A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects the urinary system.
The urinary system works to remove waste and extra water from the body.
It includes the kidneys, two ureters, thebladder, and theurethra.
Common UTI symptoms include pain or burning with urination, a fever, and cloudy urine.
Women are much more likely to experience UTIs than men.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for urinary tract infections.
UTI Symptoms
The most commonsymptom of a urinary tract infectionis pain or burning with urination.
It can sometimes be mistaken for a UTI.
UTIs in Women: Why Do They Happen More Frequently?
Urinary tract infections affect people assigned female at birth more frequently than those assigned male.
UTIs are up to 30 times more common in women than in men.
Its estimated that up to 4 in 10 women with a UTI will experience another within six months.
Women are more at risk for UTIs because of their anatomy.
When the urethra is shorter, it is easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
Why Does Pregnancy Raise the Risk of a UTI?
The changing hormone levels duringpregnancymay raise the risk of UTIs.
A pregnant person with a UTI is also more likely to experience akidney infection.
If you are pregnant and develop any symptoms of a UTI, see your healthcare provider immediately.
UTIs and kidney infections during pregnancy increase the risk ofpreeclampsia,premature birth, and low birth weight.
How Do You Get a UTI?
A UTI pops up if bacteria enter the urethra and travel to the bladder.
In addition to bacteria, yeast may cause a UTI as well.
Bacteria are irritating to the bladder and causeinflammationand pain.
They will ask you to collect a clean sample of urine for diagnosis.
If you have a vagina, wipe it from front to back.
when you obtain cleaned the area, begin urinating, then stop.
Use the provided cup to catch urine midstream.
once you nail obtained your sample, finish urinating into the toilet.
Once you deliver your urine sample to your healthcare provider, they will test it for bacteria.
Your results may take a few days to return.
UTI Treatment
Bacteria cause most UTIs and are treatable withantibiotics.
Risks of Untreated UTIs
Treating a UTI right away is a critical way to prevent complications.
UTIs are very treatable with antibiotics.
When left untreated, the bacteria that caused the infection can spread to other areas of the body.
The most common complication of a UTI is a kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
This triggers when bacteria spread to the kidneys and cause inflammation and pain.
A kidney infection can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
A rare but serious UTI complication happens when bacteria spread to the bloodstream.
Who Gets Chronic UTIs?
It is common for some people to experience chronic or recurrent UTIs.
It is more common for women to experience chronic UTIs.
Can You Have Sex With a UTI?
It is not recommended to have sex with a UTI.
Your healthcare provider will likely recommend finishing your course of antibiotics before having sex.
How to Prevent UTIs
Fortunately, manyUTIs can be prevented.
Cranberry juicemay prevent UTIs.
To reduce your risk of recurrent UTIs, seek treatment as soon as you develop any symptoms.
Take your antibiotic prescription as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Outlook
UTIs are common and easily treated.
When treated right away, they do not cause further damage to the urinary tract.
When left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious complications like kidney or blood infections.
If you develop a UTI, seek treatment right away to get started on a course of antibiotics.
Take your medication exactly as prescribed and do not share it with others.
If your symptoms do not improve, talk with your healthcare provider.
Office on Womens Health.Urinary tract infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Urinary tract infection.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts of interstitial cystitis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Bladder infection (urinary tract infectionUTI) in adults.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for bladder infection in adults.
