Urinary Tract Infection Resource Center - All Articles
Health ConditionsUrological HealthUrinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection - All Articles

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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that can occur anywhere in your urinary system, including your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, although it’s more common for UTIs to affect the bladder and urethra. Symptoms of a UTI include a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Women are more likely than men to experience UTIs. Treatment typically involves antibiotics. Lifestyle habits like staying hydrated and practicing good genital hygiene can help prevent future infections.

FAQ

What causes UTIs?

Bacteria entering the urinary tract is the most common cause of a UTI. Most UTIs that affect the lower urinary tract are caused by E. coli, as well as other types of bacteria that are normally found in the digestive tract.

UTI symptoms can include painful urination or a burning sensation when urinating, a frequent urge to urinate with little output, cloudy urine, strong-smelling urine, red- or pink-tinged urine, and lower abdominal pain.

To diagnose a UTI, your healthcare provider conducts a urinalysis, screening a sample of your urine for bacteria and blood cells. However, false negative results can occur, so your doctor also considers your range of symptoms and responds accordingly.

Antibiotics are the first-line treatment for UTIs. Prescribed by your doctor, these antibiotics typically come in pill form and are taken orally for several days. Your doctor may also recommend medications to relieve UTI pain or to help prevent future infections.

The best ways to prevent UTIs include staying hydrated, completely emptying your bladder when urinating, practicing good genital hygiene, and taking showers instead of baths. You can also ask your doctor about cranberry extracts or probiotics.

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Resources
  1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Mayo Clinic. September 14, 2022.

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