Important Facts About Urinary Tract Infections

What causes UTIs?
The most common cause of UTIs is E. coli bacteria. The use of diaphragms and spermicide-coated condoms can increase the risk of UTIs and in-dwelling catheters, sometimes required during hospital stays, can cause UTIs.

Who gets UTIs?
UTIs are most common in women. Most women will get at least one UTI in their lifetime and 20 to 30 percent of women develop recurrent UTIs. Women are more susceptible to UTIs than men because their urethra is shorter and it's a short pathway for bacteria to get to the bladder. If the bacteria move up the ureters to the kidneys, they cause a more serious infection called pyelonephritis. Women often develop a UTI when they become sexually active because the bacteria from the vaginal area may be pushed into the urethra. Pregnant women are at increased risk for pyelonephritis because of physical changes that occur during pregnancy resulting in a tendency for the bacteria from the bladder to move up to the kidneys.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms may include:

  • pain in the abdomen and pelvic area
  • need to urinate often
  • urgent need to urinate
  • burning sensation when urinating
  • cloudy-appearing urine
  • unpleasant-smelling urine
  • low back pain

When are UTIs serious?
UTIs are usually confined to the bladder. If a UTI spreads to the kidneys, it can be more serious. Low back pain coupled with fever and chills may mean a UTI has spread to the kidneys. If this occurs or if blood is present in the urine, a physician should be consulted. Blood in the urine can be a sign of a more serious kidney condition. UTIs are also more serious in pregnant women.

How are UTIs diagnosed?
A urine sample is tested for white blood cells and/or bacteria using either a dipstick or a microscope. For a more definitive diagnosis, urine samples may be sent to a lab for culture.

How can UTIs be prevented?
A number of steps can be taken, including the following:

  • drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day
  • urinating right after sex
  • wiping from front to back after urination so that bacteria from the anal area are not pushed into the urethra or vagina
  • changing sanitary pads often during menstruation
  • refraining from using perfumed toilet paper, heavily scented soap or powders in the vaginal area
  • washing genital area with warm water before sex to minimize the chance that bacteria can be introduced into the urethra during sex
  • if using a diaphragm for birth control, making sure it is properly fitted and inserted with clean hands

Why do UTIs recur?
The biggest risk factors for recurrent UTIs is having sex, using diaphragms or spermicidal jellies and having previous history of UTIs. Some women may have a genetic predisposition that makes them especially susceptible to UTIs.

See also:
Find out more about Urinary Tract Infections in the A to Z Guide
Women With Recurrent UTIs Can Self-Treat
National Kidney Foundation and Ocean Spray Partnership