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Urinary Tract Infection

U
rinary Tract Infection
The urinary tract is the body’s filtering
The urinary tract has two parts: the lower
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system for removing liquid waste, or urine.
and upper tracts. Most infections occur in
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It comprises the kidneys, ureters (tubes that
the lower urinary tract and can also be called
carry urine from kidneys to bladder), bladder,
bladder infections. Infections in the lower
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for Patients
and urethra (tube that carries urine from the
tract (involving the bladder and urethra) are
bladder for excretion). A urinary tract infection
more common because bacteria can easily enter
(UTI) is caused by bacteria that enter the
this area.
urinary tract.
Infections in the upper urinary tract (involving
the kidneys and ureters) can also be called
kidney infections and cause serious illness.
kidney
Symptoms
Symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection
ureter
or bladder infection may include:
• frequent need to urinate
• burning sensation while urinating
bladder
• pressure in the lower abdomen
• pain in the lower back
urethra
• blood in urine
Symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection
Women are more likely than men to get
or a kidney infection may include:
UTIs because of their urinary tract’s design.
• fever
Men have a longer urethra, so it is more
difficult for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.
• chills
Nearly half of all women will have a urinary
• nausea and/or vomiting
tract infection at some point in their lives.
• pain higher in the back (around the upper
About 20 percent of these women will have
sides and waist)
repeat infections.
In women, the symptoms of a urinary tract
infection are similar to those caused by some
vaginal infections.
continued
Causes of UTIs
urine out of the body — this can be present
at birth or result from a number of conditions
In women, urinary tract infections usually are
or activities
caused by bacteria that live on the skin near
the rectum or vagina. These bacteria can
Certain conditions may put you at risk for
travel through the urinary tract and cause
urinary tract infections, including
infections in the bladder or other parts of
• urinary tract infections in childhood
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the urinary tract. UTIs in men are rare and
• diabetes
Medical Center
usually indicate an abnormal urinary tract
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or an enlarged prostate.
• pregnancy
for Patients
The most common causes of urinary tract
infections are:
Testing for UTIs
Sexual intercourse — The back and forth
Several methods may be used to tell whether
motion of the penis during intercourse can
you have a UTI.
push bacteria into the urethra. Bladder
• A urine sample may be used to evaluate the
infections are more common in women who
number of bacteria and white blood cells
have had multiple sexual partners or have
present. A high number of white blood
frequent intercourse.
cells in your urine may indicate an infection.
Waiting too long to urinate — The bladder is
• A pelvic exam may be needed to rule out a
a muscle that gets bigger when it holds urine
vaginal or pelvic problem.
and shrinks to push it out. Waiting too long
to urinate can cause the bladder muscles to
X-rays or ultrasounds may be used if infection
stretch too much. Stretching weakens the
returns often or does not respond to treat-
muscle so not all the urine is pushed out,
ment.
increasing the risk of a urinary tract infection.
Other causes include:
• kidney stones that may physically block the
free flow of urine
• cystocele [SIS-toh-seel]—relaxing of the
bladder and vaginal area, which causes
pools of urine to remain in the bladder
• diverticula [die-ver-TICK-you-la]—infections
that develop on the inside wall of the ure-
thra, allowing urine to collect
• urethral stenosis [steh-NO-sis]—a narrowing
of the urethra, preventing an easy flow of
Treatment
• Get plenty of vitamin C. It makes urine
acidic and helps keep bacteria down.
Urinary tract infections are treated with
Vitamin C is found in orange juice, citrus
antibiotics. It is very important to use all
fruits, and broccoli.
medication that your doctor prescribes,
even if symptoms go away before finishing
• Wear cotton underwear. Bacteria grows
the medication. Your doctor may recommend
better in moist places. Cotton does not
testing your urine after the treatment is finished
trap moisture.
to be sure the infection has completely cleared
• If you contract an infection, see your
up.
doctor and follow the prescribed treatment.
If you have had several bladder infections, or
Several additional measures are helpful for
even one kidney infection, your doctor may
women:
refer you to a urologist [your-OLL-uh-jist]. A
• During intercourse, try different positions
urologist is a doctor who specializes in treat-
that cause less friction between your
ing problems of the urinary tract.
urethra and your partner’s penis.
Prevention
• Change sanitary pads and tampons
frequently during menstruation.
You can help prevent urinary tract infections
• After intercourse, urinate as soon as
by practicing the following health habits:
possible. This will help flush out any
• Understand the causes.
bacteria that may have gone into the
urinary tract.
• Practice good personal hygiene. Always
wipe from front to back.
If you have any symptoms of a urinary tract
infection, see a doctor as soon as possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least three to four
With proper treatment, the infection can be
glasses of water each day) to help flush
cleared up before it causes serious problems.
bacteria out of the urinary tract.
• Empty your bladder completely as soon as
you feel the urge, or at least every three
hours.
continued
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This educational material was developed by a team of women’s health care experts throughout
UPMC, including Magee-Womens Hospital, a National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health
as designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service
at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762).
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer. Policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion,
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Center 2003
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This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information
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for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have.