Young Women By Far Are The Most Commonly Affected
Firstly, women will always get more urinary tract infections than men and that is down to simple anatomy: the urethra is shorter in women so the bacteria have less travelling distance before they can cause a problem in the bladder or the kidneys.
Men are somewhat protected by a longer urethra. But that is not to say men don’t get UTIs. Yes they are far less common in men but they can happen spontaneously as well as in relation to intercourse, underlying bladder problems or other conditions such as diabetes.
Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy: Symptoms Treatment And Common Questions
In addition, as the uterus grows throughout pregnancy, it can put pressure on the bladder, making it more difficult to empty completely.
Pregnancy can also make a UTI more difficult to treat, which can have serious consequences, including pyelonephritis preterm labor low birth weight and .
A urinalysis and a urine culture are routinely performed at an initial prenatal visit to screen for UTIs, but if you’re pregnant and suspect you may have an infection, seek medical attention quickly.
Who Needs Urine Culture
From Antibiotics guide BPAC, NZ, 2019
Urine culture is not necessary to diagnose cystitis. Urine culture is most useful for confirming the presence of significant bacteriuria and reporting on bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics in infections that are considered to be complicated due to an abnormality of the urinary tract or an underlying condition or clinical circumstance this includes:
- people with diabetes or renal failure
- people with a urinary catheter
- people living in residential care facilities
- people with persistent or recurrent cystitis or atypical symptoms.
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How Common Are Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are very common, occurring in 1 out of 5 women sometime in their lifetime. Though UTIs are common in women, they can also happen to men, older adults and children. One to 2% of children develop urinary tract infections. Each year, 8 million to 10 million visits to doctors are for urinary tract infections.
What Are The Symptoms
Certain symptoms therefore make up a typical picture of a urine infection that would allow a woman really to diagnose herself: passing small, painful quantities of urine very, very, often is the classic case.
Passing blood, smelly urine and pain over the bladder would also be common. If a urine infection has travelled up to your kidneys you then experience lower back pain, chills, fevers and even vomiting.
Vaginal discharge, itchiness and central abdominal pain are not typical features of a urine infection but for some reason account for many consultations I have when patients think this is a possibility.
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Is It A Uti Or Something Else
There can be considerable overlap between UTI symptoms and sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea. Bacterial vaginosis, vaginal thrush, vulvodynia, lichen sclerosus, endometriosis, bladder cancer and overactive bladder may also cause similar symptoms. Antibiotic use may also trigger vaginal thrush in some women and require additional treatment.
“Recent unprotected sexual intercourse, discharge from the urethra and pain within the pelvic area or sexual organs would increase the likelihood of an STI,” says Ali. “Again, an assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional would be advised and various swabs or urine tests may be required.”
Interstitial cystitis , also known as painful bladder syndrome, may also be a cause of recurrent UTI symptoms. IC is a chronic, non-infectious condition of the urinary bladder that causes frequency and urgency of urination and significant pelvic pain that worsens as the bladder fills up. IC is a difficult diagnosis to make and requires tests and input from a urologist. If you think you may have IC, visit your GP, and contact the Interstitial Cystitis Association and Bladder Health UK for advice and support.
What Is The Urinary Tract
The urinary tract makes and stores urine, one of the body’s liquid waste products. The urinary tract includes the following parts:
- Kidneys: These small organs are located on back of your body, just above the hips. They are the filters of your body removing waste and water from your blood. This waste becomes urine.
- Ureters: The ureters are thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to your bladder.
- Bladder: A sac-like container, the bladder stores your urine before it leaves the body.
- Urethra: This tube carries the urine from your bladder to the outside of the body.
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Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Do I need any tests, such as urinalysis?
- What is the likely cause of my urinary tract infection ?
- Do I need medicine? How should I take it?
- What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
- When should I expect relief from my symptoms?
- What symptoms would indicate that my infection is getting worse? What should I do if I experience these symptoms?
- I get UTIs a lot. What can I do to prevent them?
- Do I need preventive antibiotics? If so, should I be concerned about antibiotic resistance?
- My child gets UTIs a lot. Could an anatomical problem be causing his or her UTIs?
What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
UTIs are common infections that happen when bacteria, often from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract. The infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection .
Kidney infection is another type of UTI. Theyre less common, but more serious than bladder infections.
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Benefits And Side Effects
One ingredient in the Target and Control products is D-mannose, a naturally occurring sugar related to glucose. This is also present in cranberries, tomatoes, cabbage, and green beans, among other fruits and vegetables.
A 2021 study found that it may prevent recurrent UTIs and that a person can take it for this purpose. An earlier study, from 2016, looked at its effectiveness in 43 women with UTIs and found that it improved most of their symptoms.
