Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections, commonly called UTIs and sometimes referred to as bladder infections, are very common in males and females of all ages.

While symptoms are not always present, if a UTI isn't treated, it can develop into something more serious, such as a kidney infection. So, it's important to be aware of any changes in urination, such as frequency and appearance, and to see your physician if changes occur.

UTI Signs & Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should see your physician as soon as possible to get a urine test and treatment, if necessary.

• A strong, frequent urge to urinate, sometimes producing just small amounts of urine
• Painful, burning urination
• Urine that appears cloudy, red, bright pink, or brownish
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pain or pressure in your back or abdomen
• Feeling tired or shaky
• Fever or chills (This may be a sign your infection has reached your kidneys)

What Types of UTIs Are There?

Urinary tract infections can develop in various forms. Kelsey-Seybold's urology specialists are familiar with UTI types and how to diagnose them. After identifying which type you have, we can create a treatment plan to resolve it quickly and effectively.

These infections can occur in different areas of your urinary tract. Each type has its own name, based on where the infection happens. We've described each type for your benefit:

Cystitis

This infection happens in your bladder. You may feel like you need to pee frequently, or peeing might hurt. Other symptoms include cloudy or bloody urine and lower belly pain.

Pyelonephritis

Occurring in your kidneys; this infection type can cause nausea, chills, fever, vomiting, and pain in your upper side or back.

Urethritis

This UTI develops in your urethra and can cause a discharge and burning whenever you pee.

What Causes UTIs in Men & Women?

Urinary tract infections are a primary reason doctors advise women to wipe from front to back when they use the bathroom. A woman's urethra is close to her anus, and bacteria from her large intestine can sometimes escape her anus and get into her urethra.

After bacteria enter a urethra, they may travel to her bladder and continue to her kidneys if she doesn't treat it. Having sex can also introduce bacteria into a woman's urinary tract.

Other Causes in Women

Kelsey-Seybold understands hygiene isn't the only factor impacting your risk of developing a urinary tract infection. Some women's genes can make them more likely to get UTIs. A women's urinary tract's shape can also make an infection more likely. Diabetes in women can create a higher risk because of a weakened immune system, making it more difficult to fight off a UTI.

There are other conditions boosting a woman's risk, including multiple sclerosis, hormone changes, and conditions affecting urine flow, like a stroke, kidney stones, or a spinal cord injury.

Prevention & Treatment

You may contract a UTI for many reasons, but the root cause is bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra. Typically, any bacteria are flushed out naturally, but sometimes the bacteria take hold in the urinary tract and become an infection.

Women are more susceptible to UTIs simply due to anatomy. A woman has a shorter urethra than a man, and the distance the bacteria travels to reach the bladder is also shorter.

While little can be done to prevent UTIs beyond maintaining good hygiene and drinking a lot of water, there are over-the-counter products, such as D-Mannose, that help promote urinary tract health.

There are no over-the-counter cures for a UTI, but you can purchase an over-the-counter urinary pain reliever to make symptoms more bearable until you can get to your doctor for antibiotics. While you may have heard that cranberry juice is useful for both the prevention and treatment of UTIs, it has not been shown to help with either in clinical studies.

Contact Kelsey-Seybold

To schedule a urinalysis or consult with one of our Urology specialists about frequent UTIs, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.