Bacteria (a type of germ) can enter the urinary tract.
When bacteria get into the urinary tract system, it causes a UTI.
A UTI can happen in any part of your urinary tract such as your kidneys, bladder, or urethra.
What are the signs of a UTI?
Pain or stinging when you pass urine.
A strong urge to urinate, but when you try to pass urine are only able to pass a small amount.
An urge to urinate very frequently.
Pressure in your lower belly.
Urine that smells bad or looks milky, cloudy, or reddish in color.
Fever.
What causes a UTI?
Many things can help cause a UTI, these are just a few:
Wiping the wrong way after a bowel movement.
Sexual intercourse can push germs into the urethra.
Waiting too long to pass urine allows more germs to be made, and the worse a UTI can become.
Using a diaphragm, spermicides, or condoms with spermicides can, for some women, increase the chance of getting a UTI.
How does a physician find out if I have a UTI?
You will be asked to come in for an appointment.
During your appointment a sample of urine will be collected:
The following "clean catch" method should be followed when giving a urine sample:
You will be given a plastic cup and some cleansing wipes.
Use your fingers to hold open the lips of the labia (outside the vagina).
Using the cleansing wipe, wipe the area from front to back.
Place the cup under you and pass urine into the collection cup.
Your urine will be tested for infection.
Sometimes, a special test called a “Urine Culture” will be done to find out exactly what type of bacteria is present.
How is a UTI treated?
Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics, a medicine that kills the infection.
Your physician will give you instructions on how to take this medicine.
Make sure you take all the medication, even if you start to feel better.
What happens if a UTI is not treated?
If you are pregnant, an untreated UTI can lead to contractions and, possibly, preterm labor. Babies that are born too early are at high risk and have to stay in the hospital, sometimes for weeks.
For all women, whether you are pregnant or not, an untreated UTI could lead to a kidney infection or other problems.
What steps can I take to help prevent a UTI?
There is no way to completely prevent a UTI, but these steps can help reduce the likelihood of getting one:
Don't hold urine. Urinate when you feel the need to.
Pass urine before and after sex.
After a bowel movement be sure to wipe from front to back.
Drink plenty of water every day.
Clean the outer lips of the vagina and around the anus every day.
Don't use douches or feminine hygeine sprays.
Wear underwear with a cotton crotch.
If you get a lot of urinary tract infections, talk to your doctor about special treatments to suppress them.
