Urinary Tract Infections in Women

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health problem, especially among women. UTIs occur when bacteria – usually from the digestive tract – enter the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) and begin to multiply, leading to infection in one or more parts of the urinary system. 

Normally, urine is sterile. It contains fluids, salts and waste products but no bacteria or viruses. Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the colon. A UTI can affect any part of the urinary tract, causing:

A UTI can affect any part of the urinary tract, causing:

• Cystitis: A bladder infection caused by germs that move up from the urethra. Bladder infections are the most common type of UTI.
• Urethritis: An infection of the urethra
• Pyelonephritis: A kidney infection that it usually occurs when an infection spreads up the urinary tract, or from a blockage in the urinary tract that causes urine to back up into the ureters and kidneys

Causes and Risk Factors 

You are more likely to develop a UTI if you:

• Are sexually active.
• Have gone through menopause.
• Use a diaphragm or spermicide for birth control.
• Have difficulty emptying your bladder completely (if you have a spinal cord injury or nerve damage around the bladder, for example).
• Have diabetes or a compromised immune system.
• Recently used a urinary catheter.
• Had a previous UTI.
• Have an abnormality of the urinary tract such as vesicoureteral reflux, a condition in which the flow of urine goes the wrong way.
• Don’t practice good bathroom hygiene, such as wiping from back to front after a bowel movement.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections 

The most common symptoms of a UTI include:

• Frequent urination.
• Pain or burning when urinating.
• Despite a strong urge to urinate, very little urine comes out.
• Urine looks dark, cloudy or red/pink in color (indicating that blood may be present).
• Uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone.
• Fever.
• Foul-smelling urine.
• Pain in the back or side, below the ribs.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Tiredness.

Treatment and Prevention

Once diagnosed, treating a UTI may include:

• Antibiotics.
• Pain-relieving medications.
• Applying heat (such as a heating pad) to help relieve pain.

Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent a future UTI: 

• Drink plenty of water every day.
• Avoid coffee, alcohol and spicy foods, which can irritate the urinary tract.
• Quit smoking.
• Drink cranberry juice or take vitamin C supplements to increase urine acidity.
• Urinate when you feel the urge – don’t hold it in.
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to keep bacteria around the rectum from entering the vagina or urethra.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• Clean the genital area before and after sex, and urinate as soon as possible after sex.
• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays or scented douches.
• Wear “breathable” cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing. 

Left untreated, lower UTIs (a bladder or urethra infection) can cause complications including a more serious kidney infection. What’s more, UTI symptoms can look like other conditions. For these reasons, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment as soon as symptoms appear.

Why Choose Cooper for Urinary Tract Infection Care

At Cooper University Health Care, our urogynecology and urology teams are on the forefront of diagnosing and treating urinary tract infections in women. Women choose Cooper because of our:

• Specialized expertise: Our fellowship-trained urogynecologists offer a full range of today’s most advanced diagnostic and treatment services in a caring, sensitive manner.
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach: We take the time to listen, understand your symptoms, and develop a treatment plan that works for you.
• Advanced diagnostic and treatment options: We offer comprehensive, personalized care based on the latest clinical guidelines.
• Commitment to education and research: Cooper is home to respected fellowship program and active research programs that keep our team at the forefront of care.