Urinary tract infections are a common problem. It is estimated that over nine million doctor visits a year are a result of some type of urinary tract infection. This site is designed to help you learn about urinary tract infection (UTI), its causes, and its treatment.

Introduction to UTI
It is estimated that nearly 20% of women will experience a urinary tract infection at least once, and nearly 20% of those will have recurrent infections.

Urinary tract infections are caused when bacteria, usually E.coli, enter and multiply in any part of the urinary tract. In most cases bacteria enter the urethra, a small tube that carries urine out of the body, and travel to the bladder causing an infection known as cystitis. This infection is often accompanied by urethritis, an infection of the urethra. In some cases the invading bacteria can spread through the ureters, the tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder, to the kidneys causing an infection known as pyelonephritis. A healthy immune system and the act of urination, which flushes invading bacteria from the urethra, are the body's only natural defenses against urinary tract infections.

Who is affected?

Urinary tract infections can affect anyone, but women are more susceptible for a number of reasons. First, a woman's urethra is much shorter than a man's which allows bacteria quick access to the bladder. A woman's urethral opening is also near two sources of bacteria, the rectum-the main source of bacteria that causes UTI-and the vaginal area. Sexual intercourse can also cause bacteria to be pushed into the urethra triggering an infection. Finally, use of some birth control methods such as the diaphragm may predispose women to urinary tract infections.

What are the symptoms?

While some people with UTI may not have any symptoms, most people get at least a few of the following:

• A painful, burning feeling during urination
• Frequent urination, especially during the night
• Urination results in the passage of only small amounts of urine, followed by the urge to urinate again a short time later
• Cloudy, dark or bloody urine
• Pain in the back or lower abdomen
• Nausea, vomiting and or general ill feeling

Diagnosis & Treatment

Clinical Diagnosis

Clinical diagnosis of UTI is usually done through a urine test. Additional lab tests can be done on the urine sample to determine which antibiotics are most effective for the infection. X-rays ultrasounds and a procedure called cystoscopy may also be used in diagnostic tests, especially in cases of recurrent UTI.

Treatment Options

Most urinary tract infections can be cured with one to three days of antibiotic treatment. Some of the more common types of antibiotics used to fight UTI are sulfa-based drugs, nitrofurantoin, quinolones and Ampicillin type drugs.

In addition to antibiotics other medications and measures may be prescribed to alleviate some of the painful symptoms of UTI.

Prevention and Self Help Tips

The following steps can help prevent or relieve urinary tract infections:

• Drink plenty of liquids
• 6 to 8 glasses of water a day are recommended
• cranberry juice may help relieve mild UTI
• avoid large amounts of caffeine and alcohol
• Don't hold your urine; urinate frequently
• Wipe from front to back after bowel movements
• Take showers rather than tub baths
• Empty your bladder shortly before and after intercourse

Links and Contacts

• AMA Health Insight
• American Foundation for Urologic Disease
• Mayo Clinic Women's Health Resource Center
• The National Bladder Foundation
• The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC)
• The National Women's Health Information Center

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© 1999, The Foundation for Better Health Care