Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Frequent urination
• Urgent need to urinate
• Cloudy, strong-smelling, or bloody urine
• Pain or pressure in the lower region of the abdomen or back
• Feeling tired or shaky

• Sexual activity
• Use of certain types of birth control
• Menopause
• Urinary tract abnormalities
• Blockages in the urinary tract
• Weakened immune system

There are several different types of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can affect different parts of the urinary system. The most common types of UTIs include:

Bladder infection (cystitis): This is the most common type of UTI, which affects the bladder.

Symptoms of a bladder infection may include:

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Frequent urination
• Urgent need to urinate
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis): This type of UTI affects the kidneys and can be more serious than a bladder infection.

Symptoms of a kidney infection may include:

• High fever
• Pain in the back or side, below the ribs
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy or bloody urine

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Frequent urination
• Urgent need to urinate
• Discharge from the urethra

• Pain or burning sensation during urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination
• Urgent need to urinate
• Fever and chills

• Pain or burning during urination
• Increased frequency of urination
• Urgency to urinate
• Blood in the urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain in women
• Rectal pain in men
• Lower abdominal pain or pressure
• Fever and chills, in severe cases

• Female anatomy: Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men due to the presence of their shorter urethra and the proximity of the urethra to the anus.
• Sexual activity: It can increase the risk of UTIs, particularly in women, due to the pressure that can be put on the urethra during sexual intercourse.
• Certain types of birth control: Women who use diaphragms for birth control or spermicidal agents may be at an increased risk of UTIs.
• Menopause: The decline in estrogen levels that occurs during menopause can cause changes in the urinary tract that increase the risk of UTIs.
• Blockages in the urinary tract: Blockages in the urinary tract, such as a tumor or a narrowed urethra, can make it difficult for urine to pass through and increase the risk of UTIs.
• Weakened immune system: People who possess weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy, may be more susceptible to UTIs.
• Catheter use: People who use a urinary catheter, which is a synthetic tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine, are at an increased risk of UTIs.

• Urine analysis: This is the most common test used to diagnose UTIs. A sample of urine is collected and analyzed for the presence of bacteria and also white blood cells, which indicate an infection.
• Urine culture: A urine culture is a more detailed test that identifies the specific type of bacteria causing the infection and also determines which antibiotics are most effective in treating it.
• Imaging tests: If a UTI is recurrent or severe, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be ordered to look for abnormalities in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or tumors.
• Cystoscopy: In this procedure, a thin tube with a camera on the end is carefully inserted through the urethra and then into the bladder to examine the bladder lining for abnormalities.

• Simple UTI: A simple UTI refers to a single, uncomplicated infection that is not severe or recurrent. In most cases, a simple UTI can be treated with a short course of antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or ciprofloxacin. Drinking plenty of fluids and taking pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can also help relieve symptoms.
• Severe UTI: A severe UTI refers to an infection that is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the back or sides. Severe UTIs may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and other supportive treatments, such as fluids and pain relief medication.
• Recurrent UTI: Recurrent UTIs are defined as two or more UTIs within a six-month period or three or more UTIs within a year. Recurrent UTIs may require long-term or prophylactic antibiotic therapy, which involves taking a low dose of antibiotics for several months to prevent future infections. Other treatments, such as cranberry juice or supplements, may also be recommended to prevent recurrent UTIs.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to a number of complications if left untreated or if the infection spreads to various other parts of the urinary system. Some of the major complications of UTIs include:

• Kidney damage: UTIs that involve the kidneys (pyelonephritis) can cause damage to the renal tubules and impair the function of the kidneys. This can potentially lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure if not treated promptly.
• Sepsis: Severe UTIs can lead to sepsis, when your immune system overreacts to a potential infection and causes widespread inflammation throughout the body. Sepsis can cause organ failure, shock, and even death if not treated promptly.
• Recurrent infections: Some people may be more prone to UTIs than others due to factors such as structural abnormalities in the urinary tract, a weakened immune system, or any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes. Recurrent UTIs can lead to frequent antibiotic use.
• Pregnancy complications: UTIs during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm labor, and other complications. Pregnant women with UTIs should be treated promptly to avoid these risks.
• Urosepsis: This is a type of sepsis that occurs when the infection spreads from the urinary tract to the bloodstream. Urosepsis can lead to shock, multi-organ failure, and death if not treated promptly.

• Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking enough fluids helps to flush out any bacteria from the urinary tract and prevent infections. Water is the best choice, but other fluids such as unsweetened cranberry juice and herbal tea, may also help.
• Practice good hygiene: Keeping your genital area clean and also dry, wiping from front to back after using the toilet, and urinating frequently can help to prevent the spread of bacteria to the urinary tract.
• Urinate after sex: Urinating after sexual activity helps to flush out any present bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during intercourse.
• Avoid irritants: Certain products, such as spermicidal foams, powders, and scented feminine hygiene products, can irritate the genital area and also increase the risk of UTIs. It is best to avoid these products or use them sparingly.
• Take supplements: Some supplements, such as cranberry extract and D-mannose, may help to prevent UTIs by preventing bacteria from ever adhering to the urinary tract lining. However, the evidence for the effectiveness of these supplements is mixed, and they should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

• Virtual consultations: Ongo Care offers virtual consultations with healthcare providers who can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose a UTI, and provide a treatment plan.
• Prescription services: If your healthcare provider determines that you need antibiotics to treat a UTI, they can prescribe them for you electronically through Ongo Care.
• Follow-up care: If you have any questions or concerns during or after treatment, you can follow up with your healthcare provider through Ongo Care.

Frequently Asked Questions