An infection that negatively affects the urinary system is called Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra are parts of the urinary system. Commonly, people experience infection in the lower urinary tract (including the urethra and bladder).
Furthermore, women and people assigned to female at birth (AFAB) are more prone to develop UTI than men and people assigned to male at birth (AMAB). In case a person experiences a bladder infection, it is usually painful and uncomfortable but you may notice serious health issues if the infection spreads to the kidneys.
Mostly, physicians treat UTIs with antibiotics. However, doctors can help you to prevent or avoid UTIs.
Symptoms
While some people do not have any symptoms, others may experience any of the following. Examples include:
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Cloudy urine
- Frequently urination
- Red, bright pink, or cola-colored urine (if you experience this symptom it may mean you have blood in the urine)
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain (females)
Visit a doctor right away if any of the previous symptoms occur.
Urinary Tract Infection Types
The symptoms you will experience depend on where the infection occurs. For example:
- Kidney infection (for example, high fever, nausea, vomiting, shaking and child, and back pain)
- Bladder infection (including pelvic pressure, low belly discomfort, frequent and painful urination, and bloody urine)
- Urethra infection (urination with burning and discharge)
Causes
Commonly, when bacteria go to urinary system organs an infection happens. In normal circumstances, the bacteria should not pass to the urinary system but in some cases, the defense fails. As a result, the bacteria hold and grow into infection in the urinary tract. Check below the most common UTIs:
- Bladder infection β Commonly, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the main cause of this UTI. E. coli is a bacteria usually found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, other bacteria also can cause bladder infection but in rare cases. Additionally, bladder infection can also happen during sexual intercourse. Females are more prone to develop this infection because of their anatomy. The urethra is so close to the anus, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder.
- Urethra infection β In such cases, the bacteria from GI bacteria travel from the anus to the urethra. Sexually transmitted diseases including herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma also can lead to infection of the urethra.
Risk Factors
Females are more likely to develop urinary tract problems and they have more than one UTI during their life. Check below some risk factors:
- Women’s anatomy β The urethra is shorter than the maleβs, so the distance for bacteria to travel and reach the bladder is shorter.
- Sexual activity β You are at increased risk of UTIs if you are sexually active. Moreover, having new partners frequently also elevates the risk.
- Birth control types β Diaphragms and spermicidal agents also can elevate your risk of getting UTIs.
- Menopause β Some urinary tract changes occur in women after menopause. These changes are caused by an Estrogen decline.
Check below other risk factors:
- Urinary tract issues β Urinating problems can occur sometimes in babies born with urinary tract issues. As a result, the urine goes backward to the urethra provoking UTIs.
- Urinary tract blockages β The most common causes of urine blockage are enlarged prostate or kidney stones.
- Suppressed immune system β There are some health conditions that negatively affect the immune system, which can lead to UTIs. These diseases include diabetes mononucleosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and others.
- Catheter use β If a person cannot urinate, doctors may recommend a tube (catheter) that helps to urinate. These catheters are usually used by people with neurological disorders.
- Recent urinary surgery β If you recently experienced surgery or even an examination that involves medical tools, you are at elevated risk of getting UTIs.
Complications
Not treating these UTIs may lead to certain complications that provoke serious health problems. However, lower urinary tract infections usually do not provoke any complications. Check below some potential UTI complications:
- Chronic UTIs (it means you experience urinary tract infections more times within a short period of time)
- Permanent kidney damage
- If a woman experiences a UTI during pregnancy, developing a premature infant or low birth weight may occur.
- Narrowed urethra in males
- Sepsis (this is a life-threatening complication)
Diagnosis
Doctors to diagnose UTIs use the following procedures. Examples include:
- Urine sample β Your doctor can ask you for a urine sample and send it to the laboratory to check for white and red blood cells or bacteria.
- Growing urinary tract bacteria in the laboratory β This test helps your doctor to identify what bacteria cause the infection.
- Urinary tract imaging β Some people experience urinary tract infections due to structural problems. In such cases, doctors may perform imaging tests including ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI scan.
- Tests to look inside the bladder β This procedure is called cystoscopy and it is commonly used when a person has recurrent UTIs.
Treatment
The main treatment for UTIs is antibiotics. However, the treatment depends on the type of bacteria and symptoms you experience.
Simple Infection
Check below some common medicines used to treat simple UTIs:
- Ceftriaxone
- Cephalexin
- Nitrofurantoin
- Fosfomycin
- Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole
Furthermore, physicians often do not prescribe antibiotics known as Fluoroquinolones to treat simple UTIs. These include Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, and others. In case you experience a complicated UTI and other treatments are not effective, doctors may prescribe this antibiotic type.
Commonly, symptoms disappear within several days but you should continue the treatment. Otherwise, the symptoms can return and it may be more challenging to treat them.
For those who experience a mild UTI, physicians usually prescribe a short treatment that lasts roughly 1-3 days. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe you some pain relievers if you notice burning while urinating.
Recurrent Infections
Physicians usually prescribe the following if you experience frequent UTIs. For example:
- Low-dose antibiotics
- Single-dose antibiotics
- Vaginal Estrogen therapy
Severe Infections
People with severe forms of UTIs often go to the hospital and receive IV antibiotics. Consult with your doctor for more details.
Home Remedies
The following tips can help to lessen the symptoms until antibiotics begin work. For example:
- Drink plenty of water because it helps to dilute bacteria and go away through urine.
- Do not consume drinks that provoke bladder irritation including coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks (products containing caffeine or citrus juices).
- It is also recommended to apply a warm (not hot) heating pad to the belly because it can help to reduce bladder pressure and discomfort.
Alternative Medication
There are a lot of people who drink cranberry juice to prevent UTIs. Some research suggests that cranberry products (including juice or tablets) help to fight against infections. However, experts continue studying the cranberry’s ability to prevent urinary tract infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to cure completely urinary tract infections?
Yes, most of them are curable. Physicians usually prescribe treatment depending on the bacteria that causes the infection.
What foods should I avoid if was diagnosed with a UTI?
- Alcohol
- Caffeine products
- Fruit juices
- Citrus-based beverages (such as lemonade)
- Candy and desserts
- Artificial sweeteners
- Spicy foods (including hot peppers and chilies)
Consult with your healthcare professional for more details.
What are the most common UTI causes?
The most diagnosed UTIs are caused by E.coli bacteria. However, urinary tract infections can occur due to other causes but rarely. In case you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.