Urinary Tract Infections
Overview
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of your urinary system. Most infections occur in the bladder and the urethra, and are only associated with irritation symptoms, like burning with urination. However, an infection can be serious if it spreads to your kidneys. UTIs are very common. They can affect women, men, and children; however women are at greatest risk and are prone to experience recurrent infections. It is estimated that 40% of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. UTIs are not as common in men, but the occurrence increases as men age.
UTIs can be painful and disruptive to your life. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important, so don’t delay.
Causes
There are a number of factors that increase a person’s risk of getting a UTI:
Tests
Treatments
For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, a short course of antibiotics is usually sufficient. The choice of antibiotic will depend on the bacteria found in your urine. It is important to take the full course of medication so the infection does not return. The most common antibiotics prescribed include:
Be aware that these medications usually turn your urine blue, orange, or red.
For recurrent infections, a six month course of low dose antibiotics may be recommended if no treatable underlying cause can be found. If your infections are related to sexual intercourse, antibiotics taken before or after may be effective. For post-menopausal women, estrogen based vaginal creams can help with vaginal dryness that can lead to frequent infections.
For severe infections, IV antibiotics may be necessary.
Prevention
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of your urinary system. Most infections occur in the bladder and the urethra, and are only associated with irritation symptoms, like burning with urination. However, an infection can be serious if it spreads to your kidneys. UTIs are very common. They can affect women, men, and children; however women are at greatest risk and are prone to experience recurrent infections. It is estimated that 40% of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. UTIs are not as common in men, but the occurrence increases as men age.
UTIs can be painful and disruptive to your life. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important, so don’t delay.
Causes
There are a number of factors that increase a person’s risk of getting a UTI:
- Women have shorter urethras, which gives bacteria from the anus easier access to the bladder. This is why women should wipe from front to back.
- Women who have undergone menopause have changes in the protective lining of the urethra, allowing bacteria to easier take hold
- Women who are sexually active can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
- Birth control methods such as diaphragms or condoms with spermicide can form a safe zone for bacteria to multiply.
- Any Urinary tract abnormalities.
- Kidney stones.
- Compromised immune system, for example from diabetes, steroids or renal failure.
- Blockage from an enlarged prostate.
Tests
- Urine Analysis to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria. It may take one or more days for the bacteria to grow so that the appropriate antibiotic can be prescribed. An antibiotic is usually started and can be changed depending on the results of the culture.
- Radiology images such as ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) may be necessary to diagnose abnormalities in the urinary tract or kidney stones, which predispose to recurrent or unresolved UTIs.
- A cystoscopy is usually performed for patients with recurrent infections. This is an in- office procedure to evaluate the bladder for any abnormalities. A small lighted scope called a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra to evaluate your urethra and bladder lining. Click here to see Cystoscopy in Office Procedures
Treatments
For uncomplicated urinary tract infections, a short course of antibiotics is usually sufficient. The choice of antibiotic will depend on the bacteria found in your urine. It is important to take the full course of medication so the infection does not return. The most common antibiotics prescribed include:
- Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim or Septra)
- Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin)
- Cephalexin (Keflex)
- Azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax)
Be aware that these medications usually turn your urine blue, orange, or red.
For recurrent infections, a six month course of low dose antibiotics may be recommended if no treatable underlying cause can be found. If your infections are related to sexual intercourse, antibiotics taken before or after may be effective. For post-menopausal women, estrogen based vaginal creams can help with vaginal dryness that can lead to frequent infections.
For severe infections, IV antibiotics may be necessary.
Prevention
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water to flush out bacteria.
- Vitamin C and cranberry extract can be taken to acidify urine. This may help to prevent bacteria that cause UTIs from adhering to the bladder wall.
- Women should wipe front to back after using the bathroom.
- Uncircumcised men should clean the area under the foreskin daily.