4/25/22, 10:48 PM Urinary Tract Infections: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

CORONAVIRUS

Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary traction infection (UTI) is a very common type of infection in your
urinary system. A UTI can involve any part of your urinary system, including the
urethra, ureters, bladder and kidneys. Symptoms typically include needing to
urinate often, having pain when urinating and feeling pain in your side or lower
back. Most UTIs can be treated with an antibiotic.

Symptoms and Causes Diagnosis and Tests Management and Treatment

Prevention Outlook / Prognosis Living With

OVERVIEW

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system. This type of
infection can involve your urethra (a condition called urethritis), kidneys (a
condition called pyelonephritis) or bladder, (a condition called cystitis).

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Your urine typically doesn’t contain bacteria (germs). Urine is a byproduct of

our filtration system—the kidneys. When waste products and excess water is
removed from your blood by the kidneys, urine is created. Normally, urine
moves through your urinary system without any contamination. However,
bacteria can get into the urinary system from outside of the body, causing
problems like infection and inflammation. This is a urinary tract infection
(UTI).

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What is the urinary tract?

The urinary tract makes and stores urine, one of the body's liquid waste
products. The urinary tract includes the following parts:

Kidneys: These small organs are located on back of your body, just above
the hips. They are the filters of your body — removing waste and water from
your blood. This waste becomes urine.
Ureters: The ureters are thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to your
bladder.
Bladder: A sac-like container, the bladder stores your urine before it leaves
the body.
Urethra: This tube carries the urine from your bladder to the outside of the
body.

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How common are urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Urinary tract infections are very common, occurring in 1 out of 5 women
sometime in their lifetime. Though UTIs are common in women, they can also
happen to men, older adults and children. One to 2% of children develop
urinary tract infections. Each year, 8 million to 10 million visits to doctors are
for urinary tract infections.

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Who gets urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Anyone can get a urinary tract infection, but they are more common in women.
This is because the urethra (tube the carries urine out of the body) in females
is shorter and closer to the anus, where E. coli bacteria are common. Older
adults also are at higher risk for developing cystitis. This increased risk may be
due to incomplete emptying of the bladder. There are several medical
conditions that can be related to this, including an enlarged prostate or a
bladder prolapse (a condition where the bladder falls or slips out of its usual
position).

If you get frequent urinary tract infections, your healthcare provider may do
tests to check for other health problems — such as diabetes or an abnormal
urinary system—that may be contributing to your infections. People with
frequent UTIs are occasionally given low-dose antibiotics for a period of time
to prevent the infection from coming back. This cautious approach to treating
frequent UTIs is because your body can develop a resistance to the antibiotic

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and you can get other types of infections, such as C. diff colitis. This practice
is used very infrequently.

What’s the difference between a urinary tract infection

(UTI) and bladder infection (cystitis)?
A urinary tract infection is a more general type of infection. There are many
parts of your urinary tract. A UTI is a term for an infection that takes place
throughout the urinary tract. A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a
specific infection. In this infection, bacteria makes its way into the bladder and
causes inflammation.

Not all urinary tract infections become bladder infections. Preventing the
spread of the infection is one of the most important reasons to treat a UTI
quickly when you have symptoms. The infection can spread not only to the
bladder, but also into your kidneys, which is a more complicated type of
infection than a UTI.

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SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

What causes a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Urinary tract infections are caused by microorganisms — usually bacteria —
that enter the urethra and bladder, causing inflammation and infection.

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Though a UTI most commonly happens in the urethra and bladder, bacteria
can also travel up the ureters and infect your kidneys.

More than 90% of bladder infection (cystitis) cases are caused by E. coli, a
bacterium normally found in the intestines.

What are the symptoms of a urinary tract infection

(UTI)?
A urinary tract infection causes the lining of the urinary tract to become red
and irritated (inflammation), which may produce some of the following
symptoms:

Pain in the side (flank), abdomen or pelvic area.

Pressure in the lower pelvis.
Frequent need to urinate (frequency), urgent need to urinate (urgency) and
Incontinence (urine leakage).
Painful urination (dysuria) and blood in the urine.
The need to urinate at night.
Abnormal urine color (cloudy urine) and strong or foul-smelling urine.

Other symptoms that may be associated with a urinary tract infection include:

Pain during sex.

Penis pain.
Flank (side of the body) pain or lower back pain.
Fatigue.
Fever (temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit) and chills.
Vomiting.
Mental changes or confusion.
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DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

How are urinary tract infections (UTIs) diagnosed?

Your doctor will use the following tests to diagnose a urinary tract infection:

Urinalysis: This test will examine the urine for red blood cells, white blood
cells and bacteria. The number of white and red blood cells found in your
urine can actually indicate an infection.
Urine culture: A urine culture is used to determine the type of bacteria in
your urine. This is an important test because it helps determine the
appropriate treatment.

If your infection does not respond to treatment or if you keep getting infections
over and over again, your doctor may use the following tests to examine your
urinary tract for disease or injury:

Ultrasound: In this test, sound waves create an image of the internal

organs. This test is done on top of your skin, is painless and doesn’t
typically need any preparation.
Cystoscopy: This test uses a special instrument fitted with a lens and a
light source (cystoscope) to see inside the bladder from the urethra.
CT scan: Another imaging test, a CT scan is a type of X-ray that takes cross
sections of the body (like slices). This test is much more precise than
typical X-rays.

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

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How are urinary tract infections (UTI) treated?

