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Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infections are the one of the most common infections to affect people. The only infection that occurs more often is the common cold. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect men, women, and children, but women suffer more frequently from these infections. Fortunately, UTIs can usually be treated successfully if they are diagnosed and treated early.

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria gets into the urinary tract and infects the system. In women, the bacteria may come from the rectal area, where bacteria occurs naturally, or from other areas of the skin. The bacteria may then travel up the urethra into the bladder. When this happens, the bacteria can cause infection and inflammation of the bladder. Occasionally, the kidneys may become infected as well, causing a serious UTI, which could result in kidney damage. Many women who have one UTI will experience others in their lifetime. It is estimated that nearly 20% of women who have an episode of urinary tract infection will have another, 30% of those will have a third infection, and approximately 80% of those with recurrent infections will experience even more.

Bacteria can also infect a man’s urinary tract, even though this is not as common. Men have a longer urethra and it is harder for the bacteria to travel up into the internal urinary tract. The majority of UTIs in men are caused by an obstruction, usually an enlarged prostate gland. This type of obstruction can cause incomplete voiding and the back up of urination in the bladder. The residual urine can lead to an infection in the bladder.

In addition to bacteria, other microorganisms can cause infections of the urinary tract. Mycoplasma and Chlamydia are the most frequent causes of infection in the urethra or pelvic area in women and the prostate in men. They are usually sexually transmitted and require treatment of both partners.

Normally, the act of urination will wash invading bacteria out of the urethra to help prevent infections. Also the flow of urine down the urethras from the kidneys coupled with valves where the urethras enter the bladder prevent bladder infections from ascending to the kidneys. Additionally, healthy immune systems play a role in preventing urinary tract infections.

Factors that contribute to Urinary Tract Infections

There are a number of factors that may increase a person’s risk of getting urinary tract infections. These include:

• Certain people with diseases like diabetes or an abnormal urinary system. Also kidney stones can increase the risk of UTIs.
• An enlargement of the prostate gland
• Certain people who have recently undergone catheterization or a procedure that involved having a medical instrument inserted into the urethra.
• Urinary tract infections also occur in infants and children who are born with urinary tract abnormalities, some of which need to be corrected with surgery.
• Sexual intercourse, especially for women.
• The use of birth control methods such as the diaphragm.
• Pregnancy can also be associated with a higher rate of urinary tract infections because of hormonal and other changes in the anatomy of the urinary tract during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

The symptoms for a urinary tract infection are similar for both men and women, and may include:

• An urgent or frequent need to urinate
• A burning feeling during urination
• Slight fever
• Pain in the lower abdomen, back, or side
• Blood in the urine
• If the infection has reached the kidneys, there is frequently pain in the back and side, high fever and occasionally nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosing Urinary Tract Infections

Initially your doctor will want to talk with you about your past medical history especially any information about your symptoms. It is very important for your doctor to know if you have a history of infections and what medications you have taken. The doctor will perform a physical exam to test for tenderness and inflammation. There are several lab tests that are extremely accurate in identifying urinary tract infections and you doctor may want to perform one or more of these tests. Some common tests include urinalysis, urine culture, blood tests, an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), cystoscopy, and cystogram.

Treating Urinary Tract Infections

Most urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics, which are taken by mouth. Your doctor will usually perform a sensitivity test, which will help determine which is the most effective antibiotic for your infection. Many urinary tract infections, particularly simple routine bladder infections, are treated with short courses of antibiotics. Some infections require treatment for a week or two. It is very important that you take the medication for the entire period of time it is prescribed. This will help insure that all of the bacteria are killed and your body has built back its resistance.

Sexually transmitted disease infections such as Mycoplasma or Chlamydia are usually treated with a different type of antibiotic and sexual partners are treated as well. Treatment usually lasts for ten days to two weeks and the doctor will want to do follow-up tests to make sure the infection is completely gone.Once again, it is particularly important to take the full course of treatment prescribed.

Occasionally, more severe infections, especially those involving the kidneys, will require that the antibiotic be injected. Hospitalization, with intravenous drug treatment may be necessary for the most extreme cases.

There are a few lifestyle changes that can help improve the medical treatment and reduce the risk of infection in the future.

• Drinking at least 64 ounces (eight 8-ounce glasses) of water, juice, or other non-caffeinated beverages.
• Practicing good personal hygiene by wiping from front to back
• Emptying your bladder whenever you feel the urge to urinate. For women, leaning forward at the end of the stream can help empty the last bit of urine from your bladder.
• Avoid irritating food, especially for men with prostatitis.

Take all of the medication prescribed by your doctor.