Your urinary tract is made up of these parts:
Kidneys
Ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to
the bladder)
Bladder
Urethra (the tube through which urine is
passed)
Causes
UTI's result when bacteria infect any part of the urinary tract. The
bladder is the most common site.
The risk for getting a UTI is greater for:
Sexually active women - bacteria
from intercourse can move from the urethra to the bladder
Women who use a diaphragm
Men and women who have had UTI's in the
past
Anyone with a condition that doesn't allow
urine to pass freely. Kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, and multiple sclerosis are some
examples.
Symptoms
A strong need to go to the
bathroom
Going to the bathroom more often than usual
A sharp pain or burning in the urethra when
you pass urine
Blood in the urine
Feeling like your bladder is still full
after you pass urine
Soreness in your belly, back, or sides
Chills, fever, sick stomach, throwing up
{Note: You can have a UTI without symptoms.}
Treatment
An antibiotic to treat the specific infection and pain relievers (if
necessary) are the usual course of treatment.
Prevention
Here are some things you can do to keep from getting UTIs:
If you're a woman, wipe from front
to back after using the toilet. This keeps bacteria away from the urethra.
Drink plenty of liquids. Drink fruit
juices, especially cranberry juice.
Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the
urge. Don't give bacteria a chance to grow.
Drink a glass of water before you have sex.
Go to the bathroom as soon as you can after sex.
If you use a lubricant when you have sex,
use a water-soluble lubricant like K-Y Jelly.
Wear cotton underpants. Bacteria like a
warm, wet place. Cotton helps keep you cool and dry because it lets air flow through.
Don't take bubble baths if you have had
UTIs before. Take showers instead of baths.
Don't wear tight-fitting undergarments,
jeans and/or slacks.
If you use a diaphragm, clean it after each
use. And, have your doctor check your diaphragm periodically to make sure it still fits
properly.
Do you have these symptoms?  Fever and shaking chills Pain in one or both sides of your lower back Vomiting and nausea |
 |
| Do you have these problems? Burning or stinging feeling when
you pass urine Passing urine a lot more often than usual Bloody or cloudy urine Pain in your abdomen or over your bladder Feeling like you're going to throw up |
 |
| Do you have any of these problems? Constant urge to urinate You feel like your bladder is still full
after you urinate Your urine smells bad It hurts to have sex |
|
| Do you get UTIs a lot? |
 |
| Have you had symptoms for more than 3 days, without getting
better? Did medication the doctor prescribed give you side effects such as a skin rash or
make you sick? |
|
Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and coffee.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Cranberry juice is good, too.
Get plenty of rest.
Check for fever twice a day. Take your
temperature in the morning and then in the evening.
Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain.
{Note: See Pain relievers
in "Your Home Pharmacy".} Or, take an over-the-counter medicine made for the
pain that comes with a bladder infection. (Example: Uristat) {Note: Uristat
helps with symptoms but doesn't get rid of the infection. If you take Uristat, you should
still see your doctor.}
Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the
need. Empty your bladder completely every time you pass urine. If you have a condition
that keeps you from doing this, such as that which occurs in some persons with multiple
sclerosis, ask your doctor about using intermittent self-catheters.
Empty your bladder as soon as you can after
sex.
{Note: See your doctor if you don't feel better in 3 days.}
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99