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Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a painful issue in your urinary tract. Both men and women can get UTI symptoms, but they're more common in women.

UTI treatment usually consists of antibiotics.

You can also reduce your risk of UTIs by practicing good hygiene and drinking lots of fluids.

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What Are Urinary Tract Infections?

The urinary tract is the body's drainage system to remove waste and excess water. It includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria infect any part of that tract.

Types of Urinary Tract Infections

There are different types of infection, depending on the infected area.

  • Bladder infection (cystitis) – the most common type. Symptoms include frequent urination, burning when urinating, strong-smelling urine, cloudy or bloody urine, and pain in the lower abdomen. Bladder infection treatment generally generally involves antibiotics, along with increased fluid intake to help flush out the bacteria.
  • Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) – This type of infection usually starts in the bladder and rises to the kidneys. Symptoms include frequent and painful urination, urine with traces of blood, dark or foul-smelling, nausea and vomiting, chills, fever and pain in the back, side or groin.
  • Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) – Symptoms include frequent and painful urination, itching and urethral discharge.

Complications of Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are common and treatable, but they can lead to other medical concerns:

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections – Those who have suffered from urinary tract infections in the past run the risk of developing them again, especially if they do not change their habits.
  • Sepsis – An uncontrolled release of chemicals by the body in an attempt to eliminate an infection, sepsis, can cause organ damage and be life-threatening.

If you suffer from a urinary tract infection or think you may have it, contact your doctor as soon as possible: a late diagnosis and treatment can pose serious health risks.

Risk Factors

Some people are at increased risk of developing urinary tract infections:

  • Sexual activity – Sexually active individuals are more at risk due to the potential passage of bacteria during sexual intercourse.
  • Diabetes – In case of diabetes, the body is unable to counteract germs, exposing it to a greater risk.
  • Blockage in the urinary tract – Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder and increase risks.
  • Age – Older adults and younger children are more at risk.
  • Poor hygiene – Children who are being taught to use the bathroom may have difficulty maintaining proper hygiene.
  • Lack of fluids – Not drinking enough water reduces urination, which fails to eliminate bacteria from the body.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections?

Common symptoms of urinary tract infections include:

  • Pressing need to urinate.
  • Burning sensation when urinating.
  • Turbid or light red urine.
  • Urine with a strong odor.
  • Pelvic or rectal pain.
  • Fever and nausea.

How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

  • Drinking plenty of water helps eliminate bacteria through urine.
  • Urinate after sexual intercourse: It helps remove bacteria that may have been transferred during sex.
  • Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing to allow good air circulation and keep the urethra dry.
  • Maintain good hygiene: thoroughly wash the skin around the anal and genital areas to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements, known for their beneficial properties for urinary health.
  • Prefer showers over baths: Avoid immersion in water, which can promote bacterial growth.
  • Limit the use of powders or sprays in the genital area to reduce the risk of irritation and infections.

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How Do You Treat Urinary Tract Infections?

Most infections can be treated by a general practitioner. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections, and symptoms disappear within a few days or weeks. For more serious infections, you can rely on a urologist (who specializes in urinary disorders) or a nephrologist (who specializes in kidney disorders) for further treatment.

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Reviewed November 2023.