Urinary Tract Infection
What is Urinary Tract Infection ?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men. If an infection is limited to the bladder, it can be painful and annoying. But serious health problems can result if a UTI spreads to the kidneys. Health care providers often treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. You can also take steps to lower the chance of getting a UTI in the first place.
Symptoms
- Pain in your flank
- Pressure in the lower part of your pelvis
- Cloudy, foul-smelling pee
- Urinary incontinence
- Frequent urination
- Urge incontinence
- Pain when you pee
- Blood in your pee
- Pain in your penis
- Feeling extremely tired
- Fever
- Chills
Cause
UTIs typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to spread in the bladder. The urinary system is designed to keep out bacteria. But the defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract. The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra. Infection of the bladder. This type of UTI is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. But sometimes other bacteria are the cause. Having sex also may lead to a bladder infection, but you don’t have to be sexually active to develop one. All women are at risk of bladder infections because of their anatomy. In women, the urethra is close to the anus. And the urethral opening is close to the bladder. This makes it easier for bacteria around the anus to enter the urethra and to travel to the bladder. Infection of the urethra. This type of UTI can happen when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. An infection of the urethra can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections. They include herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma. This can happen because women’s urethras are close to the vagina.
Risk Factors
UTIs are common in women. Many women experience more than one UTI during their lifetimes. Risk factors for UTIs that are specific to women include: Female anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men do. As a result, there’s less distance for bacteria to travel to reach the bladder. Sexual activity. Being sexually active tends to lead to more UTIs. Having a new sexual partner also increases risk. Certain types of birth control. Using diaphragms for birth control may increase the risk of UTIs. Using spermicidal agents can also increase the risk. Menopause. After menopause, a decline in circulating estrogen causes changes in the urinary tract. The changes can increase the risk of UTIs. Other risk factors for UTIs include: Urinary tract problems. Babies born with problems with their urinary tracts may have trouble urinating. Urine can back up in the urethra, which can cause UTIs. Blockages in the urinary tract. Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder. As a result, the risk of UTIs is higher. A suppressed immune system. Diabetes and other diseases can impair the immune system, the body’s defense against germs. This can increase the risk of UTIs. Catheter use. People who can’t urinate on their own often must use a tube, called a catheter, to urinate. Using a catheter increases the risk of UTIs. Catheters may be used by people who are in the hospital. They may also be used by people who have neurological problems that make it difficult to control urination or who are paralyzed. A recent urinary procedure. Urinary surgery or an exam of your urinary tract that involves medical instruments can both increase the risk of developing a UTI.
When to see a Doctor
Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of a UTI.