What is a UTI?

UTI stands for Urinary Tract Infection. It is an infection that can occur in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

UTIs are relatively common, affecting around 1 in 2 women and 1 in 20 men at some point in their lives. Women are more prone to UTIs because they have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel from the outside of the body to the bladder. People who are pregnant, have diabetes or have a weakened immune system are also at increased risk for developing a UTI.

If left untreated, a UTI can lead to serious complications, such as kidney damage. For most people, however, a UTI can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

Types of UTIs

There are three main types of UTI: cystitis, urethritis, and pyelonephritis.

• Cystitis is an infection of the bladder that is characterized by pain and burning during urination, cloudy urine, and a strong urge to urinate.
• Urethritis is an infection of the urethra that is characterized by pain during urination, cloudy urine, and discharge from the penis or vagina.
• Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidneys that is characterized by fever, chills, back pain, nausea, and vomiting.

What causes a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract. The most common type of bacteria that cause UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli). Other bacteria that can cause UTIs include Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

UTI symptoms

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the location of the infection and its severity. The most common symptom is a burning sensation when urinating. Other symptoms may include urgency, frequency, cloudy urine, blood in the urine, and pelvic pain in women. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it can cause more severe symptoms such as fever, chills, and nausea.

How is a UTI treated?

UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. In most cases, the infection will clear up within a few days of starting treatment. However, some people may experience recurrent UTIs, which may require long-term antibiotic therapy or other interventions. If you think you may have a UTI, it is important to see your healthcare provider so that you can start treatment as soon as possible.

UTI antibiotics

The most common antibiotics used to treat UTIs are nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, fosfomycin, cephalexin, ceftriaxone, and amoxicillin. Each of these antibiotics works by killing the bacteria that cause the infection. However, they all have different side effects and risks, so it’s important to talk to a doctor about which one is right for you.

How to prevent UTIs?

There are several things you can do to help prevent UTIs:

• Drink plenty of fluids. Water helps to flush out bacteria from the urinary system.
• Urinate when you need to. Holding in urine can allow bacteria to grow.
• Wipe from front to back after using the restroom. This helps to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene products that can irritate the urethra. These include douches, perfumed sprays, and powders.
• Urinate after sexual intercourse. This helps to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary system during sex.
• See your healthcare provider for regular checkups and screenings. This is especially important if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

Get your UTI treated online with DrHouse!

If you think you may have a UTI, DrHouse can help. We offer on-demand online consultations with licensed healthcare professionals who can diagnose and treat your UTI. Our clinicians will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. We can also provide you with an online prescription for UTI antibiotics if medically appropriate. With DrHouse, there’s no need to wait in line at the doctor’s office. So get started now and feel better tomorrow!