UTI

What is a UTI?

There are several types of UTI that can affect us. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, urethritis is an infection of the urethra, and a kidney infection is, as you might expect, an infection of the kidneys.

Most UTIs occur when our urine becomes contaminated by bacteria that exist outside of the bladder, leading to inflammation and infection.

Depending on the severity or persistence of the infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics to treat it, but some UTIs can clear up on their own too. In any case, it’s important to manage any pain or discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers and drink plenty of water.

If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days, talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you choose the right medication and monitor your progress.

Who gets UTIs?

While anyone can get a UTI, they’re more common in women because women’s urethras are shorter and closer to the anus, where E. coli bacteria live.

Older adults are also more at risk than younger men and children because, generally, the older we get, the more trouble we have emptying our bladders completely. Age-related conditions such as bladder weakness, bladder prolapse, or an enlarged prostate can lead to the build-up of bacteria and cause recurring infections.

How common are UTIs?

While the statistics are not so high for men and children, it’s estimated that at least one in five women will suffer from a UTI at some point in their lives. Usually, the problem is treatable and shouldn’t have much impact on your day-to-to activities. But persistent infections should be managed with the help of treatments like antibiotics, so that symptoms don’t get worse and cause more health concerns.

What causes UTIs?

Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. 90% of all UTIs are caused by the E. coli bacteria, which lives harmlessly in our gut and intestines. When outside of the body, however, E. coli can be a harmful bacteria, especially when it ends up where it doesn’t belong. As a result, if it meets our urethra or comes into contact with our urine, then it causes problems.

Once urine becomes infected with a bacteria like E. coli, inflammation and infection can start to harm our urethras and bladders.

Sometimes, the infection can travel up to our kidneys and cause greater discomfort and pain.^[1] Before this has a chance to happen, it’s important to have your infection treated and cleared up.

What are the symptoms of UTI?

A common symptom of a UTI is a burning sensation when peeing. This can be especially uncomfortable for children and older adults. There are other signs of a UTI to watch out for:

Common UTI symptoms:

• Pain or burning sensation when peeing
• Frequent or urgent need to pee
• Cloudy urine
• Blood in urine
• Lower belly pain or back pain
• Fever or chills
• Feeling very cold
• If you notice any of these symptoms for the first time, talk to a healthcare provider.

Can UTIs lead to other problems?

UTIs are commonly treated with antibiotics, which, if taken correctly, clear up the infection within a couple of weeks. If you delay treating UTIs, or if you fail to take a full course of antibiotics, you risk the infection worsening. It’s important to take all medication as prescribed and complete any course of treatment so that small infections don’t lead to more serious issues, such as painful kidney infections. The E. coli causing a UTI could travel into the bloodstream resulting in a bloodstream infection.^[2]

If you have any questions about treatment, talk to your healthcare provider.