Overview

Causes

UTIs are caused by bacteria. The bacteria cling to the opening of the urethra where they grow and spread. The bacteria can enter the urethra and infect the bladder. They can also enter the bladder through the ureters and infect the kidneys.

Risk Factors

UTIs are more common in women. Other things that may raise the risk of a UTI are:

  • Being sexually active
  • Having a new sexual partner
  • Using spermicide
  • A personal history of UTIs
  • A history of UTIs in a sister, mother, or daughter

Some health issues may also raise the risk of a UTI, such as:

  • Diabetes
  • A weakened immune system
  • Pregnancy
  • Menopause
  • Having a bladder catheter in place or recently used
  • Neurogenic bladder
  • Renal insufficiency
  • Kidney stones
  • Problems in the urinary tract that slow the flow of urine, such as vesicoureteral reflux or polycystic kidneys
  • A history of kidney transplant
  • A tumor

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Some people may not have any symptoms. Others may have:

  • An urgent need to pass urine (pee)
  • Passing only small amounts of urine
  • Belly or pelvic area pain
  • Burning when passing urine
  • Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
  • Waking more often at night to pass urine
  • Leaking urine
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea
  • Lack of hunger
  • Bloody urine
  • Low back pain or pain along the side of the ribs

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. Urine will be tested for signs of infection.

Other tests may be done to look for a cause in people who have had UTIs in the past.

Treatments

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. This can be done with antibiotics. Other medicines may also be given to ease symptoms such as pain and bladder spasms.

Prevention

The risk of a UTI can be lowered by:

  • Passing urine after having sex
  • Drinking plenty of fluids during the day
  • Avoiding spermicides

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.