Unpacking UTIs: Why They Might Be More Serious Than You Think

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Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are relatively common. They are the most common outpatient infection, with a lifetime incidence of 50-60% in adult women. It’s also possible to have repeat urinary tract infections.

What many people don’t realize, however, is that despite popular belief, UTIs don’t go away on their own. Urinary tract infections require antibiotic treatment, otherwise, the condition can quickly worsen and spread.

If you believe you’re suffering from a UTI, you’ll need the help of a qualified healthcare professional who can prescribe medication. This can include doctors and nurses who have studied online family nurse practitioner programs. In some states, pharmacists can also prescribe treatment.

This article will unpack UTIs and debunk common myths. It will also cover the typical signs and symptoms of UTIs, treatment options, and what happens if the infection worsens and spreads to other parts of the body.

What is a UTI?

Before delving into the telltale signs of a UTI and treatment options, it’s important to understand what it is. A UTI refers to any infections located in the urinary system. This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. 

People assigned female at birth are at a greater risk of developing a UTI than people assigned male at birth. Statistics show that about 10% of AFAB people will get a UTI yearly, with recurrences being extremely common.

What causes a UTI

The most common type of urinary tract infection is a bladder infection. It is most commonly caused when microorganisms, usually bacteria, enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to spread in the bladder. 

While the urinary tract is designed to keep out bacteria, sometimes the body’s defense systems fail. Anyone can contract a urinary tract infection, however, it is more likely if you have AFAB genitalia.

This is because E. coli, which causes more than 90% of bladder infections, exists in the lower intestine. So, for people without penises, their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, where E. coli bacteria is most common.

Other factors that can contribute to and/or increase the risk of a UTI include:

• Sexual activity.
• Certain types of medication, like birth control.
• Menopause.
• An impaired immune system.
• Blockages in the urinary tract.
• Catheter use.

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Signs you might have a UTI

When it comes to treating urinary tract infections, the earlier, the better. It’s rare for a urinary tract infection to resolve itself on its own, so learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms is crucial so you know when to seek professional support.

Common signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

• Any burning or uncomfortable sensations while urinating.
• A strong urge to urinate that doesn’t go away.
• Urinaring frequently but only being able to pass small amounts of urine or feeling ‘blocked’.
• If your pee looks cloudy or red (has blood).
• For women specifically, pelvic pain can be a key indicator of a UTI.

Signs that the urinary tract infection may be spreading to other areas, like the kidneys, can also result in back or side pain, shaking/chills, a high fever, and nausea and vomiting. In serious cases, it can also result in mental changes or confusion.

If you have any of the signs or symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to contact your health care provider as soon as possible. The earlier you can test and diagnose the infection, which is through a simple urine test, the better.

Urinary tract infections are typically diagnosed through analyzing a urine sample. All you need to do is simply drop off a urine sample at your doctor’s clinic or pathology lab. They will check the urine for the signs of a UTI and identify the bacteria responsible.

UTI management and treatment options

Urinary tract infections are typically treated through administering oral antibiotics. Common first-line antibiotics include fosfomycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and cephalexin. The antibiotic prescribed will depend on the bacteria causing the UTI and your previous medical history.

In cases of a severe infection or if the patient cannot take oral medication, intravenous or intramuscular antibiotics may be administered. Examples of these include ampicillin and ceftriaxone.

There are also over-the-counter medications available for UTI pain relief. While these don’t treat the infection, they can help with management while you’re taking your course of antibiotics.

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What happens when they aren’t treated

If left untreated, urinary tract infections can travel from the urethra and bladder up to the kidneys and be potentially life-threatening. When a UTI travels up to the kidney, this is also known as a kidney infection/pyelonephritis.

Kidney infections can be deadly, especially in people living with weakened immune systems or other underlying health issues. Potential consequences of kidney infections include:

• Emphysematous pyelonephritis, which is when the bacteria begins to destroy parts of the kidney and cause gas build-up. This can lead to acute renal failure, sepsis, and hematuria.
  
• In severe cases, a kidney infection can lead to blood poisoning. This is because kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste from blood before returning it to the rest of the body. If a UTI is untreated and reaches the kidneys, the bacteria can then spread through the bloodstream.
  
• Untreated UTIs can eventually lead to kidney scarring. This can cause chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, and kidney failure in extreme cases.
  
• Kidney infections can also have a massive impact on pregnancy and increase the risk of complications, like a baby being born with a low birth weight.

How to prevent UTIs

When it comes to healthcare, the old adage is always true: prevention is better than cure. While it’s impossible to prevent UTIs completely, there are a few steps to lower the risk of infection. These include:

• Always urinate after sexual intercourse. Urination after sex can help clear out bacteria from the urethra and lowers the chance of developing a UTI.
  
• When you go to the bathroom, always wipe carefully and wipe front to back. This reduces the chance of introducing E. coli bacteria to your urethra from your anus.
  
• Avoid using any products, like deodorant sprays and harsh soaps, on your genital area. This can lead to pH imbalances and increase the risk of UTIs.
  
• Stay hydrated. Remember to drink fluids, especially water, because frequent urination and fluids help to flush bad bacteria from your body.