Plus.
