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What is a
UTI?
A urinary tract
infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enters the urinary system. This may
occur in the kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the
bladder), the bladder, or the urethra (the tube that carries urine
out of the body).
UTIs are much
more common in females. Urinary tract infections can be associated with
sexual intercourse due to bacteria being pushed into the urethra during
sexual activity. UTIs are not a sexually transmitted disease.
What are the
Symptoms?
Common symptoms
include:
§
Pain or burning during urination (dysuria)
§
Feeling a sudden, urgent need to urinate (urgency)
§
Urinating more frequently (frequency)
§
Urinating only small amounts even though the bladder feels
full
§
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
§
Cloudy or foul smelling urine
§
Abdominal pain, back pain or fever my also occur
How is a UTI
Diagnosed?
By a urinalysis
(a laboratory examination of the urine specimen). A urine culture may also
be performed on the urine sample to identify the type of bacteria causing
the infection.
A brief
physical exam, which may include a genital or pelvic exam, may be done to
help arrive at the diagnosis.
How is a UTI
Treated?
If a UTI is
confirmed by the symptoms, physical exam and urinalyses an antibiotic will
be prescribed. It is important to complete the full course of medication to
ensure elimination of all the bacteria causing the infection.
How can a
UTI be prevented?
The following
may help you avoid the development of a UTI:
§
Drink plenty of fluids
§
Urinate frequently
§
Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement
§
Urinate before and after intercourse
§
Drink a small glass of cranberry juice daily
Written by Pat
Karpinsky Nurse practitioner Student Health Center |