Uqora warns that people should not take more than 8,000 milligrams of D-mannose per day. Research conducted in 2020 suggests that high doses can cause diarrhea and bloating.
Taking two Control capsules a day provides 600 mg. One packet of Target contains 2,000 mg.
This section describes who might take Uqora products and who should avoid them.
Could My Uti Symptoms Be A Sign Of Anything Else
Sometimes symptoms can be mistaken for a UTI but actually be caused by something else. For example, pain, burning, and stinging when passing urine can also be a sign of chlamydia, so it is important to exclude this if you are at risk.13
Needing to pass urine very frequently may also be a sign of other conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, although this is much less common than UTIs. However, it may be considered if other symptoms are present, like feeling thirsty very often.
Other less common conditions can also cause an increase in the frequency of passing urine, including a high blood level of calcium, and some medications. Blood in the urine can be a sign of lots of things other than a UTI, including kidney stones, STIs, and problems with the anatomy of the urinary tract. An examination from a medical professional and common tests if necessary can help distinguish between a UTI and another cause.
Generally speaking, UTIs are very treatable and wont always need antibiotics it just depends on the severity of your symptoms. However, if you experience symptoms and are unsure, it is always best to visit your doctor to be on the safe side, as some types of UTIs always need antibiotics.
Featured image is of a spilled bottle of pills against an orange background
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When Uti Treatment Is Necessary
If youre experiencing multiple symptoms of a UTI and we have confirmed that you have abnormal bacteria growth in the urinary tract, antibiotics usually are the most effective way to fight off the bacteria. The dosage and type of antibiotics you take depend on the severity of your infection. Make sure to speak to your doctor about your particular situation and what medication would be best for you.
If youre experiencing recurrent UTIs , your doctor will likely suggest you undergo screenings to identify any potential abnormalities in the body that could be contributing to your UTIs. One such screening is a cystoscopy, in which a doctor uses a thin tube called a cystoscope to examine your urethra and the lining of your bladder.
When To Seek Care
In general, UTIs present with the following symptoms:
- Pain and burning during urination
- Frequently feeling like you need to urinate
- Frequently feeling like you need to urinate after you just did
- Urine that is cloudy
- Urine with a strong odor
- Pressure and cramping in the lower belly
- Feeling weak or shaky
The sooner you can address these symptoms, the more likely youll avoid letting a UTI develop into a kidney infection. Though some people have beaten uncomplicated UTIs with fluids and supplements, like cranberry pills, Dr. Perlmutter says its best to call your doctor, get a urine culture and, if deemed necessary by your doctor, start a round of antibiotics.
Theres really no need to delay treatment since the majority of the time, fluids and antibiotics will easily knock out a UTI, he says.
If a UTI is treated early, there will likely be no lasting effect on your urinary tract. However, UTIs can cause complications if not found and treated quickly.
You should immediately call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they could be signs of larger urinary tract problems:
- Blood in your urine
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Common Questions & Answers
UTI symptoms can be uncomfortable or painful. They include the following:
- A strong urge to urinate
- Pain or burning during urination
- Passing small amounts of urine
- Cloudy, strong-smelling, red or pink urine
- Mucus or discharge
- Incontinence
- Fever, shaking, chills, or pain in the upper back, side, or groin
E. coli
Consider Switching Birth Control
Some older research suggests that certain contraceptives may contribute to the cause of UTIs in some women.
If you use diaphragms, spermicides, or nonlubricated condoms and get frequent UTIs, it may be worth talking to your doctor to find other methods of birth control.
Its not uncommon for UTIs to go away on their own with at-home care and without the use of antibiotics.
Some research estimates that 25 to 42 percent of UTIs can go away on their own. This is usually only common in women with no other health issues.
However, there are some serious risks that can come from leaving a UTI untreated, including pyelonephritis and .
UTIs are painful, but with treatment, you can alleviate an infection and prevent recurrent infections. Talk with your doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI. With proper treatment, you should begin to feel better in a few days.
Take your antibiotics as instructed even after your symptoms improve to prevent complications or a secondary infection.
If the UTI doesnt resolve after antibiotic treatment or you end up with multiple episodes of a UTI, your doctor will likely do further testing.
This could be in the form of:
- cystoscopy
- urodynamic testing
You may be referred to a urologist, depending on the severity of your UTI or if you have chronic infections.
Certain strains of bacteria can cause UTIs. They can range from mild to severe. The degree of severity depends on multiple factors, including:
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Pregnancy Antibiotics And New Partner
UTIs are more common in pregnancy, in those who have taken a lot of antibiotics and, as many women notice, at the advent of a new relationship.
