Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are shockingly common. In fact, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, they account for more than 8 million healthcare provider visits each year. Yet, most people who suffer from them don't know why they happen—or what to do about them.
Here, Samantha Raffee, M.D., a urologist at Henry Ford Health, highlights some lesser-known facts about UTIs and shares insights for reducing your risk and finding relief when an infection strikes.
UTI Basics
Your urinary tract consists of your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. These structures are designed to keep bacteria out. However, even despite our best efforts, bacteria can still make its way in. When it does, it multiplies quickly—causing an infection.
While UTI symptoms vary from person to person, the most common include:
- A frequent and intense urge to use the bathroom
- Passing only small amounts of urine at a time
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Blood in the urine
Some factors of your day-to-day life can increase your risk for a UTI. This includes:
Meet With A Urologist
- Regular catheter use. Any bacteria on a catheter can infect your bladder. If you’ve had a catheter for a long period of time or require the use of a catheter to empty your bladder, you could be more prone to a UTI.
- Having sex. Sexual activity, whether it involves penetration or not, can spread bacteria to places it doesn’t belong. Sexual intercourse does not directly cause UTIs but is a predisposing factor. It’s often considered best practice to use the bathroom before and after any sexual activity to minimize the spread.
- Your body’s pH levels. Some people who have a naturally higher pH level may be at a greater risk of developing recurrent UTIs.
- Menopause. As estrogen levels drop, you may experience changes in your microbiome. As a result, infections may be more common.
- Douching. While some women turn to douching to cleanse the vaginal area, Dr. Raffee highly discourages this as it can cause imbalances in the body’s natural bacteria makeup. Instead, clean intimate areas with mild soap and water, blot dry (don’t rub) after urinating and change your underwear at least once a day.
Get The Facts About UTIs
Going beyond the basics, some of these facts about UTIs may surprise you. However, Dr. Raffee notes that this knowledge can help you better identify signs of a possible infection so you know when to seek medical care.
- Your bladder isn’t the only location at risk. UTIs can occur anywhere along the urinary tract. So, you can get an infection in your urethra (called urethritis), in your bladder (cystitis) or in your kidney (pyelonephritis). The most common site of infection for UTIs is the bladder.
- Women are more at risk than men. UTIs occur eight times more often in women than men, with half of all women getting a UTI during their lifetimes. Why the disparity? Basic biology. Women’s urethras are shorter and closer to their rectums than men’s. As a result, the bacteria have a shorter distance to travel and a smaller area to affect. Though hygiene causes haven’t been linked to recurrent UTIS in women, wiping from front to back (instead of from back to front) after using the bathroom can help prevent bacteria from your rectum from reaching your urethra. Also, changes from menopause are the number one reason many women get UTIs. Initiating vaginal estrogen has been proven to be the most beneficial technique for helping to prevent UTIs in post-menopausal patients.
- Having diabetes increases your risk. According to the National Kidney Foundation, if you have diabetes, it may actually be easier for you to get a urinary tract infection. Often times, the disease affects your body’s defense system, making it harder to keep bacteria out. Ensuring blood sugar is under control helps to reduce this risk.
- Skip the cranberry juice. While cranberry products can help prevent bacteria from taking hold in the urinary tract, there’s no proven evidence that drinking cranberry juice is the answer to treating a UTI on your own. Juices can often be loaded with sugar which can actually feed bacteria growing in your urinary tract. A better bet: Pop a daily cranberry tablet. There’s a substance in cranberry that makes bacteria less sticky. It won’t cure an existing infection, but it can help prevent a new one from settling in.
- You may experience uncommon symptoms. While burning when you pee or blood in your urine are common symptoms, other, less-common symptoms have been reported. Let your doctor know if you are also experiencing:
- Foul smelling urine
- A fever
- Nausea
- Back pain or stiffness
- Confusion or delirium
- Water offers a reasonable defense. Peeing frequently flushes out bacteria. Drink water throughout the day – one to two liters daily – and make sure to visit the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to pee. Delaying urination gives bacteria time to grow and thrive.
- A UTI can lead to serious complications. While most cases of UTI are mild, if left untreated they can lead to scaring of your kidneys. Detecting and treating these infections early is important. If you think you could have a urinary tract infection, see a doctor sooner rather than later. Most infections can be treated with antibiotics.
- You can preempt infection. If you’re especially infection-prone, don’t suffer in silence. Dr. Raffee stresses that no matter what the cause, if you’re suffering from recurrent UTIs — meaning you get two or more infections in six months or three or more infections in one year — be sure to see a doctor. It is important to have an exam to ensure there are no anatomical things contributing to your UTIs and to ensure you are emptying your bladder. Your doctor may prescribe a low-dose antibiotic to take after sex or suggest vaginal estrogen (if you’re postmenopausal) to prevent a possible infection from taking hold.
Reviewed by Dr. Samantha Raffee, a urologist who sees patients at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Henry Ford Medical Center - Lakeside and Henry Ford Medical Center - Bloomfield Township.
