Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that invade the urinary system and multiply. The infection can occur in any part of the urinary system, but usually starts in the urethra (a tube that carries the urine out of the body).
The Urinary Tract
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In most cases, bacteria (usually from the digestive tract and rectal area) begin growing in the urethra. They cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. An infection limited to the urethra is called
urethritis. From there, bacteria often move on to the bladder, causing a bladder infection (cystitis). If the infection is not treated promptly, bacteria may then go up the ureters (two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) to infect the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
Most infections arise from one type of bacteria,
which normally lives in the colon. In women, since the rectum and urethra are fairly close to each other, the bacteria can migrate into the urethra. This makes women more prone to urinary tract infections than men.
UTIs can also be sexually transmitted. This type of infection usually does not spread past the urethra. Both partners need to be treated in the case of a sexually transmitted infection.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Bloody urine, low back pain, a high fever, and chills are all signs of a kidney infection. Call your healthcare provider immediately.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. A sample of your urine will also be tested for blood, pus, and bacteria.
Children and men who develop UTIs may require additional testing. There may be structural abnormalities of the urinary system that predispose them to infection.
Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotic drugs. Standard medical care for an uncomplicated UTI includes the prescription of antibiotics for three days. You most likely will start to feel better after a day or two. However, it is important that you continue to take the entire course of medication.
You may be asked to have your urine checked after you finish taking the antibiotic. This is to make sure that the infection is truly gone.
If you still experience recurrent infections, you may be referred to a specialist.
Pyridium is a medicine that decreases pain and bladder spasm. When taken, it may turn your urine, and sometimes your sweat, an orangish color.
In some cases, severe UTIs are treated with intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) antibiotics. Other treatments are also used, such as oral antibiotics alone or a combination of IV or IM antibiotics followed by oral therapy (called switch therapy). Researchers reviewed 15 studies, involving 1,743 patients, and found that, in most comparisons, there were no significant differences among the treatments. They concluded that oral antibiotics, a more cost-effective and convenient option, appear to be as effective in treating UTIs as the other therapies.*
Here are some steps you can take to help keep bacteria out of the urinary tract:
American Foundation for Urologic Diseasehttp://www.afud.org
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghousehttp://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/index.htm
Canadian Urological Associationhttp://www.cua.org/
Women's Health Mattershttp://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm
American Foundation for Urologic Disease website. Available at:
http://www.afud.org. Accessed October 13, 2005.
Car J. Urinary tract infections in women: diagnosis and management in primary care. BMJ. 2006;14;332.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/. Accessed October 13, 2005.
Sheffield JS, Cunningham FG. Urinary tract infection in women.Obstet Gynecol. 2005;106:1085-1092.
*Updated Treatment section on 12/5/2007 according to the following study, as cited by DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance: Pohl A. Modes of administration of antibiotics for symptomatic severe urinary tract infections [review]. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2007(4). DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003237.