A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can occur anywhere in the urinary system, which includes ureters, bladder, urethra, and kidneys. Males and females of all ages are susceptible to UTIs, although they are more common in women. More than half of adult women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. Around 25-44% will have a recurrent infection.
Signs and symptoms of UTIs include:
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Urine that appears cloudy, milky, or reddish in color
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain
Risk factors include:
- Being female
- Being sexually active
- Using certain types of birth control
- Completing menopause
- Having blockages in the urinary tract
- Having a suppressed immune system
Certain preventative measures may reduce your chance of getting a UTI:
- Urinate when you need to. Don’t hold it. Pass urine before and after sex. After you pass urine or have a bowel movement (BM), wipe from front to back.
- Drink water every day and after sex. Try for 6 to 8 glasses a day.
- Clean the outer lips of your vagina and anus each day. The anus is the place where a bowel movement leaves your body, located between the buttocks.
- Don’t use douches or feminine hygiene sprays.
- If you get a lot of UTIs and use spermicides, or creams that kill sperm, talk to your doctor about using other forms of birth control.
- Wear underpants with a cotton crotch. Don’t wear tight-fitting pants, which can trap in moisture.
- Take showers instead of tub baths.
Women who have recurring UTIs may qualify for a UTI vaccine research study. Click here to learn more about this study. Call Foothill Family Clinic at 801-486-3021 (ask for Research) or click here to contact us for additional information.
