Urinary Tract Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Obstetrics and Gynaecology | by Dr. Samir Kumar Ray | Published on 05/12/2024

You may be reading this blog because you have experienced the discomfort of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or you are concerned about getting one. Maybe you are struggling with symptoms such as pain when urinating or a frequent urge to urinate. Or maybe a loved one is struggling with this problem. This blog will help you understand what a UTI is, why it happens and how it can be treated or prevented. Learning more about UTIs can give you the confidence to manage the symptoms. If you're experiencing any such problem, don't ignore it. Contact Best Gynaecologist today for expert consultation and treatment, at CMRI Hospital, Kolkata.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can occur in any part of your urinary system, which includes the urethra, kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Compared with men, UTI infections are more common in women.

Did you know that women have about a 50% chance of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their life? For some, these infections can keep coming back, even for years. Men can get UTIs too, though it’s less common—about 1 in 10 will experience one. Children even can get UTIs as well, but it’s pretty rare, happening in about 1 or 2 out of 100.

Symptoms of urinary tract infection

The common UTI symptoms found in women: 

• Burning sensation when you urinate.
• Feeling like you need to urinate again soon after urinating.
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
• Fever, chills, or fatigue if the condition gets worse.
• Pain during sex.

What are the causes of urinary tract infection?

The reason for a urinary tract infection is common. A UTI infection occurs when bacteria get into your urinary tract through your urethra and affect the bladder. Usually, your body keeps bacteria out, but sometimes it doesn’t work, and the bacteria can spread, causing an infection.

Bladder Infections

• Cause: Usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacteria found in the digestive tract, though other bacteria can also be responsible.
• Risk Factors: Having sex can raise the risk of a UTI, but it’s not the only reason.
• Women’s Anatomy: Women are more likely to get UTIs because their urethra is shorter and closer to the bladder and anus, which makes it easier for bacteria to spread.

Urethra Infections

• Cause: This happens when bacteria from the anus get into the urethra.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Infections like herpes, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma can also lead to urethra infections.
• Women’s Anatomy: The proximity of the urethra to the vagina increases the risk of STIs causing these infections.

UTI Risk Factors

Some women are more likely to get UTIs due to their genes or the shape of their urinary tracts. Women with diabetes are at higher risk because their immune systems may be weaker.

Risk Factor	Details
Previous UTIs	Increases chances of getting another one.
Sexual activity	Bacteria may enter the vagina during sex and affect the urinary tract.
Age	Kids and older adults are more likely to get UTIs.
Menopause	Hormonal changes affect vaginal bacteria.
Pregnancy	Hormone changes can also raise the risk.
Spermicide use	Alters vaginal bacteria.
Diaphragm use	Can introduce bacteria into the vagina.
Enlarged prostate	Blocks urine flow, increasing bacterial growth.
Catheters	Provide a pathway for bacteria.
Kidney stones or other blockages	Affects urine flow, increasing infection risk.

UTIs in Men

UTIs are less common in men but occur more often after age 50 due to an enlarged prostate. This can block urine flow and increase bacterial growth.

Symptoms of urinary tract infection in men:

• Anal intercourse.
• Being uncircumcised.
• Catheters or partial urethral blockages.
• UTIs in Gender Diverse People

UTIs in Menopause

For women after menopause, lower oestrogen levels make UTIs more common by weakening the urinary tract's defences.

• Reducing healthy bacteria in the vagina and bladder.
• Drying vaginal tissues.
• Weakening urethral muscles.

Urinary Tract Infection Treatments 

If you’re experiencing UTI symptoms, go to the doctor. Your gynaecologist may prescribe the following tests: To confirm a urinary tract infection diagnosis, your gynaecologist will recommend you three tests that are:

1. Urine Dipstick: A urine dipstick is a quick and simple test that gives fast results. A lab technician dips a small plastic strip with special chemicals into a sample of your urine. If there are white blood cells or bacteria, the strip will change colour.
2. Urinalysis: If your dipstick test comes back negative but you're still having UTI symptoms, your doctor may order a urinalysis. In this test, your urine sample is sent to a lab where it’s examined under a microscope for signs of white blood cells, blood, or bacteria.
3. Urine Culture: If UTI symptoms don’t go away after treatment, your doctor might recommend a urine culture. This test grows bacteria from your urine to figure out what’s causing the infection. It takes 1-2 days to grow and a few more for results. They may also check which antibiotic works best.

Other Tests:

• Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create an image of your kidneys and bladder.
• Cystoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is inserted into your urethra and bladder to check for any problems. Sometimes, the doctor might remove a small piece of bladder tissue to check for conditions like cancer.
• Urodynamics: These tests check if your bladder is functioning properly.
• IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram): A dye is injected into a vein, and X-rays are taken to see how the dye moves from your kidneys to your bladder. Slow movement could indicate a blockage.
• CT Scan: This creates 3D images of your kidneys and may be done with the IVP, as both use contrast dye.

Dealing with UTIs can be frustrating, but knowing the symptoms, risk factors, and tests available can help you manage and prevent them. Whether it's a quick dipstick test or a more detailed exam, early detection and treatment are key to feeling better fast. If you’re experiencing frequent UTIs or are concerned about your urinary health, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor who can guide you through the right tests and treatments. If you think you might have a UTI or want to learn more about how to protect your urinary health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider today. 

FAQ

Does cranberry juice prevent a UTI?

It might help prevent UTIs, but it doesn’t treat UTIs.

Can a UTI go away on its own?

Sometimes, but it’s safer to see a doctor if symptoms persist.

How soon after treatment will I feel better?

Usually within 1-2 days, but finish all your medications.