Urinary tract infection (UTI): symptoms, causes & treatment

A urinary tract infection or UTI is a common infection that can occur in any part of your urinary system. The urinary system includes your urethra, the two tubes that transport urine into the bladder (ureters), the bladder and kidneys. Most UTIs develop in the lower urinary tract, affecting the bladder and urethra.

UTIs can be uncomfortable and annoying but are typically not threatening to your health. These infections become a concern if they move into the kidneys. Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men with 10% of females reporting having a UTI at least once per year.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms

You could experience some or all of these UTI symptoms:

• Burning during urination
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Feeling a sense of urgency to urinate, even when you don’t have to
• Urinating often in small amounts at a time
• Urine with a strong odor
• Pelvic discomfort in women – especially in the center of the pelvis
• Blood in your urine
• Rectal pain in men

Urinary tract infection (UTI) types

You may experience varying UTI symptoms depending on which area of the urinary system is infected.

Bladder (cystitis)

The most common type of UTI, also known as a bladder infection, may cause frequent and uncomfortable urination. You may also experience pelvic pressure and lower belly pain.

Urethra (urethritis)

A lower urinary tract infection causing inflammation of the urethra. Common symptoms include a discharge or a burning sensation or pain with urination.

Kidney (pyelonephritis)

If the infection spreads to your kidneys, it can lead to serious health problems. Symptoms of a kidney infection can include back or side pain, a fever over 100 degrees, chills or hot flashes, headache and nausea.

Contact your doctor if you’re experiencing any symptoms of a UTI.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) causes 

Urinary tract infections are commonly caused by bacteria entering the urinary system through the urethra, then multiplying and spreading. A majority of UTI causes can come from E.coli bacteria, which is found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. 

Human anatomy is also one of the main UTI causes. About four times as many females experience UTIs than males due to a woman’s urethra being shorter, making it closer to the anus and easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. While UTIs in men are less frequent, they still can occur.  

Women going through menopause are more likely to experience UTIs. This is because of lower estrogen levels, which affects the urinary tract and makes it easier to get infected. Menopause can also weaken your body’s ability to fight an infection and increase your risk of getting a UTI.  

You may be more at risk of developing a UTI if you: 

• Are sexually active
• Use a diaphragm as birth control or spermicides
• Have diabetes
• Are pregnant
• Are postmenopausal
• Have any condition such as kidney stones that block the ureter

Urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis 

Our experienced Advocate Health Care specialists will discuss your possible UTI symptoms with you and take a urine sample for testing. A urinalysis will test for bacteria and red and white blood cells in your urine to help indicate if there is an infection.

If you experience frequent UTIs, your doctor may order a urine culture to determine what type of bacteria is in your urine, or a cystoscopy, a procedure where a scope is inserted into the bladder to get a better look at what’s causing the problem.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment

After diagnosis, your doctor will work with you to find the best UTI treatment option based on the type of infection, your medical history and current health. Most urinary tract infections can be treated with a course of UTI antibiotics.

If you experience frequent UTIs, your doctor may recommend a longer course of antibiotics. You may feel better after one to two days of taking antibiotics for UTIs, but you should always finish the full course prescribed to you.

It usually takes about seven days for the bacteria causing the infection to clear out of your system. If the full course of antibiotics isn’t taken, the infection may come back again or spread.

In more serious cases, you may need to spend some time in the hospital where we can provide IV antibiotics and round-the-clock care to prevent any permanent damage to your kidneys.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) prevention 

You can help lower the risk of getting UTIs by:

• Urinating before and after sexual activity
• Wiping from front to back after urination or bowel movements
• Drinking more fluids, especially water
• Taking showers instead of baths
• Using unscented feminine hygiene products

Some studies show that cranberries help prevent infection-causing bacteria from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. Adding unsweetened cranberry juice, cranberry supplements or dried cranberries to your diet may reduce your risk of getting a urinary tract infection.