What You Should Know About UTIs

By: Susan Sailer, MSN, CRNP-C, CUNP

Urinary Tract Infections are seemingly harmless. But if left untreated, they can cause serious problems (e.g. If a UTI spreads to your kidneys).

What Causes a UTI?

UTIs develop when harmful bacteria, including E. coli, begin to grow in the urine. Most infected stays in the urethra and bladder. It can cause burning, itching, and pain. When treated with antibiotics, these symptoms may last just a few days.

But the infection travels with urine. That puts your kidneys at risk. A resulting kidney infection can be severe.

If a UTI is not resolved, infection could spread to your blood stream. It’s uncommon, and life threatening.

Here’s How You’ll Know If It’s Serious

For a simple UTI, the symptoms are typically:

• Pain and/or burning while urinating
• Strong, constant urge to urinate
• Bloody or cloudy urine that looks red, bright pink, or brown
• Pressure in the lower abdomen
• Strong smelling urine

If the infection spreads to your kidneys, look for:

• Fever above 101°
• Chills
• Pain in the sides, back, at the waist, where the kidneys are located
• Nausea or vomiting

If the bacteria spreads to the blood stream, you could develop sepsis, a life-threatening situation in which your body responds improperly to infection. Symptoms of sepsis can include fever, rapid heartbeat, confusion, clammy skin, and difficulty breathing.

If You Think You Have a UTI

To confirm if you have a UTI, your doctor will ask for a urine sample. If you have them frequently, advanced tests may be needed to rule out anything else.

Antibiotics resolve most UTIs. In rare cases, hospital care or intravenous antibiotics are needed.

These Habits May Prevent Repeated UTIs

Frequent UTIs may occur if you have frequent sexual activity, if the bacteria in your vagina changes due to spermicides, and as you age. Older adults and children are most susceptible. And if you’ve had one UTI, your chances increase for having another.

You can do the following to help prevent future UTIs:

• Drink plenty of fluids like water and unsweetened beverages. Regular urination washes bacteria from your urinary tract.
• Urinate after intimacy. Because the female urethra is close to the rectum, it’s easier for E. coli. to get in there during sex. Peeing right after intercourse can flush those bacteria out. (Also, always wipe front to back.)
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Limit genital sprays, powders, and douches.

If you think you may have a UTI or other urinary issue, schedule an appointment with a MidLantic Urology physician or advanced practice provider. Find the location closest to you.