Urinary Tract Infection In Women

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• A urinary tract infection, also called a "UTI", is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. When the infection is in the bladder, it is called cystitis (sis-TEYE-tis). When the infection is in the urethra it is called urethritis (u-ree-THREYE-tis). It is called pyelonephritis (pi-e-loh-ne-FRI-tis) if the infection travels up to the kidneys. UTIs can be a common problem for some women. The kidneys could be damaged if a UTI is not treated for months or years.
  
  
• The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that remove unwanted chemicals and waste from the blood. These wastes are turned into urine by the kidneys. The kidneys are attached to the bladder by little tubes called ureters (u-RE-ters). Urine travels down the ureters and into the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ that holds urine. When you are ready to urinate, it travels through the urethra (a small tube) and out of the body.

What causes a urinary tract infection? Germs called bacteria cause UTIs. These germs usually enter the urethra and travel up the urinary tract. The bacteria can then infect the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. The following put you at a higher risk for getting a UTI:

• Wiping from back to front after urinating, or having a BM.
  
  
• Having sex may cause germs to enter the urethra more easily.
  
  
• Being pregnant.
  
  
• Having diabetes.
  
  
• Having had a UTI before.
  
  
• Waiting to go to the bathroom, instead of going when you feel the need to.

What are the signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection? Some women with UTIs do not have signs or symptoms. For other women, signs and symptoms may include:

• After passing urine you may feel that you could still urinate more.
  
  
• Burning and pain when you urinate.
  
  
• Fever (high body temperature).
  
  
• If you have a kidney infection, your back, side, or stomach may hurt.
  
  
• Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach).
  
  
• Needing to pass urine often, or feeling like you need to urinate often.
  
  
• Pain low in your abdomen (belly).
  
  
• Red or pink urine (bloody urine).

What may be done to treat a urinary tract infection?

• Tests: You will need to give a urine sample, which will be sent to the lab for tests.
  
  
• Treatment: Usually a UTI can be treated at home. If the UTI gets worse, or treatments do not work to cure it, you may need to go into the hospital. You may need to take one or more of the following medicines to treat your UTI:
  
  
  • Antibiotics: You may need to take this medicine if bacteria have caused the UTI. Antibiotics (an-ti-bi-AH-tiks) kill bacteria. Always take this medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Keep taking it as ordered until it all gone, unless your caregiver tells you not to. Some antibiotics decrease how well birth control pills work. Ask your caregiver for instructions if you take birth control pills. You may need to use a condom or other birth control. You may need to take antibiotics every day if your UTIs come back.
    
    
  • Urinary pain medicine: This medicine may be given for one to two days to decrease pain and the need to urinate often. It does not treat a UTI. Do not take this medicine longer than directed by your caregiver. This medicine may cause your urine to turn red or orange. It may also do this to contact lenses if you use them. Stop wearing your contact lenses while you are taking this medicine.
    
    
  • Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for pain or swelling. These medicines may be bought without a caregiver's order. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. People with certain medical conditions, or using certain other medicines are at a higher risk for problems. Using too much, or using these medicines for longer than the label says can also cause problems. Follow directions on the label carefully. If you have questions, talk to your caregiver.
    
    
  • In addition to using medicines as ordered, drink eight to ten (8-ounce) cups of water every day. Try to keep your urine a light yellow color. Drinking lots of water helps flush your kidneys of large numbers of germs.
    
    
  • Your caregiver may suggest different medicines if your get many UTIs. Certain medicines change the makeup of your urine to make it harder for bacteria to grow. Other medicines may be used if you have gone through menopause. These medicines are often given vaginally.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Link to this page

Printable Version

Email Page