The Uncomfortable Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections are among the most frequent types of infections in the body, impacting people of all ages. Although often perceived as a women's health issue, men are also at risk of having a UTI. Many people discover they have a UTI when they begin to have pain or burning while urinating.

Learn about UTI symptoms, how it’s diagnosed and how you can prevent urinary tract infections.

What Are Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)?

Urinary tract infections (UTI) occur when harmful bacteria invade any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. In most cases, UTIs affect the lower urinary tract, specifically the bladder and urethra, but the most common type is a bladder infection (cystitis).

"UTIs, especially bladder infections, are much more common in women than men due to anatomy, though men who have large prostates or are uncircumcised may have a higher risk of UTIs than other men," said Shane Myint, NP, who practices at Franciscan Physician Network Family Medicine Perry Township in Indianapolis.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

According to Office on Women’s Health, UTIs are caused by bacteria or, rarely, yeast getting into your urinary tract. Once there, they multiply and cause inflammation (swelling) and pain.

"Bladder infections occur when bacteria get into the urethra and travel up into the bladder," said Myint. "Kidney infections happen when the bacteria travel even higher up into the kidneys.  It is often associated with high fever and flank pain.”

What Are UTI Symptoms?

UTI symptoms can be uncomfortable and vary in intensity. If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you might have a urinary tract infection:

• Pain in the abdomen, pelvis or lower back
• Pressure in the lower part of your pelvis
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Loss of bladder control (incontinence)
• Frequent urination
• Pain while urinating (dysuria)
• Blood in your urine (hematuria)

Other UTI-associated symptoms may include:

• Pain in your penis
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mental changes or confusion

The symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) can show up differently in women compared to men.

UTI symptoms in women

Common UTI symptoms in women include:

• Painful or burning sensation while urinating
• Frequent urges to urinate, with minimal urine output
• Pressure in the lower abdomen
• Foul-smelling or cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine (more prevalent in younger women)
• Fatigue, confusion or weakness (more common in older women)
• Fever, indicating potential kidney involvement -- seek medical attention promptly if this occurs.

"Some symptoms, such as a burning sensation during urination, can overlap with the symptoms of other vaginal infections, such as yeast infections -- which are treated very differently from UTIs," Myint said.

UTI Symptoms in Men

“Although urinary tract infection is uncommon for men, it can develop in men,” Myint said. 

Here are some UTI symptoms in men to watch for:

• Frequent urination beyond the usual
• Intense urge to urinate
• Pain, discomfort or a burning sensation during urination
• Waking up during the night to urinate
• Pain, pressure or tenderness in the lower abdomen
• Bedwetting in someone who usually stays dry at night
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Fever, with or without chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in the side or upper back

How Common Are UTIs?

UTIs are the second most common type of infection in the body, according to the Urology Care Foundation. About 60% women and 12% of men will have symptoms of a UTI during their lifetime. 

Are Older People More at Risk for UTIs?

Older adults, especially those over 65, are at a higher risk for urinary tract infections UTIs are the most frequently diagnosed infection people living in long-term care.

Myint cited three reasons why older adults are more likely to have a urinary tract infection:

Menopause and UTIs

“Postmenopausal woman are at more risk for urinary tract infections due to lack of estrogen production,” Myint said. “If patients are non-smokers and have no risks of blood clots or breast cancer, they can benefit from estrogen cream to help prevent UTIs. Estrogen cream is used to prevent vaginal dryness and promotes moisture in the vaginal area to help event UTIs.” 

Pelvic floor health

“As we get older, our pelvic muscles are not as strong as it used to be,” Myint said. “If a patient is struggling from urinary incontinence, they are more at risk for developing UTI as well.  If you are experiencing urinary incontinence issues or pelvic floor dysfunction, please reach out to your primary care doctor for referral to pelvic floor physical therapy.”

Franciscan Health offers pelvic floor physical therapy for men and women.

Enlarged prostate

In men over 50, an enlarged prostate can impede urine flow. That increases the risk that the bladder won't empty completely and increase bacterial growth.

How Are Urinary Tract Infections Treated?

If you're experiencing symptoms that suggest UTI, see your primary care physician or Franciscan ExpressCare.

Your doctor will determine if you have a urinary tract infection by asking about symptoms, doing a physical examination and ordering urine tests, if needed.

"Although sometimes a urine infection can be treated based on your symptoms, other medical conditions can cause symptoms like a UTI," said Myint. "It is usually best to be examined and have the urine tested for the type of infection, especially if you have had repeated infections, or are male."

Antibiotics are necessary for UTI treatment to combat the specific bacteria causing the infection. Once prescribed, follow the antibiotic regimen to the letter. Completing the full course, even if symptoms improve, is crucial to prevent a recurrence that may be harder to treat.

"Most urinary tract infections can be treated with antibiotics that kill the bacteria that have caused the infection," said Myint. "Most bladder infections can be treated with an antibiotic for 3 to 7 days, although kidney infections may need to be treated longer."

A urologist can help narrow down the cause of frequent UTIs, about more than three a year, with additional testing and by assessing other risks.

What If My UTI Is Not Treated?

While a bladder-based UTI can be painful and bothersome, it can lead to more severe health complications if left untreated and spread to the kidneys.

How Can I Prevent Urinary Tract Infections?

There are different measures that can be taken to prevent future urinary tract infections.

"Drinking enough fluids to keep your urine pale can help prevent UTIs," said Myint. "Women should wipe themselves from front to back after a bowel movement and use each tissue one time when you wipe."

"Also, some doctors recommend urinating right after having sex because it helps to flush out germs that might get into the bladder during sex," said Myint. "Many patients believe that drinking cranberry juice or taking other cranberry products helps to prevent UTIs. While there are no good studies showing that cranberry products prevent infections, there is probably no harm using these products to do so.”

What Are UTI Risk Factors?

According to the CDC, some people are at higher risk of getting a UTI. Urinary tract infections are more common in women and girls because their urethras are shorter and closer to the rectum than men’s, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

Other UTI risk factors include:

• A previous urinary tract infection
• Sexual activity, especially a new sexual partner
• Changes in the bacteria that live inside the vagina (vaginal flora), such as caused by menopause or use of spermicides
• Pregnancy
• Age (older adults and young children are more likely to get UTIs)
• Structural problems in the urinary tract, such as prostate enlargement
• Poor hygiene, particularly in children who are potty training

"You also are more likely to get UTIs if you have had a recent urinary catheter or have other medical conditions, such as diabetes or problems with immunity," said Myint. "Conditions that also cause your urine to slow down, such as a blockage in the urethra, a kidney stone, and being dehydrated or not drinking enough water, can also increase your risk for UTIs."