Urinary Tract Infection – Symptoms and Causes
What Are UTIs?
UTIs, or urinary tract infections, affect organs that handle urine. This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs occur in the bladder and urethra, which make up the lower urinary tract.
Women are at a higher risk of UTIs than men. While bladder infections cause discomfort and pain, kidney infections may lead to more serious health complications.
Key facts about UTIs:
- Affect any part of the urinary system
- More common in women
- Can range from mild to serious
- Often treated with antibiotics
Doctors often prescribe antibiotics for UTIs, but individuals can take preventive measures to reduce their risk of developing UTIs.
Signs and Symptoms
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may occur without any signs. When symptoms do appear, they often include:
- Strong, persistent need to urinate
- Burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urination in small amounts
- Cloudy urine
- Red, pink, or cola-colored urine (indicating blood)
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain (particularly in women)
Older adults may experience symptoms that are mistaken for other health issues.
Different parts of the urinary system can be affected, causing specific symptoms:
| Area Affected | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Kidneys | • Back/side pain • High fever • Shaking and chills • Nausea • Vomiting |
| Bladder | • Pelvic pressure • Lower abdominal discomfort • Painful, frequent urination • Blood in urine |
| Urethra | • Burning during urination • Discharge |
When Medical Help Is Needed
If you notice any UTI symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away. Early treatment can prevent the infection from spreading to your kidneys, which could cause more serious problems.
Causes
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) develop when bacteria enter and spread through the urinary system. Although the body has natural defenses, these mechanisms sometimes fail.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria commonly cause bladder infections. These bacteria normally live in the intestines but can create problems when they reach the urinary tract.
Women face higher UTI risks due to their anatomy. The female urethra is shorter and positioned closer to the anus than in males. The close proximity allows bacteria to easily move from the anal area to the urethra and bladder.
Sexual activity can increase UTI risk, though you don’t need to be sexually active to develop an infection. During intercourse, bacteria can be pushed toward the urethra.
Types of UTIs by location:
- Bladder Infections (Cystitis): Often caused by E. coli but may involve other bacteria.
- Urethral Infections (Urethritis): Can result from intestinal bacteria spreading from the anus or from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Several sexually transmitted infections can cause urethral infections, including:
- Herpes
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Mycoplasma
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the risk of getting a UTI:
Female-Specific Risk Factors:
- Anatomy: Women have shorter urethras, giving bacteria less distance to travel to reach the bladder.
- Sex: Being sexually active or having a new partner increases UTI risk.
- Birth Control: Diaphragms and spermicides may increase infection chances.
- Menopause: Decreased estrogen levels change the urinary tract, making infections more likely.
General Risk Factors:
| Factor | How it Increases Risk |
|---|---|
| Urinary tract abnormalities | Can trap urine, allowing bacterial growth |
| Blockages | Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can prevent complete bladder emptying |
| Weakened immune system | Conditions like diabetes reduce the body’s ability to fight infections |
| Catheter use | These tubes provide a direct path for bacteria to enter the bladder |
| Recent procedures | Surgeries or examinations that use instruments can introduce bacteria |
People using catheters, particularly hospital patients or those with neurological conditions affecting bladder control, like paralysis, face higher UTI risks.
Children born with urinary tract problems may experience urine backup in the urethra, leading to infections.
Complications
Untreated lower urinary tract infections can lead to serious health problems, even though they rarely cause complications when treated properly.
Recurring infections are a common complication, especially in women. This means having two or more UTIs within six months, or three or more within a year.
An untreated UTI that spreads to the kidneys can cause permanent kidney damage. This is particularly dangerous as kidney function may be affected long-term.
Pregnant women with UTIs face additional risks, including the possibility of delivering premature or low-birthweight babies.
Men who experience repeated urethral infections may develop a narrowed urethra over time.
Prevention
Staying hydrated helps lower the risk of getting a UTI. Try to drink several glasses daily to help flush bacteria out of your urinary system before an infection starts.
Some people find cranberry juice helpful. While research isn’t conclusive, drinking cranberry juice probably won’t cause harm and might offer protection.
Proper hygiene matters, too. Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from spreading toward the urethra.
After sex, empty your bladder and drink water to help wash away bacteria.
Avoid using products that might irritate your urethra, including:
- Deodorant sprays
- Douches
- Scented powders
Your birth control method might affect UTI risk. Some options that may increase bacterial growth include:
- Diaphragms
- Unlubricated condoms
- Spermicide-treated condoms
Consider talking with your healthcare provider about alternatives if you experience recurring UTIs and use these methods.
