Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when germs like bacteria enter your urinary tract. The most common places of infection are your bladder (that’s why UTIs are sometimes referred to as bladder infections) and urethra — the tube that urine travels through to exit the body.

A UTI can be both painful and uncomfortable. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious complications, such as a kidney infection or sepsis — a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, most UTIs can be easily treated with medication.

Common symptoms of a UTI include:

• Burning sensations or pain when you urinate
• Cramps, pain or pressure in your back or stomach
• Frequent trips to the bathroom that may result in little urine coming out
• Urine that’s bloody or cloudy or has a strong odor

Risk factors for urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections can affect anyone, but women or people with a vulva are more likely to experience them. (The vulva refers to the external parts of the genitals and includes the openings to the vagina and urethra.)

People with a vulva have a shorter urethra than those who don’t, and their urethra is also closer to the rectum, making it easier for bacteria to get inside the urinary tract.

Other factors that increase the risk of getting a UTI include:

• Being sexually active
• Being pregnant
• Being in menopause
• Using certain types of birth control, like diaphragms or spermicides
• Being diagnosed with certain health conditions, such as diabetes
• Having a history of UTIs
• Recently having a catheter (thin tube that drains urine) placed during a surgery or another procedure

Diagnosing and treating urinary tract infections

To get evaluated for a UTI, you can contact your primary care provider or visit an urgent care center. If you have an established provider at MultiCare, you can schedule a telehealth visit.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as chills, fever, nausea, severe back pain, vomiting or shaking, then you should visit the nearest emergency department. Your doctor or other health care provider may refer you to a urologist if you experience frequent UTIs.

To diagnose a UTI, your provider will ask you to describe your symptoms and may take a sample of your urine. They may also perform a urinalysis to determine what type of bacteria is causing the infection.

Preventing urinary tract infections

Despite popular belief, cranberry juice does not have the ability to cure a UTI. However, some research indicates that drinking cranberry juice might help prevent UTIs — cranberries contain an ingredient that helps prevent bacteria from attaching to cells in the urinary tract. Ask your provider if cranberry juice is a good choice for you.

Here are more ways you can help prevent UTIs:

• Consistently drink fluids — if your urine is clear or pale yellow in color, you are likely well-hydrated
• Fully empty your bladder when you feel the urge to go — holding it can promote the growth of bacteria
• Urinate before and after sexual activity if possible
• Wash foreskin regularly
• Avoid using products like douches, “feminine hygiene” sprays and scented soaps
• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting pants; change out of sweaty workout gear or wet bathing suits as soon possible
• Wipe from front to back when using the bathroom to avoid spreading bacteria from your anus to your genitals