Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). The most common cause of UTIs is the transfer of bacteria from the rectum or vagina to the urethra. UTI symptoms may include pelvic pain, an increased urge to urinate, pain with urination, incontinence, and blood in the urine. A urinalysis is usually used to confirm a UTI and antibiotics are used to treat infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you get a UTI?

    UTIs typically occur when bacteria enters the urethra and migrates to the bladder and sometimes the kidneys. Risk factors include sexual activity, pregnancy, menopause, retaining urine for long periods of time, chronic antibiotic use, having diabetes (which can increase urine glucose that bacteria feed on), and kidney stones or an enlarged prostate that obstructs the flow of urine.

  • How do you get rid of a UTI?

    The majority of UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Uncomplicated UTIs in young, healthy patients with mild symptoms sometimes resolve on their own and may only require drinking plenty of fluids and taking an OTC pain reliever. In a complicated UTI with persistent symptoms, an antibiotic is needed to clear the infection and prevent complications, such as a kidney infection and kidney damage.

  • How long does a UTI last?

    Most treatments range from five to seven days with symptoms resolving in about two days. Pregnant women may require up to a 14-day course of antibiotics, and those with a compromised immune system may require up to 21 days of treatment.

  • How can you prevent UTIs?

    Drink plenty of fluids, wear breathable cotton underwear, go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to urinate (and wipe front to back), urinate immediately after sex, and wash your genitals and rectum with mild soap daily (ideally before and after sex). Common preventive remedies include probiotics to try to promote healthy digestion and taking cranberry supplements. 

  • Can men get a UTI?

    UTIs are most common in women, but they can also occur in men and children. The risk for UTIs in men increases with age and is associated with physiological changes that prevent the bladder from fully emptying, such as an enlarged prostate, or interfere with bowel control. Men with diabetes are also at higher risk of having complicated UTIs.

  • Are UTIs contagious?

    UTIs are not considered contagious and they are not a sexually transmitted disease (STD).  However, bacteria that can lead to a UTI can be passed between partners during sex and bacteria can move into the uretha or farther up into the urethra during intercourse.

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