You will need to treat a urinary tract infection. Antibiotics are medicines that
kill bacteria and fight an infection. Antibiotics are typically used to treat urinary
tract infections. Your healthcare provider will pick a drug that best treats the
particular bacteria that’s causing your infection. Some commonly used
antibiotics can include:

Nitrofurantoin.
Sulfonamides (sulfa drugs).
Amoxicillin.
Cephalosporins.
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim®).
Doxycycline.
Quinolones (such as ciprofloxacin [Cipro®]).

It’s very important that you follow your healthcare provider’s directions for
taking the medicine. Don’t stop taking the antibiotic because your symptoms
go away and you start feeling better. If the infection is not treated completely
with the full course of antibiotics, it can return.

If you have a history of frequent urinary tract infections, you may be given a
prescription for antibiotics that you would take at the first onset of symptoms.
Other patients may be given antibiotics to take every day, every other day, or
after sexual intercourse to prevent the infection. Talk to your healthcare
provider about the best treatment option for you if you have a history of
frequent UTIs.

What are the complications of a urinary tract infection

(UTI)?
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A urinary tract infection can be easily treated with antibiotics. However, if it

isn’t treated or if you stop the medication early, this type of infection can lead
to a more serious infection, like a kidney infection.

Can I become immune to the antibiotics used to treat a

UTI?
Your body can actually get used to the antibiotics typically used to treat a
urinary tract infection (UTI). This happens in people who have very frequent
infections. With each UTI and use of antibiotics to treat it, the infection adapts
and becomes harder to fight. This is called an antibiotic-resistant infection.
Because of this, your healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments
if you have frequent UTIs. These could include:

Waiting: Your provider may suggest that you watch your symptoms and
wait. During this time, you may be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids
(especially water) in an effort to “flush out” your system.
Intravenous treatment: In some very complicated cases, where the UTI is
resistant to antibiotics or the infection has moved to your kidneys, you may
need to be treated in the hospital. The medicine will be given to you directly
in your vein (intravenously). Once you’re home, you will be prescribed
antibiotics for a period of time to fully get rid of the infection.

Does cranberry juice prevent a urinary tract infection

(UTI)?
Many people say that cranberry juice can help treat, or even prevent, a UTI.
Researchers are currently looking into the topic, but haven’t found a definitive
answer yet. Healthcare providers recommend drinking lots of fluids if you
have, or have a history of getting, a UTI. Adding a glass of unsweetened Ad

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cranberry juice to your diet isn’t a proven way to prevent a UTI, but it typically
won’t hurt you either.

PREVENTION

Can I prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

You can usually prevent a urinary tract infection (UTI) with lifestyle changes.
These tips can include:

Practicing good hygiene: You can often prevent UTIs by practicing good
personal hygiene. This is especially important for women. Because the
urethra in women is much shorter than it is in men, it’s easier for E. coli
bacteria to move from the rectum back into the body. To avoid this, it’s
recommended that you always wipe from front to back after a bowel
movement. Women should also use good hygiene practices during their
menstrual cycle avoid infections. Changing pads and tampons frequently,
as well as not using feminine deodorants can also help prevent UTIs.
Drinking plenty of fluids: Adding extra fluids, especially water, to your daily
routine can help remove extra bacteria from your urinary tract. Drinking six
to eight glasses of water per day is recommended.
Changing your urination habits: Urination can play a big role in getting rid of
bacteria from the body. Your urine is a waste product and each time you
empty your bladder, you’re removing that waste from your body. Urinating
frequently can reduce your risk of developing an infection, especially if you
have a history of frequent UTIs. Drinking plenty of fluids will encourage this,
but makes sure to avoid fluids and foods that could irritate your bladder.
These can include alcohol, citrus juices, caffeinated drinks and spicy foods.
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You should also try to urinate immediately before and after sex. This could
help flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced during
intercourse. You can also wash the genital area with warm water before
having sex. Don’t douche. This practice isn’t recommended by healthcare
providers.
Changing your birth control: Some women have an increased risk of
developing a UTI if they use a diaphragm for birth control. Talk to your
healthcare provider about other options for birth control.
Using a water-based lubricant during sex: If you experience vaginal
dryness and use a lubricant during sex, use one that is water-based. You
may also need to avoid spermicide if you have frequent UTIs.
Changing your clothing: Avoiding tight-fitting clothing can actually help
keep you dry, preventing bacteria from growing in the urinary tract. You can
also switch to cotton underwear. This will prevent extra moisture from
getting trapped around your urethra.

In some post-menopausal women, a healthcare provider may suggest an

estrogen-containing vaginal cream. This may reduce the risk of developing a
UTI by changing the pH of the vagina. Talk to your healthcare provider if you
have recurrent UTIs and have already gone through menopause.

Over-the-counter supplements are also available for UTIs. These are

sometimes recommended for people who have frequent UTIs as another way
to prevent them. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any
supplements and ask if these could be a good choice for you.

OUTLOOK / PROGNOSIS

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What is the prognosis (outlook) for a person with a

urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) typically respond very well to treatment. A UTI
can be uncomfortable before you start treatment, but once your healthcare
provider identifies the type of bacteria and prescribes the right antibiotic
medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. It’s important to keep
taking your medication for the entire amount of time your healthcare provider
prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms aren’t improving,
your provider may test to see if it’s an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are
more complicated infections to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics
(through an IV) or alternative treatments.

LIVING WITH

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
If you have been diagnosed with a UTI and your symptoms are getting worse,
call your healthcare provider. You may need a different treatment. Watch out
for these symptoms in particular:

Fever.
Back pain.
Vomiting.

If you have any of these symptoms, or your other symptoms continue after
treatment, call your healthcare provider. A UTI can spread throughout your

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urinary tract and into other parts of your body. However, treatment is very
effective and can quickly relieve your symptoms.

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Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/07/2020.

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