A urinary tract infection, or UTI, happens when an infection invades your ureters, kidneys, urethra, or bladder. Most UTIs occur in the lower urinary tract, which includes the bladder and urethra, and women are more susceptible to these infections than men. While a bladder infection can be irritating and painful, it becomes more serious if it spreads to the kidneys.
Doctors typically treat UTIs with antibiotics. For infections caused by Escherichia coli, they might suggest an antibiotic sensitivity test to choose the most effective treatment based on current patterns of antibiotic resistance.
UTIs can be particularly concerning during pregnancy, so it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you notice any symptoms. These infections generally begin when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and start multiplying in the bladder. Even though the urinary system is designed to prevent such invasions, sometimes the defense mechanisms fail.
Common causes of UTIs include:
Leaving a UTI untreated can lead to serious complications, such as:
– Severe kidney damage from a long-standing kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
– Low birth weight or premature delivery in pregnant women.
– Urethral narrowing in men from recurrent urethritis, often linked with gonococcal urethritis.
– Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition if the infection spreads to the kidneys.
To diagnose a UTI, your doctor might:
– Analyze a urine sample to check for white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria.
– Grow urinary tract bacteria in a lab to identify the cause of the infection.
– Create images of your urinary tract using ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI if frequent infections suggest an abnormality in the urinary system.
– Use a cystoscope, a long, thin tube with a lens, to look inside your urethra and bladder if you have recurring UTIs.
Women have specific risk factors for UTIs, including:
– Female anatomy: Women have shorter urethras, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
– Sexual activity: Women who are more sexually active are more prone to UTIs, especially with a new partner.
– Menopause: Post-menopausal women experience urinary tract changes due to reduced estrogen, increasing their vulnerability to infections.
If you notice UTI symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Rapid treatment with the appropriate antibiotics can effectively manage the infection.