How do uti occur

If a person has a bladder infection, they could also experience low fever, and pressure and cramping in the abdomen and lower back. Recurrent or long-lasting kidney infections can cause permanent damage, and some sudden kidney infections can be life-threatening, particularly if bacteria enter the bloodstream in a condition known as septicemia. They can also increase the risk of women delivering infants that are premature or have a low birth weight.

Individuals are advised to contact a doctor if they develop the symptoms of a UTI, especially if they have developed the symptoms of a potential kidney infection. Diagnosis will usually be made after asking about the symptoms and testing a urine sample to assess the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria. This requires that a person wash their genital area before providing a urine sample mid-flow.

This helps to prevent bacteria from around the genital area getting caught in the sample. If a person has recurrent UTIs, a doctor may request further diagnostic testing to determine if anatomical issues or functional issues are to blame.

Such tests may include:. UTIs in men are rare. The incidence for men under the age of 50 years is between 5 and 8 men in every 10, The risk of infection increases with age. For men, however, the prostate is also at risk of infection. A man with a circumcised penis is less likely to get a UTI that a man who has not undergone circumcision. As UTIs are normally caused by bacteria, they are most commonly treated with antibiotics or antimicrobials.

The type of medication and length of treatment will depend on the symptoms and medical history of the individual. The full course of treatment should always be completed for UTIs to make sure that the infection is fully clear, and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

UTI symptoms can disappear before the infection has completely gone. Drinking lots of fluids and frequently urinating are always recommended for people who have UTIs as this helps to flush out the bacteria. A variety of pain relief medications may be prescribed to alleviate pain. Urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections Urinary tract infections UTIs are most often caused by bacteria germs that get into the bladder, which is part of the urinary tract.

What is a urinary tract infection UTI? Who gets UTIs? Are some women more at risk for UTIs? You may be at greater risk for a UTI if you: 1 , 5 Are sexually active. Sexual activity can move germs that cause UTIs from other areas, such as the vagina, to the urethra. Use a diaphragm for birth control or use spermicides creams that kill sperm with a diaphragm or with condoms. Spermicides can kill good bacteria that protect you from UTIs. Are pregnant. Pregnancy hormones can change the bacteria in the urinary tract, making UTIs more likely.

Also, many pregnant women have trouble completely emptying the bladder, because the uterus womb with the developing baby sits on top of the bladder during pregnancy. Leftover urine with bacteria in it can cause a UTI. Have gone through menopause. After menopause, loss of the hormone estrogen causes vaginal tissue to become thin and dry. This can make it easier for harmful bacteria to grow and cause a UTI.

Have diabetes, which can lower your immune defense system and cause nerve damage that makes it hard to completely empty your bladder Have any condition, like a kidney stone, that may block the flow of urine between your kidneys and bladder Have or recently had a catheter in place.

A catheter is a thin tube put through the urethra into the bladder. Catheters drain urine when you cannot pass urine on your own, such as during surgery.

What are the symptoms of a UTI? If you have a UTI, you may have some or all of these symptoms: 6 , 7 Pain or burning when urinating An urge to urinate often, but not much comes out when you go Pressure in your lower abdomen Urine that smells bad or looks milky or cloudy Blood in the urine.

This is more common in younger women. If you see blood in your urine, tell a doctor or nurse right away. Feeling tired, shaky, confused, or weak. This is more common in older women. Having a fever, which may mean the infection has reached your kidneys. What causes UTIs? How is a UTI diagnosed? These tests may include: A cystogram. This is a special type of x-ray of your urinary tract. These x-rays can show any problems, including swelling or kidney stones.

A cystoscopic exam. Younger children may not be able to tell you about UTI symptoms they are having. If you have concerns that your child may have a UTI, talk to a healthcare professional. A female urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra. This image shows how bacteria from the skin or rectum can travel up the urethra and cause a bladder infection. Talk to your healthcare professional if you have symptoms of a UTI or for any symptom that is severe or concerning. Taking antibiotics, prescribed by a healthcare professional, at home can treat most UTIs.

However, some cases may require treatment in a hospital. Bacteria cause UTIs and antibiotics treat them. However, any time you take antibiotics, they can cause side effects. Side effects can include rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, and yeast infections. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. Go to You'll be asked about your symptoms and may need to give a urine sample. Your doctor or nurse may offer self-care advice and recommend taking a painkiller.

They may give you a prescription for antibiotics if they think you may need them. You may be asked to start taking these immediately, or to wait to see if your symptoms improve. It's important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.