Bladder infections are the most common type of urinary tract infection UTI , but any part of your urinary tract can become infected—the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys.
Your age, habits, or health conditions can make a UTI more likely. Symptoms of a bladder infection may include a burning feeling when you urinate. Most infections in women are caused by bacteria from the bowel that reach the urethra and bladder. Most infections in men are the result of problems that restrict normal urine flow, such as an enlarged prostate.
An untreated UTI can move up to the kidneys and cause an even more serious infection, so prompt diagnosis and treatment is important. Sexually active women, pregnant women and older women all may be at increased risk for UTI. UCSF offers personalized, sensitive care for common women's health problems, including urinary tract infections. Our mission is to provide every woman who comes to us with the highest quality care and the information she needs to make informed decisions about her health.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. 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. Applying a heating pad to the back or abdomen can also help. An uncomplicated UTI is one that occurs in an otherwise healthy person with a normal clear urinary tract.
These can usually be cured with 2 to 3 days of treatment. A complicated UTI is one that occurs in a person who is weakened by another condition, such as pregnancy or heart transplant. Complicated UTIs tend to require longer periods of antibiotics, usually between 7 to 14 days. To cure a UTI that is caused by problems within the urinary system, the underlying issue needs to be found and corrected.
If left untreated, these infections can lead to kidney damage. If the person is seriously ill, they may need to be admitted to a hospital to ensure that they take in sufficient fluids and receive the right medication. People may also need to go to the hospital if they are one of the following:. Drinking fluids and urinating frequently can help flush bacteria from the body, and using a heated pad for short periods can help to relieve discomfort. Cranberry extracts do not help treat existing UTIs but may help prevent their development.
This is because cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins that prevent E. In a large meta-analysis, researchers found that women with recurrent UTIs who took cranberry over 12 months had a 35 percent reduction in infections. Another large clinical trial found that milligrams mg of cranberry extract taken daily for 6 months reduced the rate of UTI to the same extent as mg of trimethoprim, an antibiotic, without posing a risk of antimicrobial resistance or super-infection in women with recurrent UTIs.
Cranberry extract tablets appear to be twice as effective as cranberry juice for preventing UTIs, which may be due in part to the sugar content of cranberry juice. Cranberry extracts also contain anthocyanins and salicylic acid.
This may have a painkilling and anti-inflammatory effect that can help alleviate UTI symptoms. Cranberry extract tablets are available to purchase online.
Speaking to a doctor is recommended, to determine the suitability of these tablets. Changes in the bacterial balance of the genitourinary tract can increase the likelihood of colonization by organisms such as E. Regular use of probiotics may help reduce the risk of UTIs, especially after a course of antibiotics.
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