Urinary Tract Infection

UTIs are more common in women than in men, due to the female anatomy and the proximity of the urethra to the anus. Symptoms of a UTI may include a frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and lower abdominal pain. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics — if left untreated, a UTI can lead to more serious health problems.

Risk factors

• Female anatomy: the female urethra is shorter than the male urethra, giving bacteria a shorter distance to travel to reach the bladder.
• Sexual activity: can increase the risk of UTIs, especially for women who are not fully aroused before sex.
• Pregnancy: the uterus can put pressure on the bladder, making it more difficult to fully empty it.
• Menopause: the decrease in estrogen levels can lead to thinning of the urethral lining, making it more susceptible to infection.
• Bladder catheterization: the use of a catheter to drain the bladder can increase the risk of UTIs.
• Certain medical conditions: diabetes, a weakened immune system, or certain neurological conditions.
• Use of certain medications: such as diuretics and blood pressure medications.
• Poor hygiene: not washing the hands or genital area properly.

Prevention

• Drink plenty of water to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
• Urinate when you feel the urge — holding urine in the bladder for too long can allow bacteria to grow.
• Wipe front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus from spreading to the urethra.
• Empty your bladder after sexual intercourse to help flush bacteria out.
• Wear cotton underwear, which is more breathable and can help reduce the risk of UTIs.
• Avoid douches and other feminine hygiene products, which can alter the balance of bacteria in the vagina.
• Avoid unnecessary use of urinary catheters; if you must use one, follow proper hygiene and change it as directed.
• Take showers instead of baths, as warm bath water can promote bacterial growth.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in sugar and processed foods.

Symptoms

Symptoms may vary depending on the location of the infection, and commonly include a frequent urge to urinate, pain or a burning sensation while urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, lower abdominal pain, pelvic pain (in women), blood in the urine, fever or chills, nausea or vomiting, and fatigue.

It is especially important to see a doctor if you have a fever or if you are pregnant, as these may be signs of a more serious infection. You should also see a doctor if you have difficulty urinating, are unable to urinate, or have kidney pain, or if you have had a UTI in the past and are experiencing similar symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the infection. Common treatments include:

• Antibiotics: the most common treatment. Our pharmacist will prescribe a course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection — it's important to take the full course, even once you're feeling better, to ensure the infection is fully treated.
• Pain medication: over-the-counter options such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract and speed up healing.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing to reduce irritation and promote healing.
• Urinating when you feel the urge, rather than holding it in.
• Practicing good hygiene, including wiping front to back and washing the genital area regularly.
• Avoiding irritants such as perfumed soaps and bubble baths.

If you have a UTI, it is important to see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment — UTIs can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.

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