You just went to the bathroom an hour ago. And now you urgently need to go again. But, very little urine comes out, and it has a terrible odor. And there's a burning sensation. This started yesterday, and it's happening more and more often. It seems like it's even getting worse.
Does this describe what the last day or so has been like for you?
If so, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). And if this has been occurring for more than 24 hours, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Relatively harmless infections can, if left untreated, become serious pretty quickly.
These infections are fairly common, and women's symptoms are similar to men's symptoms, but there are some differences.
The causes of UTI's can usually be identified fairly easily, and can often be traced to specific factors or activities.
To determine if you have a UTI, the doctor will perform one or more painless tests to indicate the exact nature of the infection. The test results will help pinpoint the appropriate treatment.
The good news is that UTI's can be treated quickly and effectively, and relief from the symptoms can often be felt in just a day or so after beginning to take medication!
What is a urinary tract infection?
The urinary tract makes and stores urine, one of the body's waste products. The kidneys filter waste and water from the blood, producing urine. Ureters carry the urine from the kidneys to the bladder, where it is stored. The urethra, a tube at the bottom of the bladder, carries the urine out of the body.
Normal urine contains no germs. But, bacteria may at times get into the urinary tract and travel up the urethra where they can cause infection, called urethritis. If the bacteria reach the bladder, the infection is called cystitis. And if they move through the ureters and reach the kidneys, an infection known as pyelonephritis may result.
Women's Symptoms
What are the common symptoms women experience? Since the location and extent of a urinary tract infection is key to treating it successfully, the Northwest Urology Center recommends a thorough evaluation by our urology specialists to determine the exact nature of your individual condition. However, some of the more common symptoms are:
•Pain or discomfort (burning) during urination
•Frequent need to urinate
• Uncontrollable urge to urinate
•Strong-smelling urine
• Change in amount of urine, either more or less
•Blood in the urine
•Pain in the lower pelvis or back, stomach, or side
•Fever
•Sweats
•Shaking chills
Men's Symptoms
What are the common symptoms men experience? Since the location and extent of a urinary tract infection is key to treating it successfully, the Northwest Urology Center recommends a thorough evaluation by our urology specialists to determine the exact nature of your individual condition. However, some of the more common symptoms are:
• Pain or discomfort (burning) during urination
•Frequent and urgent need to urinate, especially during the night
•Urethral discharge (a clear fluid or small amount of pus from the penis)
•Blood in the urine
•Abdominal pain
•Fever
•Back pain
What causes urinary tract infections?
The structure of the urinary system helps prevent infection. Urine is normally prevented from backing up toward the kidneys by the ureters and bladder, and urine flow helps wash bacteria out of the body. In men, the prostate gland produces a secretion that slows growth of bacteria. In both sexes, immune defenses also prevent many infections. Despite these defenses, though, infections can still occur.
As strange as it may seem, normal urine is sterile. It contains fluids and waste products, but does not carry viruses, fungi, or bacteria. An infection occurs when bacteria from the digestive tract cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. Most infections are caused by one type of bacteria, Escherichia coli (called E. coli), which usually live in the colon.
Bacteria usually cause a urinary tract infection by spreading on the skin from the rectum into the urethra. And during sexual intercourse, germs can enter the urinary tract. Sexually transmitted microorganisms, such as Chlamydia and Mycoplasma, may also cause a urinary tract infection.
Women are much more likely to have an infection because the vagina is located close to the urethra, and the female urethra is very short (about 1 ½ inches, compared to about 8 inches in men). This makes it easy for bacteria reaching the urethra to travel to the bladder.
In men, an enlarged prostate gland may cause an infection by preventing the urine from draining completely.
How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?
The physician will review your medical history and symptoms, examine you, and order lab tests.
For women, a urinalysis and urine culture will be performed. A pelvic exam may be included. Men may undergo a rectal exam of the prostate, along with tests of the urine and discharge from the urethra and prostate gland.
Further tests may be indicated, such as:
• An ultrasound examination, which produces images of soft tissues and fluids
•An intravenous pyelography (IVP), which is an x-ray of the urinary tract
•A cystoscopy, in which the urethra and bladder can be seen through a viewing tube inserted into the urethra after local anesthetic
How is a urinary tract infection usually treated?
These types of infections are treated with antibacterial drugs, also known as antibiotics, to rid the body of bacteria. Which drug is used, and for how long, depends on the patient's medical history and the specific bacteria identified by the urine test as the cause. Because most infections are caused by E. coli or similar bacteria, and since there are several antibiotics that are effective with most infections, many people will already be feeling improvement before the test results are available.
It's very important to continue taking the medication for the period specified by the physician. If you stop after the symptoms go away but before the time your doctor recommends, the infection may return.
There are various drugs available to help relieve the pain of a urinary tract infection. Also, these steps may help:
•Use a heating pad
•Take a warm bath
•Drink plenty of water
•Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and chocolate
Provided by Northwest Urology Center
•Urinary tract infections (UTI's) are common.
•Only respiratory infections occur more often.
•Each year, about 8 million visits to doctors occur because of UTI's.
•Women are much more likely than men to get this type of infection. In fact, it is rare in men.
•Children are also subject to UTI's.
•One woman in five develops a UTI during her lifetime. And nearly 20% of women who have a UTI will experience another.
•About 80% of women who have one infection will have another within one year.
•In women, the frequency of UTI's increases with age.
•About 85% of UTI's are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a normal bacterium that lives in the intestine.
•Infections can also be caused by other intestinal or skin organisms.
•Pregnant women may develop a UTI. Pregnancy may make it easier for infections to happen because carrying a baby exerts pressure on the ureters. Changes in hormones may also be a factor.
1. Why are urinary tract infections (UTI's) much more common in women than men?
In women, bacteria can reach the bladder much more easily. Their urethra, which empties the bladder, is only about 1 ½ inches long, while in men the urethra is about 8 inches long. Also, the urethra is positioned near the rectum in women, so bacteria from the rectum can reach it easily. Sexual intercourse may cause bacteria to be pushed into the urethra. And using a diaphragm may cause an infection since a diaphragm pushes against the urethra and makes it harder to completely empty the bladder. When the bladder isn't emptied, the urine that remains can collect bacteria.
2. What steps can I take to prevent a UTI?
• Drink large amounts of water to help flush out bacteria
•Empty your bladder often and completely
•Urinate after sexual intercourse to help flush out bacteria
•After a bowel movement, women should wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting near the urethra
•Maintain good personal hygiene
•Avoid prolonged or frequent soaking in the tub
•Change underwear every day
•Women should avoid strong soaps, douches, antiseptic creams, and feminine hygiene products like sprays and powders
3. How long does it take to get over a UTI?
Most people get relief from the symptoms within 24 hours or so from beginning to take antibiotic medication. It's important to continue to take prescribed medication for as long as your doctor recommends. Just because the symptoms have gone away doesn't mean that the bacteria causing the infection have been killed.
4. Can a UTI become dangerous?
If the infection is not treated, the kidneys may be permanently damaged or the infection may spread to the blood, which can be fatal. Severe kidney infections require hospitalization.
5. Are urinary tract infections related to sexually transmitted diseases?
Some sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) cause symptoms that are like those of a UTI. In these cases, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are often the causes. Some vaginal infections, and genital herpes, can look like UTI's. When lab tests don't indicate that the infection was caused by the bacteria that are known to lead to UTI's, the next step is to test for an STD.
For more information about Urinary Tract Infections, we recommend these Web sites:
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