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Urinary Tract Infection Guidelines and Treatment

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder. This infection is caused by bacteria that have gone through the urethra back up into the bladder. If left untreated, a UTI can cause a kidney infection, which is more serious. Women are more frequently infected due to their shorter urethra, but men can also contract a UTI. Prevention starts with knowledge about the way a UTI is contracted and treated.

  1. Contraction and Prevention

    • There are a few ways to contract a UTI. Bacteria can form in the bladder if you hold your urine too long. Women should always wipe from front to back after urinating to prevent bacteria from the anus from traveling to the urethra. Not urinating after intercourse can also cause a UTI. Bacteria could have been pushed through the urethra during intercourse. Urinating after intercourse can push this bacteria back out before they reach the bladder and cause a UTI. For uncircumcised men, not cleaning under the foreskin of the penis can lead to a UTI.

    Symptoms

    • Frequent urges to urinate, burning sensation when urinating, trying to urinate but only passing a few drops, red or foul-smelling urine, and pain in the lower pelvic and abdomen area are symptoms of a UTI. If you feel pain in your back near your kidneys, go to a doctor immediately to be checked for a kidney infection.

    Treatment

    • Treatment can range from at-home remedies to doctor-prescribed medications. At-home remedies include drinking plenty of fluids, such as pure cranberry juice. This will help dilute the bacteria in the bladder. Another at-home remedy is over-the-counter pills, such as cranberry pills. Although these will not kill the bacteria, they will relieve symptoms. To completely kill the bacteria, visit your doctor and have a urine test done to confirm a UTI. The doctor will prescribe you an antibiotic that should be taken for 3 to 10 days. Although your symptoms may be relieved in the first day or so, it is important to keep taking the medication until it is finished. This will ensure eradication of the bacteria infecting your bladder.

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