Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Brown Health Services Patient Education Series
● In people with penises, urethritis can What is a UTI? sometimes cause a penile discharge
A UTI is an infection involving any part of the Infection of the kidneys (pyelonephritis) can urinary tract which includes the urethra, urinary include all of the above as well as: bladder, ureters and kidneys. The urethra goes between the bladder and the outside. The ureters ● Lower back pain run between the kidneys and the bladder. Most ● High fever infections involve the lower tract– the urethra ● Shaking chills (urethritis) and/or urinary bladder (cystitis). These ● Nausea and Vomiting can be painful and annoying. ● Fatigue How common are they? What causes urinary tract infections? They are more common in people who have vulvas. The most common cause of UTIs is bacteria from One in 5 people with vulvas will likely develop a UTI the bowel such as E. coli that is present on the skin during their lifetime; many will experience more near the rectum or in the vagina. Once bacteria than one. A more serious kidney infection enter the urethra they travel upward causing (pyelonephritis) may occur if the infection spreads infection in the bladder and sometimes other parts from the lower tract into the kidneys. of the urinary tract. Sexual intercourse is commonly associated with UTIs in women. During intercourse, What are the signs and symptoms of a bacteria in the vaginal area are sometimes urinary tract infection? transferred into the urethra by the motion of the penis. Sexual intercourse may also irritate the Although some UTIs can be asymptomatic, common urethra allowing bacteria to more easily travel symptoms and signs include: through the urethra into the bladder. ● A strong persistent urge to urinate However, even people with vulvas who are not ● A burning sensation during or after sexually active are more susceptible to lower UTIs urination than people with penises because the rectum is ● Passing frequent, small amounts of urine closer to the urethra in female genitalia. The shorter ● Blood in the urine (hematuria), or cloudy, urethra also makes it easier for bacteria to enter the strong-smelling urine bladder and cause infections. ● A sense of pressure in the pelvis and lower abdomen In people with penises, urethritis is usually the result of bacteria acquired during sexual contact.
Brown Health Services Patient Education Series: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) www.brown.edu/health 401-863-3953 (last updated 4/20)
The majority of such infections are caused by medicine that will numb your bladder while the gonorrhea or chlamydia. People with vulvas can also antibiotic starts to work. This medicine colors your develop urethritis due to a sexually transmitted urine bright orange so don’t be alarmed by the infection such as herpes or chlamydia however; this color when you urinate. A kidney infection may will generally cause vaginal symptoms as well as require more intensive treatment. urinary discomfort. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out bacteria. Another cause of UTIs is waiting too long to urinate. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing The bladder is a muscle that stretches to hold urine citrus juices and caffeine until your infection has and contracts when urine is released. A bladder cleared because these can irritate your bladder. that is continually stretched may eventually Apply a warm, but not hot, heating pad to your weaken and not empty completely, leaving some abdomen to minimize bladder pressure and urine inside which may increase the risk of a discomfort. If you tend to get urinary infections urinary tract infection. Other risk factors for frequently speak to your health provider regarding developing urinary tract infections include: possible preventative medication.
● Anything that impedes the flow of urine such as an enlarged prostate or kidney How can I prevent urinary tract stone infections? ● Diabetes and other chronic illnesses that may impair the immune system ● Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria. ● Medications that lower immunity, such as ● Don’t hold your urine. Urinate when you cortisone in higher doses feel like you need to. ● Pregnancy and menopause ● Wipe from front to back after bowel movements. ● Urinate before and after sex emptying the What do I do if I think I have a UTI? bladder completely each time to help wash away bacteria. If you have symptoms of a urinary infection, make ● If you get urinary infections often, you may an appointment to be seen at Health Services. It is want to avoid using a diaphragm and or important to be seen as soon as possible if you spermicides. Ask your health provider have fever, lower back pain, nausea, vomiting and about other birth control options. chills as these may indicate a more serious kidney ● The role of cranberry juice and probiotics in infection (pyelonephritis). preventing UTIs is not yet documented by replicated, adequately designed large scale You will be asked to provide a urine sample for studies. While the Natural Center for urinalysis and possible culture to determine if you Complementary Medicine suggests have bacteria in your urine. If your initial urinalysis cranberry and probiotics may have some indicates a probable infection, you will be role in preventing urinary tract infections, prescribed an antibiotic which should relieve the evidence is not definite and more your symptoms within a few days. However, be sure research is needed. Cranberry has not been to take the full course of treatment as directed and shown to be effective as a treatment for an return to your health provider if you do not feel existing urinary tract infection. completely improved. If you are very uncomfortable, you may also be prescribed a
Brown Health Services Patient Education Series: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) www.brown.edu/health 401-863-3953 (last updated 4/20)