No one wants to talk about urinary tract infections (UTIs), but they are a very common reality among women and also some men. In fact, it is estimated that one in two women may experience a UTI in their lifetime. Some women are unlucky enough to have repeat infections plague them for years. According to the CDC, “In the United States, urinary tract infections (UTIs) account for about 4 million ambulatory care visits each year representing about 1 percent of all outpatient visits.”
So what do you do when you feel the discomfort associated with this type of infection? In this article, we’ll explore causes and predispositions to UTIs, signs that may alert you to the possibility that you are indeed experiencing a UTI and treatments for UTIs.
What Causes a UTI?
The urinary tract is composed of the bladder, kidneys and the tubes that connect these organs to make up the system that makes and eliminates urine from your body. When this tract and associated organs are exposed to certain germs, an infection can begin. In women, it is believed that infections are more common because the urethra (the tube that takes urine out of the body) is shorter than in men and allows germs easier access to the urinary tract.
Most infections begin in the bladder and are easily treated without any lasting effects. However, if the infection is ignored and left untreated, it can spread to the kidneys, causing additional complications and potential permanent damage. For this reason, it is important that you are aware of the signs of a UTI and that you seek immediate medical attention to ensure timely management of the infection.
Some factors that can facilitate the spread of germs into the urinary tract include:
- Urinary catheter use: If you are dependent on a urinary catheter for any health reasons, you are at an increased risk for the spread of germs and resulting UTIs. Proper care of the catheter and careful hygiene practices can decrease this risk. Speak with your health care professional for guidance on how to minimize exposure to germs with the use of a catheter.
- Personal care habits: Practices such as wiping with toilet paper from back to front after having a bowel movement can push germs into the urethra and cause a UTI.
- Sexual intercourse: During intercourse, germs can be spread from the vagina to the urethra and can cause an infection.
- Holding urine: It is important to urinate frequently and soon after the urge first occurs. Urine held in the bladder too long can allow the creation of germs in the urinary tract.
- Use of a diaphragm or spermicides for birth control: The use of external birth control methods inserted into the vagina can exacerbate the spread of germs into the urinary tract, causing a UTI.
Signs that it’s a UTI
If you are suffering from a bladder infection, you’ll likely experience some of the following signs. These signs should never be ignored and should be reported to your health care provider so you can be sure to receive treatment before the infection can spread to the kidneys.
- Painful urination: If you feel a stinging, burning or painful sensation when you are passing urine, you may have a UTI. This sensation can be extreme at times and may intensify.
- Frequent urge to urinate: If you feel like you need to go to the bathroom more often than normal or pass little urine each time, this is another telltale sign that you may have a UTI. This is an uncomfortable and disruptive symptom, and you likely will want to alleviate it as quickly as possible.
- Changes in urine: If you notice that your urine has a foul odor or appears cloudy, milky or has a reddish tinge to it, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. This is another sign of UTI, and if you also notice blood in your urine, you should see the doctor immediately.
- Fever or feeling unwell: You might feel unusually tired or shaky when you have a UTI. A fever may accompany the infection
- Fever and chills: A kidney infection is more likely to include fever because it is a more serious infection.
- Nausea: You may feel nauseated when you have a kidney infection.
- Lower back pain: Pain in the kidneys often radiates through the lower back. If you have this type of pain, you may be experiencing a kidney infection and need to seek medical attention.
Some people are more likely to suffer from UTIs due to other health factors. Understanding what other medical conditions may make you predisposed to contracting a UTI may help you be more aware of the possibility and seek medical treatment earlier in the course of an infection. Some of the medical conditions that cause this type of predisposition are listed below.
- Diabetes: If you are a diabetic, you may have an increased chance of being affected by UTIs.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women may be more likely to contract UTIs.
- People of advanced age: Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementia symptoms may have diminished personal care habits, increasing the risk of infection, including UTIs. Anyone providing care for an aging family member or patient should be cognizant of this potential for infection.
- Prostrate issues: Men having an enlarged prostate or narrow urethra (causing urine blockage) will be at an elevated risk for UTIs.
- Lack of mobility: Individuals recovering from surgery, anyone on bed rest for a prolonged period or otherwise unable to be regularly mobile will be more likely to contract a UTI.