What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary tract, also known as the urinary system, including your urethra, bladder and kidneys. The urinary tract makes and stores urine, one of the body’s liquid waste products.
Women are more likely to get UTIs
Women are more prone to UTIs because they have a shorter urethra than men, making it easier for bacteria on the surface of the body to make their way into the urethra. Apart from the female anatomy, sexual activity can also introduce bacteria into a woman’s urinary tract. That being said, cleanliness is undoubtedly the best defense when it comes to preventing the spread of bacteria.
UTIs in men? It can happen
Sorry, guys, but you’re not in the clear. You can get UTIs, too.
UTIs in men are more common ages 35 and older and can occur in any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, kidneys or bladder. Sometimes it’s because an enlarged prostate keeps a man from emptying his bladder fully, but often the infection follows from catheter use. Sexually transmitted infections are more likely to cause UTIs in younger men. The symptoms of UTIs are usually the same for both men and women.
The warning signs of a UTI
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Urgent need to urinate frequently
- Cloudy, bloody or strange smelling urine
- Pelvic pain
More serious symptoms (may indicate kidney infection)
- Back pain
- Nausea, vomiting
- Shaking and chills
- Fever
- Confusion
When should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor or visit an urgent care center as soon as you begin to experience symptoms of a UTI. For more serious symptoms, you should go to the emergency room immediately.
If left untreated, a UTI can spread and become a serious health concern.
How are UTIs treated?
Antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment for UTIs. Your doctor will pick a drug that best treats the particular bacteria that’s causing your infection. Over-the-counter medications, such as Azo Urinary Tract Defense, relieve symptoms but are not a cure. These products should NOT be used as a replacement for professional health care or treatment. If you have signs and symptoms of a UTI, please seek medical attention.
Cranberry juice and UTIs
Cranberry juice is often touted as the go-to for preventing UTIs because it contains proanthocyanins which inhibit bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. However, while cranberry juice helps with hydration, studies show that cranberry products do not prevent or treat UTIs.
How to prevent UTIs
For women, the key to holding UTIs at bay is keeping bacteria out of your system.
- Drink plenty of water and relieve yourself often. The best way to prevent a UTI is to flush bacteria out of the bladder and urinary tract before it can set in.
- Wipe from front-to-back. Wiping front-to-back helps your anal bacteria stay where it should.
- Wash up before sex and urinate after it. Washing before sex keeps bacteria away from the urethra. Urinating afterward pushes any bacteria that entered the urinary tract back out.
- Avoid irritating feminine products. Skip douches, scented powders and other irritating feminine products.
Men can reduce their risk of UTIs by staying hydrated and practicing safe sex.
More to Read
- Everything You Need to Know About Urinary Incontinence
- Should I See a Urologist or My Primary Care Provider?
- Having Urinary Problems? Learn These 5 Warning Signs for Men
- Are You At Risk for Kidney Stones?
