What is a UTI or Urinary Tract Infection?

UTI or urinary tract infection is an infection somewhere within the urinary tract which includes the following organs: kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTI’s are more common in women than men but when men get a UTI it is often more serious and difficult to treat.

What organism causes a UTI?

Urinary tract infections are usually caused by bacteria.

What are the signs and symptoms of a UTI?

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include: burning upon urination, frequency and intense need to urinate even when there is little urine to pass, pain in lower abdomen or flank area of back, cloudy, dark, bloody or foul smelling urine, fever and or chills. If you have any of these symptoms you should see your physician.

If I go to my doctor what will he/she do?

The doctor will do a thorough history asking you about the symptoms, when they started, and how much water you drink. The most common test done to rule out a urinary tract infection is a urine test. Some physicians do a urine dip stick test which shows if there are white blood cells or blood in the urine, others may do a culture which requires more time. A sample of urine is placed on a petri dish, put in an incubator, and allows the bacteria to grow. This type of test allows the physician to know the exact type of bacteria and prescribe the correct type of antibiotic for the infection. Some other types of testing which may be done include X-rays, ultrasound or CT scan of the bladder and or kidneys. A cystoscopy may be done to look inside the urethra and bladder. A small tube with a lens similar to a microscope is inserted into the urinary tract via the urethra.

Are there ways to avoid getting Urinary Tract Infection

Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day will help flush out the bacteria from your system.
Drinking cranberry juice and taking vitamin C helps keep your urine more acidic which bacteria finds it difficult to grow in.
Don’t hold your urine-as soon as you feel the need to urinate, empty your bladder. The longer the urine stays in your bladder the greater the chance of infection.
Urinate soon after having sex as this washes away any bacteria that might have entered your urethra during sex.
Always wipe from front to back to avoid bringing bacteria into your urethra.
Stay away from tight-fitting clothes and silk underwear, both increase the chance of bacterial growth due to irritation and increased moisture. Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes to keep area dry.
The use of a diaphram, spermicide or unlubricated condoms can also increase the chance of UTI’s. If this is occurring speak to your gynecologist about possibly modifying your birth control method.