UTI: URINARY TRACK INFECTION Emma P., Kevin A., and Alyssa A.

DESCRIPTION A urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of your urinary system which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract which includes the bladder and urethra. Serious consequences can occur if it spreads to the kidneys. Women are at greater risk of getting UTI’s.

SYMPTOMS Urinary tract infection don’t always causes signs and symptoms. o A strong persistent urge to urinate o A burning sensation when urinating o Passing frequent, small amounts of urine o Urine that appears cloudy o Strong smelling urine o Pelvic pain

CAUSES Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra and begins to multiply in the bladder. There are two types of UTI’s o Infection of the bladder (Cystitis) this type of UTI is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However sometimes other bacteria are responsible. Sexual intercourse may lead to cystitis but you don’t need to be sexually active to develop it. All women are at risk because of their anatomy, specifically the short distance from the urethra to the anus and the urethral opening to the bladder o Infection of the Urethra (urethritis) this type of UTI can occur when GI bacteria spreads from the anus to the urethra, also because of the female urethra is close to the vagina, sexually transmitted infections such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma can cause urethritis.

PREVENTION o Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. o Drink cranberry juice. o Wipe from front to back. o Empty your bladder soon after intercourse. o Change your birth control method. o Avoid potentially irritating feminine products.

TREATMENT Doctors proscribe antibiotics such as: o Trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, others) o Fosfomycin (Monurol) o Nitrofurantoin (macrodantin, Macrobid) o Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

RESOURCES o infection/basics/definition/con o