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Healthline Reference Library Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection

Written by Verneda Lights and Elizabeth Boskey, PhD | Published on August 16, 2012
Medically Reviewed by George Krucik, MD

Description

Anatomy

Risk Factors and Causes

Symptoms

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Part 1 of 7: Description

Urinary Tract Infections

The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters (which connect the kidneys and the
bladder), bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in any part of the
urinary tract. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria. They can also be caused by fungi or
viruses.
UTIs are the second most common type of infection in humans. The National Kidney &
Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) reports that UTIs account for
over eight million doctor visits annually.
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Part 2 of 7: Anatomy

What Is the Urinary Tract?

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs. They are located in the abdomen on either side
of the spine. The kidneys lter your blood to remove excess water, salt, potassium, urea
and other substances. The waste products are then excreted as urine.
The ureters are thin, spaghetti-shaped tubules. They carry urine from the kidney to the
bladder.
The bladder is a small, balloon-shaped organ located in the pelvis. In women, the bladder
is located in front of the uterus. In men, the bladder is located just above the prostate
gland.
The urethra is the tube through which urine exits the bladder. The urethra in women is far
shorter than it is in men. In men, it has to pass through the prostate and the penis.
UTIs can involve the urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis), or kidneys (pyelonephritis).
When the kidneys are involved, UTIs can be life threatening.
Part 3 of 7: Risk Factors and Causes

Risk Factors and Causes for UTIs

Anything that reduces bladder emptying or irritates the urinary tract can cause UTIs.
Many factors can put someone at risk.
Obstructions

Blockages that make it dicult to empty the bladder can cause a UTI. Obstructions can
be caused by an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and certain forms of cancer.
Gender

Women are more likely to get UTIs. This is because their urethras are shorter. UTIs in men


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Pressure on the urinary tract during sex can move bacteria from the colon into the
bladder. Most women have bacteria in their urine after intercourse. However, the body
usually can get rid of these pathogens within 24 hours. Bowel bacteria may have
properties that allow them to stick to the bladder.
Bathroom Hygiene

Wiping from back to front after going to the bathroom can lead to a UTI. This motion
drags bacteria from the rectal area towards the urethra.
Spermicides

Spermicides can increase UTI risk. They may cause skin irritation in some women. This
increases the risk of bacteria entering into the bladder.
Condoms

Latex condoms can cause increased friction during intercourse. They may also irritate the
skin. This may increase the risk of UTI in some individuals. However, condoms are
important for reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
Diaphragms

Diaphragms may put pressure on the urethra. This can decrease bladder emptying. Some
studies have seen a higher UTI risk in women who use diaphragms.
Diabetes

Diabetes may make patients more susceptible to UTI.

Loss of Estrogen

After menopause, a loss of estrogen changes the normal bacteria in the vagina. This can
increase the risk of UTI.
Prolonged Use of Bladder Catheters

Catheters are used when someone cannot urinate normally. These thin, exible tubes are
inserted into the bladder. They allow urine to drain into a container. Long-term catheter
use can increase the risk of UTI. They may make it easier for bacteria to get into the
bladder. Treatment for a catheter-associated UTI may require removal of the device.
Part 4 of 7: Symptoms

Symptoms of UTI
Symptoms of UTI depend upon what part of the urinary tract is infected.
Lower UTIs are infections of the urethra and bladder. Their symptoms include:
burning with urination
increased frequency of urination with scant amounts of urine being passed
bloody urine
cloudy urine
urine that looks like cola or tea
strong odor to urine
pelvic pain (women)
rectal pain (men)
Upper UTIs are infections of the kidneys. These are potentially life threatening, if bacteria
move from the infected kidney into the blood. This condition is called sepsis. Sepsis can
cause dangerously low blood pressures, shock, and death. Symptoms of upper UTI
include:
pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides
chills
fever
nausea
vomiting
Women who are pregnant and have symptoms of UTI should see their doctor right away.
UTIs during pregnancy can cause premature delivery and high blood pressure. UTIs

Diagnosis of UTI

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History and physical exam may suggest you have a lower or upper UTI.
Denitive diagnosis requires a clean catch urine specimen. This is urine collected from
the middle of the urinary stream. Your doctor will instruct you how to do a clean catch.
The goal is to avoid picking up bacteria from your skin.
Doctors will look for a large number of white blood cells in your urine. This can signal an
infection. Your urine will also be cultured for bacteria. This can identify the cause of
infection. It can also help your doctor choose appropriate treatment.
If an upper UTI is suspected, you may also need a complete blood count (CBC) and blood
cultures. These can make certain your infection hasnt spread to the blood.
People with recurrent UTIs may need to be checked for obstructions. Some tests for this
include:
ultrasound
intravenous pyelogram (IVP) this injected dye allows doctors to see your entire
urinary tract
cystoscopy, which uses a small camera to examine the bladder
During a cystoscopy, your doctor may remove a small piece of bladder tissue. This is
called a biopsy. A biopsy can be used to rule out bladder cancer
Part 6 of 7: Treatment

Treatment of UTI
Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Lower UTIs can be treated with oral antibiotics. Upper
UTIs require intravenous antibiotics.
Sometimes, bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. Urine cultures can help your doctor
select an eective antibiotic treatment.
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Part 7 of 7: Prevention

Prevention
Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine to prevent recurrent UTIs.
In the meantime, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent UTIs.
WomensHealth.gov recommends:
wiping from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement
drinking six to eight glasses of water daily
drinking water after having sex
not holding urine for long periods of time
cleaning your vaginal and rectal areas daily
taking showers instead of baths
wearing comfortable underwear, tight fabric traps moisture
wearing underpants with a cotton crotch
While these steps are useful, they dont guarantee that you wont get a UTI. Contact your
medical provider whenever you have any symptoms of UTI. If you have recurrent UTIs and
use spermicides or a diaphragm, your doctor may recommend alternative birth control.


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http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/utiadult/
Urinary tract infection fact sheet. (n.d.). womenshealth.gov . Retrieved May
11, 2012, from http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/factsheet/urinary-tract-infection.cfm

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