Women Health

What is UTI?

UTI is a common infection that happens when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra or bladder and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection which we call cystitis.

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is another type of UTI. They’re less common, but more serious than bladder infections.

Risk Factors

Females are at higher risk for UTI, because their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

Other factors that can increase the risk of UTIs:

• A previous UTI
• Sexual activity
• Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina, or vaginal flora. For example, menopause.
• Pregnancy
• Age (older adults and young children are more likely to get UTIs)
• Structural problems in the urinary tract, such as enlarged prostate
• Poor hygiene, for example, in children who are potty-training

Symptoms UTI;

• Pain or burning while urinating
• Frequency or frequent urination with small amount of urine (be aware that frequent normal amount of urination in people who drinks large amount of water is not Frequency and can be normal)
• Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder
• Blood in urine
• Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen

Symptoms of a kidney infection can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Lower back pain or pain in the side of your back
• Nausea or vomiting

Diagnosis;

Diagnosis of UTI is based on the clinical symptoms and urine test. Dip Stick is the most common and fastest way of testing the urine. It is sensitive test, but not always accurate. Sending urine to the lab for culture is the most accurate of diagnosis of UTI.

The doctor will diagnose the possibility of UTI, based on clinical symptoms and results of the tests.

What other conditions can mimic UTI;

UTI has many other differentials such as;

1-Vaginitis

2-Vaginal dryness

3-Interestitial cystitis

4-Post intercourse irritation

5-post intercourse irritation

Treatment

UTI can be treated by Antibiotics. There are many antibiotics to choose for UTI. Doctor usually chooses which one is the best for you. The duration of antibiotic is depending on the type of antibiotic and your diagnosis. Usual duration is 5 days for Macrobid, but some are 3 days like Septra and there is also newer antibiotic which is only one single dose (Monurol or Fosfomycin).

For kidney infection, patient needs stronger and longer antibiotic and in some cases, may need IV antibiotic.

How to Feel Better

If your doctor prescribes you antibiotics:

• Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
• Do not share your antibiotics with others.
• Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.

Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

Prevention

You can help prevent UTIs by doing the following:

• Urinate after sexual activity.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Minimize douching, sprays, or powders in the genital area.
• Teach girls when potty training to wipe front to back.

More information for teens;

Urinary Tract Infections (for Teens) – Nemours KidsHealth