A urinary tract infection (UTI) is common, but often uncomfortable, painful, and disruptive. Symptoms can appear suddenly and interfere with your daily routine. Fortunately, UTIs are treatable and often preventable.
What is a UTI?
A UTI is an infection in the urinary system, which includes the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. While UTIs can affect anyone, they are significantly more common in women than men. According to the Office of Women’s Health, more than half of all women will have a UTI at some point in their life.
This difference is largely due to anatomy: women have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Men, on the other hand, tend to experience UTIs less frequently, and when they do, it’s often linked to underlying conditions such as prostate issues.
Most infections occur in the bladder and urethra. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, it becomes more serious and requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of a UTI
Common symptoms include:
- Pelvic, side, abdominal, or lower back pain
- Pain or burning during urination
- Cloudy or bloody urine with a foul odor
- Frequent urge to urinate
UTIs in women vs. men: what’s different?
Although the symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be similar, UTIs affect women and men differently.
- Frequency: Women are far more likely to develop UTIs due to anatomical differences.Women’s urethras are shorter than men’s, which reduces the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder and cause infection.
- Common causes: In women, UTIs are often related to sexual activity, hormonal changes, or pelvic floor issues. In men, UTIs are more commonly linked to prostate problems or blockages in the urinary tract.
- Recurrence: Women are more likely to experience recurrent UTIs, while UTIs in men are less common but more likely to signal an underlying condition.
- Evaluation: Men with UTIs typically require further testing to identify the cause, while women with frequent infections may benefit from specialized care to prevent recurrence.
Understanding these differences is important when deciding when and where to seek treatment.
How are UTIs treated?
Treatment for a urinary tract infection depends on the severity of symptoms and whether infections occur frequently.
For an uncomplicated UTI, treatment often includes a short course of antibiotics prescribed by a primary care provider or urgent care clinician. In some cases, providers may recommend increasing fluid intake and using over-the-counter products to help relieve discomfort while the infection clears.
However, UTIs that return frequently do not respond to antibiotics, or cause more severe symptoms may require further evaluation. Recurrent urinary tract infections in women can signal underlying issues such as pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal changes, or bladder conditions that require specialized care.
This is where a urogynecologist can play an important role in identifying the cause of repeatedinfections and helping prevent them from coming back.
What should a woman do if she keeps getting UTIs?
If you’re a woman who gets recurrent UTIs — defined as two or more infections in six months or three or more in a year — it’s time to see a specialist. A urogynecologist is uniquely trained in both gynecology and urology, making them the ideal provider for women with persistent urinary issues.
Unlike a single, uncomplicated UTI, recurrent infections may be linked to underlying issues such as pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal changes, or bladder conditions that require a deeper evaluation.
A urogynecologist can assess potential causes through advanced testing, which may include urine studies, bladder imaging, or cystoscopy. Based on the results, your provider can develop a personalized treatment plan focused on reducing future infections and improving long-term urinary health.
How to prevent UTIs
Incorporate these habits into your routine:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Consider cranberry supplements: Look for high-dose supplements with at least 36mg of PACs (proanthocyanidins), the active ingredient in cranberries.
- Avoid fragrances: Use fragrance-free laundry detergents and personal care products to reduce irritation.
- Practice proper hygiene: Women should wipe front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading.
- Urinate after sex: This helps flush out bacteria near the urethra.
When to seek medical care
While mild symptoms can sometimes be managed with over-the-counter remedies, antibiotics are often necessary to treat the infection. Seek emergency care if you experience fever, severe back pain, or nausea/vomiting, as these may indicate a kidney infection.
For women with recurrent UTIs, NGPG Urogynecology offers specialized care at multiple locations throughout Northeast Georgia. To schedule an appointment, please call 770-219-9810, or schedule an appointment online with the provider closest to you.
Originally published June 11, 2024