What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters (the duct that passes urine from the kidney to the bladder), and urethra (the duct that transfers urine from the body by way of the bladder). Urinary tract infections commonly affect the bladder and the urethra.
Urinary tract infections affect women more often than men. UTIs should not be ignored. If the UTI spreads to the kidneys, serious complications can occur. Thankfully, antibiotics are effective in treating urinary tract infections.
UTIs vs. bladder infection
The difference between a urinary tract infection and a bladder infection is that a UTI involves the urinary tract, which consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. A bladder infection is a UTI that specifically affects the bladder.
Types of UTIs
TypesUTIs are classified as uncomplicated or complicated.
- An uncomplicated UTI affects people who are healthy and do not have any structural or neurological irregularities involving the urinary tract.
- Complicated UTIs involve urinary tract obstructions, urinary retention (caused by neurological disease), compromised immune systems, kidney disease or transplantation, pregnancy, indwelling catheters, or drainage apparatus. Most complicated UTIs involve indwelling catheters.
The type of pathogen and the location of the infection within the urinary tract classifies UTIs. Some types of UTIs are:
- Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. It is the most common urinary tract infection.
- Urethritis is the inflammation of the urethra. Urethritis is commonly caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STD/STI). However, other types of infections are known to cause urethritis.
- Pyelonephritis is an infection in the kidneys. If left untreated, pyelonephritis could lead to permanent kidney damage or a serious bloodstream bacterial infection.
Signs & Symptoms of UTIs
SymptomsBladder infection or UTI symptoms are usually noticeable. Not all symptoms may be present; however, the common signs of a UTI or bladder infection include the following:
- A burning feeling when peeing
- Frequent urination or feeling you “need to go” often, even though there’s little to no urine stream
- Fever or chills
- Pain and pressure in the lower back or belly
- Bloody urine
- Painful sex
- Irritated, painful penis
- Vomiting
Treatment for UTIs or bladder infections can generally be addressed by a primary care physician or pediatrician.
If you need a primary care physician or pediatrician, NewYork-Presbyterian has medical facilities conveniently located throughout the boroughs of New York City also, including Westchester and Putnam counties.
UTI symptoms in children
Urinary tract infections are common in children. They’re caused when bacteria travel into the bladder or kidney. UTIs that typically affect the urethra and bladder are called cystitis. Children with cystitis may experience:
- Painful, burning feeling when peeing
- Frequent urge to pee, often with little results
- Fever or chills
- Waking up frequently during the night to pee
- Bedwetting, even with potty-trained children
- Pain in the belly (suggesting a possible bladder infection)
- Foul-smelling, cloudy urine, possibly tinged with blood
UTIs and vaginosis may share similar symptoms. Vaginosis is caused by bacterial overgrowth of bacteria that is ordinarily present in the vagina. It usually affects women in their childbearing years, though little girls can also develop vaginosis. Urinary tract infections include the organs of the urinary system.
What Causes UTIs?
CausesUTIs are more common in women than men primarily due to the shape of their urinary tracts and proximity to the anus. Most of the bacteria that cause UTIs live in the colon and rectum.
Genetics can play a role in the development of UTIs. For instance, if a close family member experiences recurrent UTIs, the possibility of another family member sharing this condition is likely.
Other causes of urinary tract infections are:
- Diabetes
- Catheters
- Eating too much sugar that eventually enters the urine, facilitating the growth of bacteria that thrive on sugar
- Sexual intercourse, which can transport bacteria from the perineum (area between the vagina and anus) to the urethra
- Not emptying the bladder before and after having sex
- Holding urine for too long
- Using a diaphragm for birth control
- Using non-lubricated condoms and spermicide that can irritate the vagina
- Using antihistamines and decongestants for colds or allergies can cause urinary retention that could bring on a UTI
- Not drinking enough water to flush impurities and other bacteria from your urinary system
How to Prevent UTIs
PreventionSeveral behavioral changes can help reduce the possibility of getting a UTI. These include:
- Urinate often - Avoid holding urine for too long. Emptying the bladder every two to three hours could prevent UTIs
- Increase vitamin C intake - Vitamin C will make your urine more acidic, which helps prevent bacterial growth
- Drink more water - Water flushes out bacteria and impurities from your urinary system
- Proper hygiene - Besides wiping from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement, proper cleansing of the urethral area is important in avoiding bacterial contamination of the urethra. Washing this area daily with soap and water or cleansing wipes will minimize bacterial buildup.
- Wear cotton underwear - Cotton is a breathable fabric and allows better ventilation “down there.” Wearing thong underwear has been noted to cause an increase in UTIs.
- Lubrication during sex - Friction during sexual intercourse can irritate the vagina, making it susceptible to getting a UTI. Use a water-based lubricant during sex to avoid irritation.
- Vaginal estrogen supplements - Estrogen reduces the risk of UTIs by allowing the normal vaginal flora to prohibit bacterial growth from the rectum, which can invade the urinary tract
- Avoid certain food or drinks - Spicy, acidic, or sugary foods, coffee, and carbonated drinks can all increase irritation to the bladder
- Avoid constipation - It’s difficult to fully empty the bladder when constipated
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for UTI Care
NewYork-Presbyterian’s medical groups are compassionate and knowledgeable about UTI care. Our doctors and healthcare professionals can bring quick relief and get you back to your usual routine as soon as possible. NewYork-Presbyterian has conveniently located medical offices throughout the boroughs of New York City and Westchester and Putnam counties, too.
Medical Groups offer same-day appointments for critical needs, easy scheduling for early, late, or weekend appointments. Most insurance is accepted. Patient portals and referrals to NYP specialists are available. Some situations can be addressed through a virtual urgent care appointment* alone.
Know the treatment options available to treat a UTI or bladder infection. Let NewYork-Presbyterian help you stay amazing.
*Restrictions apply