What is it?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is not a sexually transmitted infection. It is a bacterial infection of the bladder and the urethra. The bladder is the sac that holds urine and the urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. A UTI is also known as a bladder infection or cystitis.

How is it spread?

A UTI is usually caused by bacteria from the bowels. These bacteria can be spread to the urethra when a woman has vaginal or oral sex, or when she wipes herself with toilet paper. It is a common infection with women because the opening of the urethra is very close to the vaginal and anal openings.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms for a UTI may include: the need to urinate more often, but only a little bit comes out; pain or burning with urination; cloudy or smelly urine; blood in the urine; lower back pain. Men rarely get UTIs. If they have any of the above symptoms it is more likely that they have a sexually transmitted infection.

How is it diagnosed?

Often a UTI can be diagnosed by symptoms alone. Sometimes a simple urine test will be done to make sure that it is a UTI.

What are the complications?

If a UTI is not treated the infection may spread to the kidneys, which is a more serious infection and may lead to hospitalization.

How is it treated?

A UTI is usually treated with antibiotics. It is important to finish all the pills even if the symptoms are gone. Some people choose alternative treatments such as herbs and/or cranberry juice without sugar.

What about sexual partners?

Since a UTI is not a sexually transmitted infection (even though sexual activity can lead to a UTI) sexual partners do not need to be treated.

How is it prevented?

You may be able to prevent UTIs by doing the following:

• Drink six to eight glasses of water a day.
• Drink a lot of unsweetened cranberry juice.
• Urinate often.
• Urinate before and after sex.
• Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
• Wear cotton underpants and choose pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
• Wear loose pants.
• Bathe frequently.
• Do not douche.

I think I have a UTI. What should I do?

• Avoid drinking coffee, tea, pop, beer, wine, etc.
• Avoid orange juice as it turns alkaline in your body.
• Take vitamin C as it is acidic and a natural diuretic that will cause you to urinate more.
• Bathe twice a day if possible to keep your genital area clean and prevent bacteria from spreading to the vagina.
• Put a hot water bottle or heating pad on your abdomen and back.
• The worst thing you can do is restrict fluid intake and urination.