Urinary tract infections are more than a minor annoyance. Every year, they send over 10 million Americans to the doctor, according to stats from the National Kidney Foundation.
If you haven’t had one by now, don’t count yourself lucky just yet. The chances are about 1 in 5 that any given woman will contract a UTI at some point in her life.
Some women are more prone to UTIs than others. Of the portion women who are diagnosed, 20% of those will have a recurrence. Of those who have two UTIs, 30% will have a third. And if you’ve had three UTIs? Then you’re in for a wild ride – there’s an 80% chance you’ll experience a fourth. These “frequent flyers” may have additional health problems, such as diabetes or kidney stones, that need to be addressed with their physician.
What are the causes of urinary tract infections?
A urinary tract infectionis an infection of any part of the urinary system—the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, which consists of the bladder and the urethra.
Most infections are caused by bacteria from the bowel – E. coli – somehow making its way into the bladder. Usually, these bacteria are flushed out of the urinary tract every time you pee. This is one reason why you should never “hold it” for too long, or forget to pee before and after sex.
A UTI can also strike when another medical condition prevents the bladder from fully emptying. A bladder or kidney stone may be blocking the urinary tract, or the pathway of urine may have been narrowed or kinked. Sometimes, an abnormality in the nerves or bladder muscles may result in bladder dysfunction or incontinence.
But in some cases, the body just can’t fight the bacteria off. If you have diabetes or you’re a regular smoker, your immune system may be weakened, increasing your risk of UTI and other infections.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections
Ignoring the signs of a UTI can cause bigger problems. The bacteria may travel up your system and end up in the kidneys, causing a much more severe infection known as pyelonephritis (pie-low-nef-RITE-us). Knowing what to look out for can help you get to the doctor sooner and avoid this nasty complication
1. Urgent need to urinate
You have to go, RIGHT NOW. Even if you just went! Frequent urinating and the constant urge to pee is one of the tell-tale signs of a UTI.
2. Stinging pain or burning sensation when you pee.
If you only feel a little stinging once, that could be a sign that your body is actively fighting unwanted bacteria. Don’t be concerned until the second or third time. You’ll know you’re in trouble when you get that same burning sensation every time you pee. Drink plenty of water to help flush it out.
3. Trickling pee.
You may feel like you’re about to unleash the full power of Niagara Falls, but when you sit down to pee, the little dribbles barely eek out.
4. Urinating brings no relief.
You peed all you could. But when you pull up your pants, your bladder still feels like the Hoover Dam, and you’re back in the bathroom again minutes later.
5. Strong-smelling urine.
You don’t have to be a detective to tell that your urine smells funky. UTIs are known for causing strong, pungent-smelling urine. If your pee has a strange odor, and you don’t remember asparagus on the menu, call the doctor.
6. Cloudy, discolored, or bloody urine.
Red or brown urine can be alarming, and could be a sign of an infection. It could also be a sign that you’ve eaten rhubarb, blackberries, or beets recently. If you haven’t, and if you’re experiencing any other painful symptoms, make an appointment with your OB-GYN.
7. Abdominal cramping and back pain.
Most women are accustomed to a little cramping now and then, but that doesn’t mean you should dismiss abdominal pain. Aching muscles are a common sign of infection, and since UTIs affect the bladder, you should be extra cautious of pain and pressure in the pelvis.
8. Fatigue.
Severe UTIs will trigger an immune response, sending signals to your body to call in the cavalry. Inflammation will develop in the infected area, and your bone marrow will release a host of white blood cells. Your body is working hard, even if it’s all the energy you can muster to just sit on the couch and watch the new season of Queer Eye.
9. Fever.
You might get to this stage if you’ve ignored all of your UTI symptoms. If you have a fever, or are experiencing chills or nausea, you need to call your doctor immediately. The infection may have spread to your kidneys, and this is a serious medical emergency.
