What Are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections affecting parts of the urinary system—from the urethra and bladder to the kidneys. Around 50–60 % of women experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, with men less commonly affected.
🔹 Which Parts of the Urinary Tract Can Be Infected?
- Urethritis: Infection of the urethra (tube that drains urine).
- Cystitis: Bladder infection—most common form.
- Pyelonephritis: Kidney infection—more serious, can cause lasting damage.
🔹 Common Symptoms to Watch For
- Burning or stinging on urination.
- Frequent urge to pee (even after just voiding).
- Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine.
- Blood in urine (pink, red or cola-coloured).
- Lower abdominal or back pain (especially with kidney infection).
- Fever or chills—usually signals a kidney infection.
- In elderly or frail people: confusion, weakness or delirium may be the only sign.
🔹 Who's at Greater Risk?
- Women: Shorter urethra makes bacterial entry easier.
- Sexually active individuals: Intercourse can introduce bacteria.
- Diabetes, urinary catheters or kidney stones: Increase UTI risk and complications.
- Men with prostate enlargement: Urinary retention raises UTI chances.
- Immunocompromised people: Diabetes, steroids, chemo, elderly—higher risk and severe infection.
🔹 How UTIs Are Diagnosed
- Urinalysis: Dipstick or lab test looks for bacteria, white blood cells or nitrates.
- Urine culture: Identifies the specific bacteria and best antibiotic.
- Imaging/tests: Ultrasound, CT or cystoscopy if recurrent infections or complications are suspected (e.g. kidney stones).
✅ Treatment and Antibiotic Options
- Short‑course antibiotics: Common choices include nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or fosfomycin for uncomplicated UTIs.
- Longer therapy: Needed for kidney infections (pyelonephritis) or recurrent UTIs—typically 7–14 days.
- Pain relief: Phenazopyridine may relieve burning, but masks symptoms and should not replace antibiotics.
🔹 Prevention Tips
- Stay well‑hydrated to flush bacteria.
- Urinate after intercourse to wash out microbes.
- Wipe front to back (not back to front).
- Avoid irritating products like harsh soaps or douches.
- For post-menopausal women, topical oestrogen may reduce recurrence.
- In recurrent cases, low‑dose antibiotics or bacterial extracts may be advised.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can men get UTIs?
Yes—though less common, UTIs in men often signal an underlying issue like prostate enlargement, stones or anatomical concerns, and should be evaluated.
When is a UTI serious?
If symptoms include fever, back pain, nausea/vomiting, or in people with diabetes or poor immunity—it may indicate a kidney infection and needs prompt medical attention.
Can UTIs go away on their own?
Occasionally mild cystitis may resolve with fluids and cranberry products, but antibiotics are recommended to prevent progression—especially if symptoms persist.
Do cranberry tablets help prevent UTIs?
Evidence is mixed. Some people find benefit, but guidelines say results are inconsistent, especially in recurrent UTI prevention.
🔹 Bottom Line
UTIs are common, treatable bacterial infections. Recognise symptoms early, complete antibiotic treatment, and take preventive measures—like hydration, hygiene and medical review for recurrent infections—to protect urinary health.