Overview

A urinary tract infection (UTI) affects various parts of your urinary system, which includes:

• The urethra (urethritis).
• The kidneys (pyelonephritis).
• The bladder (cystitis).

Your kidneys filter waste products and excess water from your blood to produce urine, which usually travels through your urinary system without any contamination. However, bacteria can sometimes enter the system and cause a UTI. Women are generally at a higher risk for UTIs compared to men. While a UTI limited to the bladder can be uncomfortable and painful, a more serious situation can arise if the infection spreads to the kidneys.

UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics prescribed by healthcare providers. Additionally, there are preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing a UTI.

Symptoms

UTIs may not always present with symptoms. However, when they do, you might experience:

• A persistent, strong urge to urinate
• A burning sensation during urination
• Frequent urination with only small amounts of urine
• Cloudy urine
• Urine that is red, bright pink, or cola-colored, indicating blood
• Urine with a strong odor
• Pelvic pain in women, particularly in the center of the pelvis or around the pubic bone

Causes

The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra.

• Infection of the bladder:

This type of UTI is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. But sometimes other bacteria are the cause.

Having sex also may lead to a bladder infection, but you don’t have to be sexually active to develop one. All women are at risk of bladder infections because of their anatomy. In women, the urethra is close to the anus. And the urethral opening is close to the bladder. This makes it easier for bacteria around the anus to enter the urethra and to travel to the bladder.

• Infection of the urethra:

This type of UTI can happen when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. An infection of the urethra can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections. They include herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma. This can happen because women’s urethras are close to the vagina.

Risk factors

UTIs are particularly common among women, and many experience multiple UTIs throughout their lives. Several factors contribute to the increased risk for women, including:

• Female Anatomy: Women have a shorter urethra compared to men, which shortens the distance for bacteria to travel to the bladder.
• Sexual Activity: Being sexually active, especially with new partners, raises the risk of UTIs.
• Certain Birth Control Methods: Using diaphragms or spermicidal agents for contraception can heighten the risk of UTIs.
• Menopause: The decline in estrogen levels after menopause can lead to changes in the urinary tract, increasing the likelihood of UTIs.

Other factors that can increase the risk of UTIs include:

• Urinary Tract Abnormalities: Babies born with urinary tract issues may face difficulties urinating, potentially leading to UTIs due to urine backup.
• Urinary Tract Blockages: Conditions like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can cause urine to remain in the bladder, which raises the risk of infection.
• Weakened Immune System: Diseases like diabetes that compromise the immune system can make it easier for UTIs to develop.
• Catheter Use: Individuals who use catheters, whether in a hospital setting or due to neurological issues affecting urination, are at a higher risk for UTIs.
• Recent Urinary Procedures: Surgical procedures or examinations involving the urinary tract can increase the risk of developing a UTI.

Treatment and prevention

The best approach for managing a urinary tract infection (UTI) is to consult a healthcare provider. UTIs typically require antibiotics, and your provider will prescribe the most effective antibiotic for the specific bacteria causing your infection.

It’s crucial to follow the prescribed antibiotic regimen exactly as directed. Complete the full course of medication, even if you start feeling better before finishing it. Stopping early can lead to a return of the infection and may make it more difficult to treat.

Preventing a Urinary Tract Infection

You can reduce your risk of UTIs with the following lifestyle changes:

• Try taking supplements rich in cranberry extracts to avoid the occurrence of urinary tract infections.
• Good hygiene is essential, especially for those with a vagina, as the shorter urethra can allow E. coli bacteria to move from the rectum into the urinary tract.
• Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, helps flush bacteria from your urinary tract. Aim for six to eight glasses of water daily.
• Regular urination helps eliminate bacteria from your body. Peeing frequently, especially if you are prone to UTIs, can lower your risk.
• Tight-fitting clothes can create a damp environment that encourages bacterial growth. Opt for loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear to keep the area around your urethra dry.