What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection from microbes. These are organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, but some are caused by fungi and in rare cases by viruses. UTIs are among the most common infections in humans.

A UTI can happen anywhere in your urinary tract. Your urinary tract is made up of your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs only involve the urethra and bladder, in the lower tract. However, UTIs can involve the ureters and kidneys, in the upper tract. Although upper tract UTIs are more rare than lower tract UTIs, they’re also usually more severe.

UTI symptoms

Symptoms of a UTI depend on what part of the urinary tract is infected.

Lower tract UTIs affect the urethra and bladder. Symptoms of a lower tract UTI include:

• burning with urination
• increased frequency of urination without passing much urine
• increased urgency of urination
• bloody urine
• cloudy urine
• urine that looks like cola or tea
• urine that has a strong odor
• pelvic pain in women
• rectal pain in men

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       UTI symptoms in women

Women with a lower tract urinary infection may experience pelvic pain. This is in addition to the other common symptoms. Symptoms of upper tract infections among both men and women are similar.

Untreated UTIs

It’s important to treat a UTI — the earlier, the better. Untreated UTIs become more and more severe the further they spread. A UTI is usually easiest to treat in the lower urinary tract. An infection that spreads to the upper urinary tract is much more difficult to treat and is more likely to spread into your blood, causing sepsis. This is a life-threatening event.If you suspect that you have a UTI, contact your doctor as soon as possible. A simple examination and urine or blood test could save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

UTI diagnosis

If you suspect that you have a UTI based on your symptoms, contact your doctor. Your doctor will review your symptoms and perform a physical examination. To confirm a diagnosis of a UTI, your doctor will need to test your urine for microbes.

The urine sample that you give your doctor needs to be a “clean catch” sample. This means the urine sample is collected at the middle of your urinary stream, rather than at the beginning. This helps to avoid collecting the bacteria or yeast from your skin, which can contaminate the sample. Your doctor will explain to you how to get a clean catch.

When testing the sample, your doctor will look for a large number of white blood cells in your urine. This can indicate an infection. Your doctor will also do a urine culture to test for bacteria or fungi. The culture can help identify the cause of the infection. It can also help your doctor choose which treatment is right for you.

If a virus is suspected, special testing may need to be performed. Viruses are rare causes of UTIs but can be seen in people who have had organ transplants or who have other conditions that weaken their immune system.

Causes and risk factors of a UTI

Anything that reduces your bladder emptying or irritates the urinary tract can lead to UTIs. There are also many factors that can put you at an increased risk of a getting a UTI. These factors include:

• age — older adults are more likely to get UTIs
• reduced mobility after surgery or prolonged bed rest
• kidney stones
• a previous UTI
• urinary tract obstructions or blockages, such as an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and certain forms of cancer
• prolonged use of urinary catheters, which may make it easier for bacteria to get into your bladder
• diabetes, especially if poorly controlled, which may make it more likely for you to get a UTI
• pregnancy
• abnormally developed urinary structures from birth
• a weakened immune system

Additional UTI risk factors for women

There are additional risk factors for women. Some factors that were once believed to be a cause of UTIs in women have since been shown to not be as important, such as poor bathroom hygiene. Recent studies have failed to show that wiping from back to front after going to the bathroom leads to UTIs in women, like previously believed.In some cases, certain lifestyle changes may help lessen the risk of some of these factors.

Shorter urethra

The length and location of the urethra in women increases the likelihood of UTIs. The urethra in women is very close to both the vagina and the anus. Bacteria that may naturally occur around both the vagina and anus can lead to infection in the urethra and the rest of the urinary tract.A woman’s urethra is also shorter than a man’s, and the bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to enter the bladder.

Sexual intercourse

Pressure on the female urinary tract during sexual intercourse can move bacteria from around the anus into the bladder. Most women have bacteria in their urine after intercourse. However, the body can usually get rid of these bacteria within 24 hours. Bowel bacteria may have properties that allow them to stick to the bladder.

Spermicides

Spermicides may increase UTI risk. They can cause skin irritation in some women. This increases the risk of bacteria entering the bladder.

Condom use during sex

Non-lubricated latex condoms may increase friction and irritate the skin of women during sexual intercourse. This may increase the risk of a UTI. However, condoms are important for reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections. To help prevent friction and skin irritation from condoms, be sure to use enough water-based lubricant, and use it often during intercourse.

Diaphragms

Diaphragms may put pressure on a woman’s urethra. This can decrease bladder emptying.

Decrease in estrogen levels

After menopause, a decrease in your estrogen level changes the normal bacteria in your vagina. This can increase the risk of a UTI.

UTI prevention

Everyone can take the following steps to help prevent UTIs:

1. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily.
2. Don’t hold urine for long periods of time.
3. Talk to your doctor about managing any urinary incontinence or difficulties fully emptying your bladder.
4. Be sure to discuss with your doctor what the right prevention plan is for you.