Urinary Tract Infection Q + A

It’s estimated one in five women develops a urinary tract infection (UTI) during her lifetime.* Women tend to get them more often than men and some women suffer with them again and again, getting three or more UTIs in a year. In fact, nearly 20 percent of women who have a UTI will have another.*

UTIs are infections that can occur anywhere along the urinary tract including the bladder and even the kidneys. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about UTIs.

Q. What causes UTIs?

A. When bacteria from the digestive tract enter the urethra and begin to multiply it can lead to infection, often in the bladder itself, but it may also spread to the kidneys. Sexual intercourse can also trigger infections in some women though doctors aren’t sure why.

Q. Why do women get UTIs more often than men?

A. In women, the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Experts believe this may allow bacteria quicker access to the bladder.

Q. What are the symptoms of a UTI or bladder infection?

A. Not everyone has symptoms, but those who do can experience cloudy urine which may have a strong odor; a painful or burning sensation during urination; and a strong urge to urinate frequently even when the bladder has just been emptied.

Q. How is an infection diagnosed and confirmed?

A. Your healthcare provider will request a urine sample to perform a urinalysis and a urine culture. A urinalysis looks for white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria and certain chemicals in order to diagnose the infection. A urine culture may be performed to identify the bacteria present in the urine and ensure the correct antibiotic is used for treatment.

Q. What treatments are used to cure infections?

A. Doctors typically prescribe oral antibiotics for UTIs. An infection can be cured within one or two days of treatment, although doctors will require patients to take the prescribed dosage for a week or two to ensure the infection is completely gone.

Q. What steps can be taken to help prevent infections?

A. There are several lifestyle habits and changes that can help prevent the occurrence of infections.

• Keep the genital area clean.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Wipe front to back after using the bathroom.
• Clean your genital area before and after sexual intercourse.
• Avoid using douches, feminine hygiene sprays and powders. They can irritate the urethra.
• Avoid tight-fitting pants.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Drink cranberry juice.

*U.S. Department of Health and Human Services