Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are bacterial infections that can infect any part of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. Women are more likely than men to develop a UTI, but anyone can develop an infection. Generally, a UTI affects the lower portion of the urinary tract, but can affect any part. At Women’s Health of Central Virginia, our physicians are skilled in diagnosing and treating UTIs appropriately for each woman’s needs.
There are many symptoms of UTIs, which can include, but are not limited to the following:
- the persistent urge to urinate
- a burning sensation while urinating
- pelvic pain
- pelvic pressure
- cloudy urine
- back pain
- nausea
- blood in urine
Infections of the urinary tract often occur when E. coli, commonly found in the digestive tract, is spread to the urinary tract. This can happen when the bacteria spreads from the anus to the urethra and thus infecting the urinary tract. The infection can then affect the bladder, kidneys, or ureters. The human body has many natural defenses to prevent the spread of infections, but they can happen and can have serious consequences.
There are many risk factors for UTIs for women, which include the female anatomy, certain types of birth control, and menopause. Due to the nature of the female anatomy and the short distance between the urethra and anus, women are more likely to contract a UTI. Women that use diaphragms or spermicidal agents have a higher risk for UTIs. Menopause is considered a risk due to the fact that estrogen levels decline and there are changes to the urinary tract, thus increasing the likelihood of an infection.
Risk factors also include sexual intercourse, catheter insertion, diabetes, and previous UTIs. Sexual intercourse is a risk factor due to the female anatomy and the transmission of bodily fluids. UTIs can spread after having sex with an infected partner. Women that are sexually active are more likely to develop a UTI. Having a new sexual partner can also increase the risk of developing a UTI. Having a catheter placed or present in the bladder for a long period of time can allow for bacterial growth. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing a UTI due to the body’s inability to properly fight off infections. Dehydration is also a risk factor in the development of UTIs.
Typically, physicians treat UTIs with antibiotics. However, there are many ways to prevent a urinary tract infection:
- drink fluids, especially water
- drink cranberry juice
- take probiotics for healthy gut bacteria
- always wipe front to back
- urinate after sexual intercourse
- empty your bladder when you need to go, don’t hold it in
- and avoid using irritating products and cleansers near your genitalia
Since some people may experience repeated UTIs, they may take a low-dose antibiotic every day or have a prescription to start taking antibiotics when they first experience symptoms.
If an antibiotic treatment does not work and the infection does not clear up, there are a few special tests that can be performed to look at the bladder or kidneys. An intravenous pyelogram, or IVP, is the injection of dye into a vein and x-rays taken of the kidneys and bladder. An ultrasound can be performed to obtain a picture of the kidneys and bladder. A cystoscopic exam can be conducted using a hollow tube with special lenses to look inside the bladder.
For more information, visit the National Kidney Foundation, the Mayo Clinic, and Healthline.
If you think that you may have a urinary tract infection, schedule an appointment with your provider at Women’s Health of Central Virginia. We are happy to help diagnose and treat any incontinence or urinary issues you may develop.
