Urinary Tract Infections

Overview

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that begins in your urinary system. It can be both painful and annoying but rarely poses a serious health problem unless the infection spreads to your kidneys.Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. About 500000 women in Canada go to the doctor every year because of UTI.

Causes

Urinating is a natural way for your body to cleanse itself of waste. The urination process is meant to prevent infection in the urinary system. Here's how it works: The kidneys remove wastes from the blood and then return the cleaned blood back to the body. The ureters carry this waste in the form of urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Urine is then stored in the bladder until you urinate. Your pee comes out of a tube called the urethra. But despite these defences infections still occur.

Normal urine contains fluids salts and waste products but it is free of bacteria viruses and fungi. In most cases of UTI bacteria first begin to grow in the urethra causing urethritis an infection limited to the urethra. If left untreated the bacteria can then travel to the bladder causing a bladder infection also called cystitis. If the bacteria go up the ureters they will infect the kidneys causing pyelonephritis.

Sexual intercourse can cause UTIs in women because bacteria can be pushed into the urethra. In men urethritis often is the result of bacteria acquired through sexual contact. The majority of such infections are caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Pregnancy also seems to cause more kidney infections than normal because carrying a baby puts pressure on the ureters and causes changes in hormones.

Symptoms

Not everyone with a urinary tract infection develops recognizable signs and symptoms but most people have some. These can include:

  • Burning sensation when you urinate
  • Feeling like you need to urinate more often
  • Feeling the urge to urinating but not being able to do so
  • Leaking
  • Bloody urine
  • Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
  • Pain in the lower abdomen

If you suffer from any of the following there might be an infection of your kidneys or prostate gland. If you experience any of these symptoms see your doctor right away :

  • Blood or pus in the urine
  • Fever chills or vomiting
  • Diabetes or chronic illness
  • History of kidney infection or disease
  • Pain on urination during pregnancy
  • Severe back pain

Treatment

If you have symptoms of a urinary infection contact your doctor right away. He or she may ask for a urine sample to determine if bacteria are present. A urinalysis sometimes followed by a urine culture can reveal whether you have an infection. If you do have a UTI the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Make sure you tell him about any other drugs you may be taking and whether you have any allergies.

Usually a urinary tract infection will clear up within a few days of treatment. But you still need to take the entire course of antibiotics recommended by your doctor to ensure that the infection is really gone.

A heating pad placed on the abdomen may help with pain and minimize feelings of bladder pressure. Your doctor may also suggest you drink plenty of water. Cranberry juice may help fight infection but don't drink it if you are taking warfarin or any other blood-thinning medication. As well coffee and soft drinks may irritate the bladder.

If your infections are related to sexual activity your doctor may recommend taking a single dose of antibiotic after intercourse. If you have frequent or recurrent UTIs or kidney infections a medical specialist can help identify any underlying causes.

When treated promptly and properly urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. However children and seniors are at a greater risk of kidney damage due to UTIs because their symptoms are often overlooked or mistaken for other conditions.

Prevention

You may be able to avoid a urinary tract infection by paying attention to the following:

  • DON'T keep it in. When you've gotta go you gotta go. Urinate when you feel the need. Don't resist the urge. Holding it in just gives the bacteria more opportunity to grow.
  • DON'T use feminine hygiene sprays or scented douches. Or avoid using them as much as possible. These products may irritate the urethra.
  • DO drink lots of water everyday. A recommended eight glasses a day can keep the urine flowing.
  • DO wipe yourself properly. Wipe your groin area from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.
  • DO take showers instead of tub baths. Tub water can easily collect bacteria while showering can cleanse germs away.
  • DO cleanse the genital area before and after sexual intercourse. Urinating after sex can help wash away bacteria. In addition use enough lubrication if you're a little dry during sex. This can also help prevent infections.
  • DO see your doctor. If you are prone to recurring infections and develop UTI symptoms go straight to your doctor and follow whatever he or she advises.

Additional Resources

The Kidney Foundation of Canada

The College of Family Physicians of Canada