What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract. These infections develop in the urethra, bladder and kidneys, which are typically sterile environments that have natural mechanisms, such as urination, to keep bacteria out. However, bacteria can sometimes overcome these natural mechanisms, resulting in a UTI.

UTIs are among the most common infections people experience, especially among women. More than half of all women experience a UTI at some point in their lives.

Fortunately, your primary care or women’s health provider can treat UTIs easily and effectively with antibiotics, giving you relief from your symptoms.

patient enjoying a coffee at a shop after recovering from UTI

What are the different types of UTIs?

Bacteria can travel to any part of the urinary tract. The type of UTI you have is based on the location of the infection.

  • Bladder infections: Also known as cystitis, bladder infections are the most common type of UTI. If not treated and cured, a bladder infection can spread to the kidneys or upper urinary tract.
  • Kidney infections: Most kidney infections start as bladder infections and develop when bacteria travel to the kidneys. You can develop kidney infections, also called pyelonephritis, in one or both kidneys.
  • Recurrent UTIs: Recurrent UTIs are defined as UTIs that happen more frequently than twice every six months or three times a year. They can be associated with anatomical problems that increase the risk of UTIs, as well as certain pelvic floor disorders.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

UTIs don’t always cause symptoms, but when they do, they may include:

  • Pain in the flank, abdomen, pelvic area or lower back
  • Pressure in the lower pelvis
  • Cloudy or unpleasant-smelling urine
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Frequent urination
  • Urge incontinence
  • Painful urination (dysuria)
  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)

Additional symptoms can include:

  • Pain in the genitals
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Mental changes or confusion

When to see a doctor

Visit your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of a UTI. UTIs don’t go away on their own, and early medical attention allows you to find relief from your symptoms and prevents a bladder infection from turning into a kidney infection.

Causes of UTIs

Urinary tract infections are typically caused by bacteria, with E. coli responsible for over 90% of bladder infections. E. coli normally lives in the lower intestines but can enter the urethra, infect the bladder and potentially travel up the ureters to the kidneys.

patient recovering from a UTI while laying in bed playing with her dog

UTI risk factors

Being female is a primary risk factor for UTIs, with women being nearly four times more likely than men to develop these infections due to their anatomy. The shorter female urethra is closer to the rectum, increasing the risk of bacteria entering the urinary tract.

Additional risk factors include:

  • Sexual activity: Intercourse can introduce bacteria to the urethra, increasing UTI risk.
  • Birth control: Diaphragms can pressure the urethra, preventing full bladder emptying, while spermicides can disrupt beneficial bacteria, both raising UTI risk.
  • Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, spinal cord injuries or long-term catheter use can impair bladder function and increase infection risk.
  • History of UTIs: A previous UTI increases the likelihood of future infections, with about one-quarter of women experiencing a second UTI within six months.
  • Pregnancy: UTIs are common during pregnancy and can lead to low birth weight or premature delivery if untreated.
  • Menopause: Reduced estrogen levels during menopause can cause dryness and irritation in the urethra and vagina, increasing UTI risk.
  • Constipation: Long-term constipation can cause fecal incontinence, which is a risk factor for developing a UTI.

Complications

When treated promptly, lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. However, if left untreated, UTIs can cause serious health issues.

Possible complications of a UTI include:

  • Repeated infections: Having more than two UTIs within six months or three or more within a year
  • Permanent kidney damage: Resulting from a kidney infection due to an untreated UTI
  • Premature or low birth weight delivery: If a UTI occurs during pregnancy
  • Narrowed urethra in men: From repeated urethral infections
  • Sepsis: A potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if the infection spreads to the kidneys and into the bloodstream

How are UTIs diagnosed?

Your primary care or women’s health provider can diagnose a UTI. They’ll start by asking about your symptoms and health history and then order a urine test and, potentially, other types of imaging tests.

UTI treatments

For many people, a course of antibiotics can treat bladder and kidney infections effectively within just a few days. Your provider will choose an antibiotic based on the type of bacteria causing your infection and may give you additional medications for pain and other symptoms.

Take the full course of your UTI medication as directed by your provider, even if you begin to feel better. Contact your provider if your antibiotic causes you to feel nauseous or dizzy, or you experience other side effects. In addition to taking antibiotics for a UTI, you can try home remedies to reduce your symptoms.

The following steps can help:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Limit caffeine and carbonated drinks, which may irritate the bladder
  • Urinate frequently

How to prevent a UTI

Some UTIs can be tied to your lifestyle and daily habits. You can help prevent UTIs by being more mindful of when and how often you use the bathroom and how much water you drink.

Find specialized care for a urinary tract infection

We help you get care at a location that fits your needs. We offer several locations for your care, including specialized urology centers in North and Central Texas.

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