By Mary Enderbury, RN, BSN, WH-MSN
Intensive Care Unit, Blanchard Valley Hospital

A urinary tract infection, commonly abbreviated as UTI, is an often uncomfortable condition that may present with difficult or painful urination (dysuria). Many people experience burning or stinging with urination when they have a urinary tract infection, although it is possible for an infection to be asymptomatic or masked by other conditions, such as common symptoms of pregnancy (i.e., frequent urination).

Urinary tract infections occur in both men and women, but they are more common in women. This is because, in female anatomy, bacteria have a shorter distance to travel up into the urethra to the bladder. Additionally, the closer proximity of bacteria from the rectum leads to higher contamination rates of the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections may also encompass bladder infections, known as cystitis, or kidney infections, known as pyelonephritis. 

Symptoms of a bladder infection may likewise include pain or burning during urination and increased frequency of bathroom trips. Some may complain of feeling the need to pee (urgency), despite very little output upon trying (difficult urination, dysuria or difficulty starting the urine stream, hesitancy).

Other symptoms may include blood in the urine (hematuria) or discomfort such as pressure or sharp, cramping pains in the lower abdomen or groin region. Symptoms may worsen as infection spreads further into the body, affecting other organs such as the kidneys. Symptoms of kidney infection may include fever, chills, flank pain in the lower back or nausea and/or vomiting. Infections that have spread should especially be taken seriously as there is an increased risk of organ damage or widespread sepsis.

Both adults and children may contract urinary tract infections; immunity is not relevant to this type of illness. Actually, older adults and young children are more likely to contract urinary tract infections, whether the etiology is structural problems (such as enlarged prostate) or poor hygiene (possibly related to incontinence or potty training). It is important to understand the symptoms and risks, especially as younger children may not be able to verbalize concerns but instead might present with vague symptoms such as fever, easily attributable to a wide range of possible illnesses.

Ultimately, the cause of urinary tract infections is attributed to bacteria entering the urinary tract. A major risk factor includes sexual activity, which can introduce bacteria via direct contact with the opening of the urethra. Additionally, changes in normal vaginal flora (bacteria), such as those related to pH balance disturbances, can be brought on with the introduction of sperm, spermicides, lubricants or douching soaps. Normal hormonal changes associated with different seasons of life, such as menopause (vaginal dryness), can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

If you suspect a urinary tract infection, your healthcare provider might confirm it through a health interview, physical exam, urine tests and/or response to antibiotic treatment. An important note is that not every urinary tract infection is caused by the same type of bacteria; therefore, different antibiotics may be needed depending on the type of bacteria present. Ask your provider for directions and about any concerns.

The good news is that the risk of urinary tract infections can be decreased by preventative measures, including flushing the urinary tract after sexual activity by urinating, ensuring adequate hydration, avoiding sitting in water (e.g. choosing showers over baths), avoiding unnecessary soaps and fragrances in the genital area (even those marketed for women’s vaginal health), and wiping from front to back.

Whether you suffer from a UTI frequently or have never experienced one, now you may have a better understanding of its cause, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.