Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs, are infections that occur in any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys and ureters, to the bladder and urethra. UTIs are very common, affecting millions of people yearly, especially in women. UTIs are typically caused by bacteria.

UTI may affect any part of the urinary tract:

  • Cystitis: Infection of the bladder from bacteria that moved up the urethra. It is the most common type of UTI.

  • Pyelonephritis: This is an infection of the kidneys.

  • Abscess: This is a collection of pus found in the urinary tract.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

The most common symptoms of a UTI include:

  • Pain or burning when urinating

  • Frequent urination

  • A strong urge to urinate that yields on a small amount of urine

  • Foul smelling urine

  • Cloudy, dark or bloody urine

  • Pelvic pain or pressure in women

If left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys and cause more serious complications. Symptoms of a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) include:

  • Fevers and chills

  • Back, side or groin pain

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Fatigue

Causes and Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections

Urine is sterile without any bacteria or fungi. A UTI occurs when bacteria, often from the digestive tract (gut), travels through the urethra and into the bladder.

Most UTIs are caused by E.Coli bacteria, which is a normal bacteria in our gut.


Diagnosing UTIs

Your healthcare provider will reviewed your symptoms, medical history and perform a physical exam. Other tests that would be obtained include:

  • A urinalysis: to detect blood cells, white blood cells, protein or bacteria

  • A urine culture: this will be sent out to the lab who will attempt to grow the potential bacteria or yeast found in the urine to help with diagnosis and treatment.

Treatments for Urinary Tract infections (UTIs)

A UTI is treated with an antibiotic. If someone suffers from recurrent UTIs, they may need to be treated with a low-dose antibiotic for several months.

Other treatments includes pain medication and localized heat for pain relief.

For postmenopausal women with recurrent UTIs, a topical vaginal estrogen cream may be prescribed by their healthcare provider if appropriate.

If you think you may have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, please visit out clinic for an exam, urine testing, and for appropriate treatment.

FAQ

  • If UTIs are a recurrent problem, there other tests to perform to see if the urinary tract is normal. This includes Cystourethroscopy, also known as cystoscopy, to examine the inside of your bladder and urethra. It is used to diagnose and evaluate urinary tract disorders, such as inflammation, bladder stones and bladder tumors. Other tests include Kidney and bladder ultrasound and CT scan to better examine your urinary tract structures.

  • Yes, although not common, males can also get UTIs. If you are a male and think you may have signs of a UTI, you can see one of our healthcare professionals who can test and treat you.

  • Risk factors include being a female, sexual activity, pregnancy, menopause, certain forms of birth control (ie: diaphragm), and a weakened immune system.

  • Some of the following lifestyle changes can help reduce your changes of getting a UTI:
    -Drinking plenty of water.
    -Avoiding alcohol, coffee and spicy foods.
    -Do not “hold” your urine when you have the urge to urinate.
    -After urinating or defecating, women should wipe from front to back.
    -Take showers rather than baths.
    -Clean the genital area before and after sex.
    -Urinate before and after sex.