uti in adults

8/20/2019 UTI in Adults

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Pressure on the urinary tract during sex can move bacteria from the colon into the

bladder. Most women have bacteria in their urine after intercourse. However, the body

usually can get rid of these pathogens within 24 hours. Bowel bacteria may have

properties that allow them to stick to the bladder.

Bathroom Hygiene

Wiping from back to front after going to the bathroom can lead to a UTI. This motion

drags bacteria from the rectal area towards the urethra.

Spermicides

Spermicides can increase UTI risk. They may cause skin irritation in some women. This

increases the risk of bacteria entering into the bladder.

Condoms

Latex condoms can cause increased friction during intercourse. They may also irritate the

skin. This may increase the risk of UTI in some individuals. However, condoms areimportant for reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

Diaphragms

Diaphragms may put pressure on the urethra. This can decrease bladder emptying. Some

studies have seen a higher UTI risk in women who use diaphragms.

Diabetes

Diabetes may make patients more susceptible to UTI.

Loss of Estrogen

After menopause, a loss of estrogen changes the normal bacteria in the vagina. This can

increase the risk of UTI.

Prolonged Use of Bladder Catheters

Catheters are used when someone cannot urinate normally. These thin, flexible tubes are

inserted into the bladder. They allow urine to drain into a container. Long-term catheter

use can increase the risk of UTI. They may make it easier for bacteria to get into the

bladder. Treatment for a catheter-associated UTI may require removal of the device.

Symptoms of UTI

Symptoms of UTI depend upon what part of the urinary tract is infected.

Lower UTIs are infections of the urethra and bladder. Their symptoms include:

burning with urination

increased frequency of urination with scant amounts of urine being passed

bloody urine

cloudy urine

urine that looks like cola or tea

strong odor to urine

pelvic pain (women)

rectal pain (men)

Upper UTIs are infections of the kidneys. These are potentially life threatening, if bacteria

move from the infected kidney into the blood. This condition is called sepsis. Sepsis can

cause dangerously low blood pressures, shock, and death. Symptoms of upper UTI

include:

pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides

chills

fever

nausea

vomiting

Women who are pregnant and have symptoms of UTI should see their doctor right away.

UTIs during pregnancy can cause premature delivery and high blood pressure. UTIs

Part 4 of 7: Symptoms

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Diagnosis of UTI

History and physical exam may suggest you have a lower or upper UTI.

Definitive diagnosis requires a “clean catch” urine specimen. This is urine collected from

the middle of the urinary stream. Your doctor will instruct you how to do a clean catch.

The goal is to avoid picking up bacteria from your skin.

Doctors will look for a large number of white blood cells in your urine. This can signal an

infection. Your urine will also be cultured for bacteria. This can identify the cause of

infection. It can also help your doctor choose appropriate treatment.

If an upper UTI is suspected, you may also need a complete blood count (CBC) and blood

cultures. These can make certain your infection hasn’t spread to the blood.

People with recurrent UTIs may need to be checked for obstructions. Some tests for this

include:

ultrasound

intravenous pyelogram (IVP) – this injected dye allows doctors to see your entire

urinary tract

cystoscopy, which uses a small camera to examine the bladder

During a cystoscopy, your doctor may remove a small piece of bladder tissue. This is

called a biopsy. A biopsy can be used to rule out bladder cancer

Treatment of UTIAntibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Lower UTIs can be treated with oral antibiotics. Upper

UTIs require intravenous antibiotics.

Sometimes, bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. Urine cultures can help your doctor

select an effective antibiotic treatment.

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Prevention

Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine to prevent recurrent UTIs.

In the meantime, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent UTIs.

WomensHealth.gov recommends:

wiping from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement

drinking six to eight glasses of water daily

drinking water after having sex

not holding urine for long periods of time

cleaning your vaginal and rectal areas daily

taking showers instead of baths

wearing comfortable underwear, tight fabric traps moisture

wearing underpants with a cotton crotch

While these steps are useful, they don’t guarantee that you won’t get a UTI. Contact your

medical provider whenever you have any symptoms of UTI. If you have recurrent UTIs and

use spermicides or a diaphragm, your doctor may recommend alternative birth control.

Part 6 of 7: Treatment

Part 7 of 7: Prevention

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http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/utiadult/

Urinary tract infection fact sheet. (n.d.). womenshealth.gov . Retrieved May

11, 2012, from http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-

sheet/urinary-tract-infection.cfm

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