Urinary Tract Infection

What are urinary tract and bladder infections?

Urinary tract infections (UTI) is a catch-all for infections that can occur in the urinary tract, including the:

  • Bladder
  • Kidneys (sometimes called pyelonephritis)
  • Ureters (2 tubes that take urine from the kidney to the bladder)
  • Urethra (tube that empties urine from the bladder to outside of your body)

UTIs and bladder infections (also called cystitis) can leave you feeling like you need to go to the bathroom almost constantly. They are usually not serious but can become serious if left untreated.

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Causes and Triggers

Most urinary tract infections and bladder infections are caused by bacteria. Most of the time, the infection starts in the bladder and then spreads to include other parts of the urinary tract. Besides bacteria, UTIs can less commonly be caused by viruses, fungi and even parasites.

Some conditions increase your risk of developing a urinary tract or bladder infection, these include:

  • Bowel incontinence (trouble holding stool)
  • Diabetes
  • Enlarged prostate (men only)
  • Having a urinary catheter in place
  • Kidney stones
  • Menopause
  • Narrowed urethra
  • Pregnancy
  • Problems that make it hard to empty your bladder completely
  • Sexual activity
  • Surgery or procedure on the urinary tract

Women are more likely to get a UTI because of their anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

What symptoms can occur with urinary tract and bladder infections?

The major symptom of a UTI is a burning or painful sensation when you urinate. Other common symptoms include:

  • Cloudy, foul smelling and/or bloody urine
  • Pressure or cramping in your lower stomach or back
  • A strong need to urinate often (even right after you have gone to the bathroom)

If the infection spreads to your kidneys, you may experience:

  • Chills
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • High fever
  • Nausea
  • Pain in your side, back, or groin
  • Severe stomach pain
  • Vomiting

How are urinary tract and bladder infections treated?

Treatment for a urinary tract or bladder infection is usually started immediately, even though the results of some urine tests can take a few days to come back. Treatment is started using common prescription antibiotics that treat most bacteria. If your urine test shows that you have a different bacterium or need different antibiotics, your MinuteClinic® provider will contact you with a new prescription.

Most urinary tract and bladder infections are straightforward to diagnose and treat. Situations that can make UTIs more difficult to treat and may result in you being referred to a different health care setting include:

  • Male gender
  • Pregnancy
  • Recent kidney infection in the last 3 months
  • Severe vomiting

Prescription antibiotics are the primary treatment for urinary tract and bladder infections, but they take time to work. If you are experiencing severe discomfort from your infection, talk to your MinuteClinic provider about medicines that can reduce pain and make you more comfortable while your infection clears up.

Your MinuteClinic provider can also give you tips for preventing a urinary tract or bladder infection in the future, such as:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Emptying bladder as soon as you have the urge
  • Urinating after sexual activity
  • Washing and keeping your genital area clean

How do providers test for urinary tract and bladder infections?

Certain symptoms can indicate a UTI, but tests may be done to confirm infection and determine what kind of bacteria are causing the infection. In general, a urine test is all that’s needed. A provider can assess and provide next steps of care and treatment options if you have a UTI or bladder infection.

References used as sources for this page

  1. Urinary tract infection – adults: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000521.htm.. (Accessed: 17th July 2016)
  2. Urinary Tract Infection in Adults. Available at https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/urologic-disease/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults/Pages/facts.aspx.. (Accessed: 17th July 2016)
  3. Urinary Tract Infections https://medlineplus.gov/urinarytractinfections.html.. (Accessed: 17th July 2016)
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