A urinary tract infection (UTI) is the second most common bacterial infection. It causes over 8.1 million visits[1] to healthcare providers annually. Approximately 12% of men and 60% of women will have at least one UTI during their lifetime. Having a UTI does not mean that your life is at risk, as deaths from the infection are very low, but it needs to be addressed immediately to avoid further complications.
Being aware of the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of the disease will help you diagnose and treat it earlier.
A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter into any part of your urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. A UTI in the bladder, namely cystitis, is the most common one. A UTI in the kidneys and urethra is known as pyelonephritis and urethritis, respectively.
Intercourse increases women’s risk for developing this condition. Almost 80% of premenopausal women with a UTI have had intercourse within the last 24 hours. Besides intercourse, there are other activities, pre-existing conditions, and products that can cause a UTI, including:
Other factors that contribute to a UTI infection include:
UTI symptoms vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is infected.
Symptoms of a lower tract UTI (affects urethra and bladder) include:
Symptoms of an upper tract UTI (affects the kidneys) include:
Men and women share the same symptoms for an upper tract UTI. However, a lower tract UTI may cause rectal pain in men and pelvic pain in women in addition to other common signs.
Women are 30 times[2] more likely to get UTIs than men. Also, 4 out of 10 women with a UTI will have another one within six months. Women are more susceptible to UTI infections because women’s urethra (a tube from the bladder that passes urine out of the body) is shorter than men’s. Also, their urethral opening is closer to the anus and the vagina, making it easier for the bacteria to enter into the bladder. For men, an enlarged prostate gland, unprotected anal intercourse, and any health condition that affects the immune system can increase their risk for UTIs.
Recurrent UTIs contribute to a large percentage of UTIs reported in urologic practices.
The reasons for a recurrent UTI are:
At FCCMG, we will perform a urine test, also known as urinalysis, to determine whether you have a UTI. This test involves examining your urine sample for its appearance, concentration, and number of healthy white blood cells and red blood cells as opposed to bacteria counts. Abnormal results may indicate a disease or illness. For example, a UTI infection can make your urine look cloudy or milky instead of clear. We may perform other tests or recommend a treatment plan if we detect any signs of UTI.
An untreated UTI can spread the infection to the kidneys and other parts of the body, causing:
Follow these tips to prevent a UTI:
Learn more about Prevention Ways of UTI.
A mild UTI will go away on its own without medical treatment. However, if you are experiencing persistent UTI symptoms, contact your doctor right away. Waiting too long to receive treatment can lead to UTI complications such as severe kidney and lower tract infections.
Visit our urgent care clinic in Irvine, urgent care center in Fountain Valley, and Urgent Care clinic in Costa Mesa if you believe you are suffering from a UTI.
References:
[1] https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/urinary-tract-infections-in-adults
[2] https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/urinary-tract-infections
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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