Urinary Tract Infection

What is a Urinary Tract Infection? 

A Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) is an infection within the urinary system. Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder and the urethra.  

What causes a urinary tract infection? 

UTIs normally occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Once inside, bacteria start to grow and multiply in the bladder.  

Although both genders can get UTIS, this type of infection occurs mainly in women. This is because a woman has a shorter urethra than men, leading to a shorter distance that bacteria can reach the bladder.  

Symptoms of an UTI may include: 

• Frequent urination in small amounts 
• Burning sensation when urinating 
• Cloudy urine 
• Strong-smelling urine 
• Pelvic pain (in women) 
• Urine that appears red a sign of blood in the urine 

How to prevent UTIs? 

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.  Drinking water helps dilute urine and will make you urinate more frequently. This allows bacteria to be flushed out of the urinary tract more frequently.  
• Wipe front to back. Doing so after urination and bowel movement helps prevent spread of bacteria to the vagina and urethra. 
• Urinate after intercourse.  
• Drink cranberry juice.  

Contact your PCP immediately if you are experiencing any symptoms or discomfort.