What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection, otherwise known as a UTI, is a common infection of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters. Affecting both men and women, it is estimated that roughly 60% of women and 12% of men will be diagnosed with a UTI during their lifetime.
What causes a urinary tract infection?
The kidneys within the urinary system are responsible for the removal of excess water from your blood, along with any waste products. Urine is a byproduct of this process, and while it typically passes along the urinary tract without issue, bacteria can enter the system, leading to an infection.
While anyone can be diagnosed with a UTI, women are at a higher risk of developing an infection based on proximity of the urethra to the anus and the bacteria that can often be found there. E. coli is bacteria that typically exists in the lower intestines and leads to roughly 90% of all bladder infections.
Additional risk factors for a UTI can include catheter use, a suppressed immune system, congenital urinary tract dysfunctions, blockages, menopause, sexual activity, and varying types of birth control.
How do I know if I have a UTI?
While not every UTI will display symptoms, typical symptoms of a UTI include:
- A burning sensation when peeing
- Frequent urge to urinate, often passing very little urine at a time.
- Urine that is cloudy, pink, brown and/or red in color, indicating blood in the urine.
- Urine that has a strong smell.
- Pelvic or bladder pain, typically at the center of your pelvis or around your pubic bone.
Additional symptoms may also occur based on the type and location of the urinary tract infection you have.
How is a UTI diagnosed?
Since treating a UTI is necessary to prevent it from traveling to other locations in your urinary system (such as the kidneys), it’s extremely important that you visit your medical provider for an accurate diagnosis.
A diagnosis of a UTI is often confirmed through a urinalysis and a urine culture. A urinalysis is a simple test that shows your provider different chemical levels and various compounds present in your urine. A urine culture takes about 48 hours (about 2 days) to receive results and grows out any bacteria that is present, allowing your provider to know exactly which antibiotic to use to treat your infection.
Left untreated, UTIs can lead to fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and confusion and can become far more difficult to treat.
How is a UTI treated?
The treatment for a UTI is often antibiotics. These antibiotics are prescribed to you by a healthcare provider and will be based upon which bacteria are present within your urine culture.
Additional consideration may also be given to the location of the infection within your urinary tract and the length and type of symptoms you have. It is extremely important that you complete the full round of antibiotics prescribed to you–even when you begin feeling better. Failure to complete the amount of antibiotics prescribed can lead to the UTI returning or being harder to treat.
Most uncomplicated UTIs will resolve within a couple days after starting treatment. For those who experience frequent UTIs, recommendations made by your provider may include additional low-dose antibiotics and lifestyle changes.