Urinary Tract Infection
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria, typically originating from the skin or rectal area, get inside the urethra and multiply, leading to an infection within the urinary tract; this infection is often concentrated in the bladder, called cystitis.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a UTI:
For lower UTIs, watch for:
- Pain or a burning sensation during urination
- Presence of blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Back pain or discomfort
- Pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or groin area
- Unusual urethral discharge
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Abnormal urine color (not the usual yellow or clear)
- Frequent and urgent urges to urinate
- Feeling the need to urinate despite an empty bladder
- Inability to urinate or releasing small, frequent amounts of urine
For upper UTIs, symptoms may include:
- A high fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills or shaking
- Abdominal pain below the ribs
Why Women Get UTI’s More Often Than Men
Women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs) than men, primarily due to anatomical and physiological differences. Women have shorter urethras, the tubes that carry urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, which facilitates easier access for bacteria to reach the bladder. Additionally, the female urethra is positioned closer to the anus compared to men, increasing the risk of bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract, like E. coli, migrating into the urethra and triggering infections.
Additional Urinary Tract Infection Risk Factors:
- Diabetes
- Enlarged prostate (in men)
- Uncircumcised penis (in men)
- Pregnancy
- Dehydration
- Menopause
- Bowel incontinence
- Presence of kidney stones
- The use of urinary catheters
- Diaphragm birth control (in women)
- Increased sexual activity, particularly with new partners
Treatment
The sooner a UTI is treated, the less likely it is to spread and cause more damage to other regions of the urinary tract. At Orange County Urologic Institute, we offer several treatments to address the cause of a UTI.
Schedule an appointment today with one of our healthcare providers to help you regain control of your overall health.