Understanding Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are common among women and account for approximately 10.5 million office visits yearly in the United States (Flores-Mireles, 2015). They are most commonly caused by microbial agents from the skin or rectum that enter and infect the urinary tract. If left untreated, there is a possibility of infection progressing to the kidney causing pyelonephritis which can lead to several serious complications. “Between 50% and 60% of adult women will have at least one UTI in their life, and close to 10% of postmenopausal women indicate that they had a UTI in the previous year” (Flores-Mireles, 2015).

There are several symptoms that one may experience with a urinary tract infection, including dysuria (pain with urination), hematuria (blood in urine), polyuria (frequent urination), and feeling as though you have to urinate after already going to the bathroom (urinary urgency). As the infection becomes worse, more systemic symptoms may begin to develop including fever, chills, lower abdominal pain, back pain, and nausea (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). A UTI diagnosis is confirmed with a urine test and culture which allows the healthcare professional to see if there are white blood cells or offending bacteria in the urine. A culture is often necessary to best treat the infection with an antibiotic. “Currently, antibiotics — such as trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin — are the most commonly recommended therapeutics for UTIs.” (Flores-Mireles, 2015)

Women have a higher risk of developing UTIs if they have had them in the past, engaged in sexual activity (both protected and unprotected), and have poor hygiene. As one ages, UTIs not only become more prevalent but they become more serious. Within the older population, these infections may lead to altered mental status or sepsis (a fatal blood infection).

There are several methods to prevent a UTI including practicing good hygiene, showering regularly, peeing after sexual intercourse, wiping front to back when using the bathroom, and drinking plenty of water (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Things to avoid when trying to prevent UTIs include scented soaps, regularly wearing tight fit clothing, and spermicidal lubrication during intercourse (NHS Choices, 2022). A promising avenue of research is the effect of cranberry juice in the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections. Although UTIs remain one of the most common infections worldwide, there are many corrective measures that can be utilized to not only relieve symptoms but prevent women from developing these infections.

References:

Flores-Mireles, A., Walker, J., Caparon, M. et al. Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options. Nat Rev Microbiol 13, 269–284 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro3432

“Urinary Tract Infection.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 Oct. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html.

“Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).” NHS Choices, NHS, 22 Mar. 2022, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/#:~:text=Urinary%20tract%20infections%20(UTIs)%20are,kidneys%20and%20cause%20an%20infection.