Causes

When a urinary tract infection involves the bladder, it is often caused by Escherichia coli bacteria. These bacteria are common in the bowel.

Urinary tract infections are more common in women. Bacteria may enter the urinary tract during sexual intercourse or when you use a diaphragm.

Urinary tract infections can be a problem for men, too, especially those over 50 years of age. An enlarged prostate gland, common in older men, can restrict the flow of urine and lead to bacterial growth and infection.

Symptoms

• Frequent or urgent urination or both, especially at night
• A burning feeling during urination
• Blood in the urine
• Pressure in the lower abdomen
• Urine that looks cloudy or smells very bad or both

Keep in mind that sometimes a urinary tract infection will have no symptoms.

Treatment

A urinary tract infection with no other complicating factors has an excellent chance of being cured with a 3-day course of antibiotics. Advantages of using a shorter course of antibiotics include fewer side effects, fewer yeast infections, and lower cost. But the 3-day course of antibiotics is not effective for all women. You may need to be treated with a longer course if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a complicating medical condition, such as diabetes
• Have a history of frequent urinary tract infections

If antibiotics are prescribed, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medication allergies. Avoid being in the sun too much, and use backup birth control if you are on the pill.

Prevention

• Drink lots of water—at least six to eight glasses a day.
• Empty your bladder every 3 hours while you are awake, even if you don’t feel an urge to do so.
• Urinate before and after sexual intercourse.
• Wear clean cotton underwear.
• If you are a woman, wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectal area.
• Switch from the diaphragm to another type of birth control if urinary tract infections are a problem.
• Do not avoid the need to urinate. Holding urine for long periods may decrease the ability of the bladder to empty fully, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
• Shower instead of taking a bath. Avoid using bubble bath or other perfumed bath products.

Self-Care

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can make symptoms worse.
• Drink eight glasses of fluid per day. Water is the best type of fluid.
• Take a warm bath to relieve discomfort.
• Call your doctor. You may be told to have your urine tested, be treated with antibiotics right away, or be scheduled for an appointment. You may be sent to an urgent care center or emergency room if your symptoms include fever and chills.
• If you are prescribed medication, take it exactly the way it is prescribed.