Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is not sexually transmitted, but can be caused by certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It can also be caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). During a UTI, the bladder, urethra (urine canal), kidneys, or ureters (flat tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladders) can be infected. When the UTI infects the urethra it is called urethritis, when it infects the bladder it is called cystitis, for the ureters is it called ureteritis, and for the kidneys it is called pyelonephritis.

UTIs can be treated and cured with antibiotics. They usually do not cause any complications if they are treated. Left untreated, UTIs can cause damage to the kidneys, leading to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Causes / Risks

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra (urine canal). In women infections of the urethra (urethritis) can be caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like the herpes simplex virus or Chlamydia. In men it can also be caused by E. coli or the STDs Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Most infections of the bladder (cystitis) are caused by E. coli.

A weakened immune system, poor hygiene, stretching the bladder and weakening its muscles by not going when the urge to urinate presents itself, tubes placed in the bladder (catheters), or abnormalities that can obstruct urine flow in the urinary tract can all increase the risk of developing a UTI. An enlarged prostate in men and frequent vaginal sex, spermicides or diaphragms, or wiping back to front after a bowel movement can increase the risk in women.
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Symptoms

Some people with a urinary tract infection (UTI) will not have symptoms, but most people will. Symptoms that can be experienced include a strong frequent urge to urinate, frequently passing small amounts of urine, a burning sensation or pain when urinating, an inability to urinate, cloudy urine, urine with blood in it, or strong smelling urine.

Additional symptoms can also occur, depending on what part of the urinary tract has been infected. When the urethra (urine canal) is infected, it may become inflamed (urethritis). Symptoms of this can include a burning sensation or pain when urinating or a penile discharge in men.

An infection of the bladder can cause the bladder to become inflamed (cystitis). Symptoms of this can include frequent and painful urination, strong smelling urine, lower abdomen discomfort or pain, or pelvic pressure.

If the infection spreads to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), symptoms could include high fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, upper back pain, pain in the sides, or below the ribs.
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Testing / Diagnosis

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can be diagnosed from a urine sample. Laboratory analysis of the sample (urinalysis), plus a urine culture, can determine whether there is pus, red blood cells, or bacteria present in it. People should see a health care provider to be tested if they think they have a UTI.
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Treatment

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be treated and cured with antibiotics. The antibiotic amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox), trimethoprim (Proloprim), nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrodantin), and the antibiotic combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) are the ones most commonly recommended for simple cases of UTIs. Which anti-biotic or combination a health care provider prescribes, depends upon the health and needs of the patient.

Severe cases of UTIs may require hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics intravenously. For people who have frequent UTIs or have an infection of a kidney become chronic, a health care provider will refer those people to an urologist (physician who specializes in the urinary tract) or a nephrologist (physician who specializes in kidneys).
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Complications

Urinary Track Infections (UTIs) rarely lead to complications if they are treated in a timely fashion. Left untreated a UTI can spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis) and cause damage and scarring to its tissues. If there is enough damage, kidney failure could occur. Dialysis or a kidney transplant would then be required. However, unless it is a severe infection, this damage could take months or years to occur.

For women who are pregnant, a UTI can increase the risk of having a premature birth or/and a baby with low birth weight.
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Prevention

While urinary tract infections (UTIs) are not sexually transmitted, they can be caused by some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). To prevent the transmission of STDs that can cause a UTI, people should abstain from sexual contact, only have sex with an uninfected partner in a monogamous relationship, or properly use latex condoms.

To reduce the risk of a UTI, women should urinate before and after vaginal sex, wash their genital and rectal areas before and after sexual contact, and use water based lubricants during sexual contact to prevent irritation to tissues that can increase the risk of infection. Women should also wipe front to back after urination and bowel movements to prevent the spread of bacteria from the rectum to the vagina or urethra (urine canal).

Another way women can reduce their risk is by avoiding feminine products that can be irritating. These products include douches, powders, and deodorant sprays.

Others ways to prevent a UTI in both genders include urinating when the urge is felt, instead of holding it, drinking plenty of fluids and juices (raspberries, cranberries, currants), and avoiding substances that can irritate the bladder like tea, alcohol, spicy foods, and coffee.
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