Urinary tract infections (UTIs) happen when microbes such as bacteria overcome the body’s defenses in the urinary system. They can cause discomfort and urination problems, but medication and home remedies can often resolve them.
UTIs are one of the most common Trusted Source types of outpatient infections in the United States, leading to more than 8.1 million visits to the doctor every year.
The urinary tract consists of the upper and lower urinary tract. The kidneys and ureters make up the upper urinary tract, and the urethra and bladder make up the lower urinary tract.
UTIs have different names depending on where they occur. For example:
A UTI is a bacterial infection of the urinary tract that can affectTrusted Source:
A UTI is classified as “simple” or “complicated.” Simple UTIs will usuallyTrusted Source only affect the bladder. Complicated UTIs describe resistant infections that require stronger medications, or those that affect the kidneys.
According to 2022 researchTrusted Source, groups at a higher risk of complicated UTIs include:
Additionally, blockages and problems with kidney function can increase a person’s risk of developing a complicated UTI.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Trusted Source writes that bladder infections — simple UTIs — are the most common type.
Overall, females are more likely to develop a UTI than males, with 40–60% of females developing an infection at least once in their life and 10% of females developing a UTI once a year. Females are at a higher risk than males because their urethra is shorter, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
Lower UTIs affect the bladder or urethra and can cause:
Upper UTIs affect the kidneys and ureters. As well as the symptoms above, they can cause:
Males and females share the same symptoms. However, 2021 researchTrusted Source suggests that males had a higher chance of experiencing symptoms that affect the lower urinary tract.
It is worth noting that this study involved 1,256 people from a single community in Japan, so the findings may not apply to other populations.
Additional symptoms in children include:
Additional symptoms of UTIs in older adultsTrusted Source or those with a urinary catheter include:
The Urology Care Foundation notes that different bacteria live on the skin or around the rectum and vagina. When the bacteria enter the urethra, they can travel to the bladder.
According to the NIDDKTrusted Source, the body usually flushes out the bacteria before they reach a person’s bladder. However, in some cases, the body is unable to do so, resulting in a UTI.
People of any age and sex can develop a UTI. However, some people are more at risk than others.
The NIDDKTrusted Source notes that females are more likely to develop UTIs than males. This is because females have a shorter urethra, meaning the bacteria have less distance to travel to the bladder.
Additionally, the urethra is closer to the rectum, where the UTI-causing bacteria are present.
Going through menopause and using birth control methods, such as diaphragms or spermicide, can also increase the chance of developing a UTI.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant people have a higher risk of UTIs than other people.
Changes in the body during pregnancy can cause changes in the urinary tract.
Learn more about UTIs in pregnancy here.
Males share the same risk factors for developing a UTI. However, having an enlarged prostate is a male-specific risk factor.
An enlarged prostate can block or obstructTrusted Source the usual flow of urine.
In some cases, lower UTIs can lead to pyelonephritis. This is a sudden and severe kidney infection.
Symptoms include
If a person suspects they have a kidney infection, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible
.Recurrent or long-lasting kidney infections can cause permanent damage. Some sudden kidney infections can be life threatening, particularly if bacteria enter the bloodstream in a condition known as septicemia.
They can also increase the risk of pregnant people delivering infants prematurely or with low birth weight.
There are several measures that an individual can take to reduce the risk of developing a UTI, including
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests taking showers instead of baths and avoiding douching.
Females should also wipe from the front to the back to help avoid spreading the germs from the rectum to the vagina. In addition, if a person experiences frequent or recurring UTIs, they should talk with a doctor about switching birth control methods if they use it.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists mentions that cranberry pills and unsweetened cranberry juice may help decrease the chance of contracting UTIs. However, research is ongoing.
Individuals should contact a doctor if they develop UTI symptoms, especially if they have developed symptoms of a potential kidney infection.
A doctor will usually diagnose a UTI after asking about a person’s symptoms and testing a urine sample to assess the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria.
In some casesTrusted Source, a doctor may culture the urine to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection.
If someone has recurrent UTIs, a doctor may request further diagnostic testing to determine if anatomical or functional issues are the cause. Such tests may include:
A healthcare professional can prescribeTrusted Source antibiotics to treat UTIs, regardless of a person’s sex.
The type of medication and length of treatment will depend on a person’s symptoms and medical history.
People should always complete the full course of treatment to make sure that the infection is fully clear and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. UTI symptoms can disappear before the infection has completely gone.
To cure a UTI that has occurred due to problems within the urinary system, a healthcare professional will need to diagnose the underlying issue.
If the person is seriously ill, they may need to be admitted to a hospital to ensure they consume sufficient fluids and receive the correct medication.
There are several suggested remedies that people with a UTI can try at home. These include:
A 2021 studyTrusted Source found that other successful home remedies to help stop recurrent UTIs included:
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