Urinary Tract Infections

The urinary tract includes the organs that collect and store urine and release it from your body. They are the kidneys, ureter (tube that takes urine from the kidney to the bladder), bladder, urethera (tube that carries urine out of the body).

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is usually casued by bacteria that normally are found in the digestive tract or vagina. The bacteria usually enter the through the urethera and can travel to the bladder, causing a bladder infection. But, If the infection is not treated right away, it may move to the kidneys, causing an infection called pyelonephritis. Urinary tract infections can be bothersome, embarrassing, and painful. Sometimes they may point to a serious health problem. Luckily, most cases can be cleared up quickly -- often with just a couple days of treatment.

Causes

When a urinary tract infection involves the bladder, the most common site for a UTI, it is often caused by Escherichia coli bacteria. These bacteria are common in the bowel. Other organisms, such as chlamydia and mycoplasma, can also cause UTIs.

Urinary tract infections are more common in women. They are more common in women because the female urethra is shorter and closer to the rectum. Bacteria may enter the urinary tract during sexual intercourse or when a diaphragm is used for contraception.

UTIs can be a problem for men, too, especially those over 50 years of age. An enlarged prostate gland, common in older men, can restrict the flow of urine and lead to bacterial growth and infection. Older men and women who have medical conditions or take medications that prevent the bladder from completely emptying are at more risk for UTIs.

Symptoms

• Frequent or urgent urination or both, especially at night

• A burning feeling during urination

• Blood in the urine

• Pressure in the lower abdomen

• Urine that looks cloudy or smells very bad or both

• Sometimes a urinary tract infection will have no symptoms.

Treatment

A urinary tract infection in a woman with no other complicating factors has an excellent chance of being cured with a 3-day course of antibiotics. Advantages of using a shorter course of antibiotics include fewer side effects, fewer yeast infections, and lower cost. But the 3-day course of antibiotics is not effective for all women. You may need to be treated with a longer course if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Have a complicating medical condition, such as diabetes

• Have a history of frequent urinary tract infections

If antibiotics are prescribed, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medication allergies. Avoid being in the sun too much, and use backup birth control if you are on the pill.

If you are a man with a urinary tract infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed for a longer period of time, sometimes up to 3 weeks.

Self-Care for Urinary Tract Infections

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can make symptoms worse.

• Drink plenty of water. Water is the best type of fluid.

• Take a warm bath to relieve discomfort.

• Call your doctor. You may be told to have your urine tested, be treated with antibiotics right away, or be scheduled for an appointment. You may be sent to an urgent care center or emergency room if your symptoms include fever and chills.

• If you are prescribed medication, take it exactly the way it is prescribed.

Testing for a Urinary Tract Infection

To determine if you have a urinary tract infection, your doctor will request a urine specimen. To do this, you first release a small amount of urine into the toilet. Then you catch some of the urine in a special sterile container that your doctor or nurse gives you. Often you can get the results of the urinalysis within an hour, but it may take 24 to 48 hours to determine which antibiotics are best.

Preventive Care for Urinary Tract Infections

• Drink lots of water.

• Empty your bladder every 3 hours while you are awake, even if you don't feel an urge to do so.

• Urinate after sexual intercourse.

• Wear clean cotton underwear.

• If you are a woman, wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectal area.

• Switch from the diaphragm to another type of birth control if urinary tract infections are a problem.

• Do not avoid the need to urinate. Holding urine for long periods may decrease the ability of the bladder to empty fully, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

• Shower instead of taking a bath. Avoid using bubble bath or other perfumed bath products.