Urinary Tract Infection

Overview

Urinary Tract Infections consist of cystitis which is a bladder/lower urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis which is a kidney/upper urinary tract infection.

Cause

• UTIs are due to bacteria that may enter the vaginal area. 
• Women are predisposed to getting UTIs due to anatomical differences when compared to men.
• Sexual intercourse and the use of  diaphragms and spermicides may predispose to UTIs

Symptoms of cystitis 

• Pain and burning with urination 
• Increased frequency urinating 
• The sudden urge to urinate
• Difficulty with starting to urinate 
• Pelvic pain 
• Blood in the urine 
• In more complicated lower tract infections you may get a fever and other signs of infection 

pyelonephritis

-fever

-nausea, vomiting

-chills

- flank/side/back pain 

Diagnosis

• The diagnosis is based on a patient's symptoms 
• urinary tests may aid in the diagnosis if symptoms are not typical 

Treatment

• Antibiotics are the treatment of choice for UTIs, the type of medication and the duration of medication will be dependent on if it is a lower or upper tract infection. 
• If there is discomfort with urination your doctor may give you additional medicine to help with the discomfort. 
• Depending on the severity of the infection your doctor may order imaging however in most  cases this is not necessary. 

Prevention includes

Urinating after sex

Wiping from front to back 

Cleaning the vaginal area prior to cleaning the anal area

Gentle soaps without fragrance should be used for cleaning that vaginal area