Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be painful and even scary, they are relatively easy to prevent and treat.

A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract, the system that eliminates urine from the body. This tract includes the bladder, kidneys, and connecting tubes. When germs get into this system, usually by entering the urethra, an infection may result.

UTIs are very common, especially in young, sexually active women. Sexual activity is the cause of 75 to 90 percent of bladder infections for this demographic. During sex, germs may move into the urethra, causing infection. Escherichia coli (E. coli), found in stool, is the main germ that causes UTIs. However, bacteria, viruses, and fungi may also cause infection.

UTIs can be treated with antibiotics. Doctors may also prescribe medication for painful urination. Other remedies, such as drinking cranberry juice and bathing in warm water and baking soda, may help ease symptoms.

How Can I Tell if I Have a UTI?

UTI symptoms usually occur suddenly and may include:

• Frequent peeing.
• Pain or burning when peeing.
• Pain below the belly button.
• Pain in the bottom area or back.
• Urine that looks cloudy, smells or contains blood.
• Fever.

What to Do if You Have a UTI

Drink water or cranberry juice and see a doctor immediately if you believe you have a UTI. A doctor can treat the infection with antibiotics and may give you medication to help with your symptoms.

Until the doctor's appointment, there are things you can do at home to lessen the pain:

• Take a mild painkiller, such as ibuprofen.
• Drink cranberry juice. This has been known to prevent future UTIs and may help with symptoms.
• Add some baking soda to a bath. The baking soda neutralizes the acid in your pee. This will make peeing less painful.
• Drink lots of water. This will help make the pee less concentrated and flush out germs. This is especially important during the first 24 hours.

How to Prevent Future UTIs

UTIs are not fun. Here are a few simple things you can do to prevent these infections in the future:

• Pee immediately before and after sex.
• Pee when you have an urge to go.
• Drink approximately eight glasses of water each day – if you only drink water when you're thirsty, you're likely already dehydrated.

If you have recurring UTIs, talk to your doctor to see if there are other reasons for the infection.

Youth reviewer: Trinh Tran

Reviewed by: Sharanjit Dosanjh, R.N.

Last reviewed: October 2019