It is also more common in men and women suffering with constipation: the general fullness in the bowels which are actually very close to the bladder and urethra, prevents good flow of urine allowing infections to take hold. We see this quite commonly in constipated children who have to be encouraged to have regular bowels to have a healthy bladder too.
Cystitis Symptoms And Treatment
Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a urinary tract infection . It can affect anyone of any age, but is more likely to occur in women. It can be treated with a 3-day course of antibiotics. Same-day collection of cystitis treatment is available with our service.
Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a urinary tract infection . It can affect anyone of any age, but is more likely to occur in women. It can be treated with a 3-day course of antibiotics. Same-day collection of cystitis treatment is available with our service.
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Are Home Remedies An Option For Utis
Sometimes a trip to the doctors is necessary and antibiotics are quite simply required.
However, interestingly, some research has suggested that for women who were enrolled in a study and were willing to delay antibiotic treatments under professional guidance, had an over 70% chance of clinical improvement or cure.1
Of course, if you are experiencing more severe symptoms such as blood in the urine or back pain, its definitely time to pay your GP a visit. However, if youre just feeling a very slight niggle some home and herbal remedies may be worth a try:
Urinary Tract Infections In Women
UTIs are common, particularly with increasing age. Women are more likely to get a UTI than men. Nearly 1 in 3 women will have a UTI needing treatment before the age of 24.
In women, the urethra is short and straight, making it easier for germs to travel into the bladder. For some women, UTIs relate to changes in their hormonal levels. Some are more likely to get an infection during certain times in their menstrual cycle, such as just before a period or during pregnancy.
In older women, the tissues of the urethra and bladder become thinner and drier with age as well as after menopause or a hysterectomy. This can be linked to increased UTIs.
During pregnancy, the drainage system from the kidney to the bladder widens so urine does not drain as quickly. This makes it easier to get a UTI. Sometimes germs can move from the bladder to the kidney causing a kidney infection. UTIs during pregnancy can result in increased blood pressure, so it is very important to have them treated as soon as possible.
Women are more at risk of repeated UTIs if they:
- use spermicide jelly or diaphragm for contraception
- have had a new sexual partner in the last year
- had their first UTI at or before 15 years of age
- have a family history of repeated UTIs, particularly their mother
- suffer from constipation
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How Common Are Utis
Around 50-60% of women will develop at least one urinary tract infection in their lifetime, and people with diabetes and men with enlarged prostate glands are also at risk. Burning and stinging on urination, and feeling achy, sick and tired are common UTI symptoms,and can make life a misery for those who suffer frequent UTI infections.
When Should I See A Doctor
See a doctor if your child:
- has signs or symptoms of a UTI
- has been diagnosed with a UTI and
- is not improving after two days of taking antibiotics
- is having trouble taking the antibiotics or is vomiting
- isnt drinking enough fluid
- develops back pain
In an emergency, always call 000 immediately. Otherwise, contact your local doctor or visit your nearest hospital emergency department. If its not an emergency but you have concerns, contact 13 Health . Qualified staff will give you advice on who to talk to and how quickly you should do it. You can phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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What Causes A Uti
A UTI occurs when bacteria infect the urinary tract, causing irritation and inflammation. Most UTIs are caused by E. coli, a bacterium that normally resides in the gut but can get displaced from the rectum to the urethra after a bowel movement.
And after an infection takes hold in the urinary tract, it can then progress to the bladder and even the kidneys.
UTIs are more common in women than in men because a woman’s urethra is much shorter making it easier for bacteria to not only become relocated there but to move through and into the bladder as well.
To help prevent a UTI, always be sure to wipe from front to back never the other way around while using the restroom.
Which Antibiotic Will I Be Prescribed
Uncomplicated UTIs are most commonly treated with a three day course of one of two antibiotics: trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin. Trimethoprim works by stopping certain enzymes in bacteria from working, which stops the bacteria from being able to multiply.10 Nitrofurantoin works slightly differently it damages a bacterias DNA to stop it from being able to work properly.
Occasionally, the course of antibiotics you are given wont work for you. This might be because the UTI is caused by an unusual bacteria, because the bacteria are resistant to the antibiotic youve been given, or that the symptoms are caused by something else entirely.
If symptoms remain significant after the three day course of antibiotics, it is advisable to return to your GP they might do more tests to ensure the diagnosis of UTI is definitely correct
Generally, when you visit a healthcare professional with symptoms suggestive of a UTI, urine will be tested in whats called a dipstick test this is a fast test which can show whether certain cells and components which may indicate infection are present in the urine. If this test is positive and symptoms are suggestive of a UTI, the urine sample probably wont be sent off to the labs for further testing, as there is no real need for this.11
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