V. UTI Questions Answered

i.  What is a UTI?                                                                                             

UTI’s are more common in women than men.  A UTI is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract that typically occurs in the urethra (the tube that drains the bladder and out the body) or the bladder, but they can become more serious if it involves the kidney.  

ii. What are the symptoms of a UTI?                                                        

A UTI can cause an increased urge to urinate, an increased frequency to urinate and pain with urination.  A foul odor to the urine and blood in the urine can also be noted.  If the infection enters the kidney (pyelonephritis) then back pain, nausea, vomiting and fever can also be noted.

iii.  How is a UTI treated?                                                                      

Minor, uncomplicated UTI’s can sometimes resolve on their own, with non-medicinal remedies to speed recovery: drink plenty of fluids to dilute and flush out the bacteria, avoid drinks that can irritate the bladder (caffeine, alcohol and citrus) and void when sensation occurs. The most common treatment for a UTI is with antibiotics which requires a prescription from your doctor.

iv.  How can I prevent a UTI?                                                                   

Most UTI’s occur through contamination, gut flora entering the urinary tract.  This can occur when wiping your bottom or from sex.  If this occurs often, 3 or more per year, then you should speak with your doctor.  Lifestyle changes can help prevent a UTI.

i.               wipe from front to back when going to the bathroom

ii.              good menstrual hygiene practices

iii.             drink plenty of fluids (6-8 glasses of water/day) and empty your bladder regularly

iv.            wear cotton underwear 

v.             urinate immediately before and after sex

v. What do I do if I have been treated but I still have symptoms?                 

If your symptoms are not improving, especially after treatment, then you may have to have a urine culture to figure out which bacteria is present and which antibiotic will be best.