Risk factors for urinary tract infections
In addition to women who have recently increased their level of sexual activity, certain types of women are at higher risk of UTI, including women who:
- Are obese
- Had several vaginal births
- Have diabetes
- Have a personal history of UTIs
- Are post-menopause. Menopause occurs when a woman’s body decreases the production of estrogen, which can weaken the tissues surrounding the urethra and leave it vulnerable to infection.
Pregnant women can get UTIs as well. If you are pregnant and believe you have a UTI, seek medical help right away. A urinary tract infection could cause complications for your developing baby.
How do you test for a urinary tract infection?
The single most important lab test is urinalysis, essentially a urine test. A urine culture will be tested for signs of infection, such as the presence of white blood cells and bacteria. Dr. Aliabadi will ask you to provide a urine sample to be examined in a laboratory. She may also order a culture of your urine sample, which can show the particular types of bacteria present.
Treatment for a urinary tract infection
In most cases, urinary bladder infection treatment is quick and easy. Dr. Aliabadi will likely prescribe antibiotics; fortunately, symptoms usually disappear within two days. It’s important to take all the prescribed doses when taking antibiotics, even if you are feeling better before the medication runs out. Failing to take the entire prescription as recommended could result in a relapse of the infection.
Upper urinary tract infections that affect the kidneys are much more serious and usually require a stay in the hospital. Especially because kidney infections can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection. Your antibiotics may be administered intravenously while medical professionals monitor your health.
Frequent urinary tract infections
- Having sex at an early age
- Frequent sexual intercourse
- Sex with a new partner
- Using spermicides or a diaphragm
If you have recurrent UTIs, talk to Dr. Aliabadi about how you can reduce your risk of UTIs. You may need to switch your method of contraception or practice better hygiene before, during, and after sex. It may feel uncomfortable to talk to your healthcare provider about your sexual activity, but Dr. Aliabadi is a specialist in this area and is here to help you stay healthy.
Reducing your risk of urinary tract infections
There are several behaviors that you can try at home to decrease your risk of developing a UTI. Some helpful tips include:
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to avoid the spread of bacteria, especially after bowel movements.
- Empty your bladder at least once every three hours and as soon as you feel the need.
- Empty your bladder before and after having sex.
- Wash your genitals and the genital area surrounding your anus with soap and water, and avoid using douches, sprays, or powders.
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to flush your system.
- Cranberry juice or cranberry pill supplements may aid in preventing UTIs, but the effect is not well understood.
- Estrogen therapy can help prevent UTIs in women who are going through menopause.
Concerned About Urinary Tract Infections? Talk to Dr. Aliabadi
Dr. Aliabadi isn’t only an expert OB/GYN but is knowledgeable in all aspects of women’s health and well-being, including UTIs. Dr. Aliabadi and her caring, supportive staff are available to support you through menopause, childbirth, infertility, or even just routine gynecological care.
We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.
The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi and the Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Sources
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-infection-pyelonephritis
MedlinePlus, https://medlineplus.gov/urinarytractinfections.html
Urinary Tract Infection FAQs
Is there any over-the-counter urinary tract infection medication
When it comes to urinary tract infections, antibiotics are often the recommended treatment to prevent their progression. Over-the-counter bladder infection medication is often a form of support for your urinary system instead of a course of treatment, meaning it can relieve symptoms but not cure a UTI.
Do home remedies for urinary tract infections work?
Home remedies for UTIs, such as drinking plenty of water or cranberry juice, taking probiotics, or eating garlic, can’t cure them. They may support the health of your urinary tract, reducing the risk of developing an infection, but there is not enough scientific data to prove their benefits.
What is mistaken for a UTI?
Conditions with similar symptoms of painful or frequent urination and lower pelvic pain, like vaginitis or interstitial cystitis (IC), can sometimes be mistaken for a UTI. If you have any concerning symptoms, it’s best to contact your healthcare provider to determine their possible cause.
Supported by her warm professional team, Dr. Aliabadi treats women through all phases of life and cherishes the special one-on-one relationship between patient and doctor.
- Prolactinoma - 01/07/25
- Urinary Incontinence - 11/27/24
- Why Consider Counseling for Transgender Fertility Preservation? - 11/11/24