Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

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The urinary tract includes the kidneys (which filter the blood to produce urine), the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder (which stores the urine), and the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) happen when bacteria get into the urethra and travel up into the bladder. Bacteria do not normally live in the urinary tract, but they do live close to the urethra in women.

UTIs (specifically bladder infections) typically cause symptoms of burning with urination and the need to urinate frequently. Uncomplicated UTIs are usually diagnosed based on the person’s symptoms, and the results of certain urine lab tests. The usual treatment includes a course of antibiotics. Your Health Care Provider may recommend a second medication to reduce the burning pain of some UTIs. Your symptoms should begin to resolve within 1 day after starting treatment. It is important to take a full course of antibiotics to completely eliminate the infection. You should avoid alcohol and caffeine if you have a UTI. Alcohol and caffeine are bladder irritants.

Seek medical care if:

• Your signs or symptoms are worse or do not improve within 24 hours of starting treatment

• Your signs or symptoms come back after treatment ends

• You have signs or symptoms of a complicated UTI such as fever, chills, back pain, nausea, vomiting or bloody urine

• You have signs or symptoms of a possible allergic reaction to your medication (as listed in your medication patient education handout)

Measures to prevent UTIs include:

• Drink fluids regularly and empty your bladder regularly

• If you are sexually active, urinate shortly after intercourse

• Wipe front to back after a bowel movement to keep germs from entering your urethra

Additional reliable information on UTIs is available from the following organizations:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• National Library of Medicine

• Infectious Diseases Society of America

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