Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are caused when bacteria enter and infect any part of the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
A bladder infection is the most common type of UTI and often requires antibiotic treatment.
People of all ages and genders can get UTIs, although women are at a higher risk due to their shorter urethras. Pregnancies can also add to the likelihood of a UTI.
Symptoms of a UTI
Symptoms of UTIs vary depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected. Lower UTIs are an infection of the urethra and bladder. These symptoms include:
- Bloody urine
- Burning with urination
- Cloudy urine
- Urine looks pink, red, or the color of tea
- Bad odor in urine
- Increased need to urinate with minimal urine being passed
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pelvic pain (women)
- Rectal pain (men)
Treatment
Once a provider has properly diagnosed you with a urinary tract infection, he or she will give you an antibiotic to kill the bacteria.
It is important that you complete the prescribed cycle of medication to ensure you kill the bacteria completely.
