Urinary Tract Infection
What is Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that affects any part of your urinary system. This includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, which means the bladder and urethra. Women are more likely to develop UTIs than men due to their shorter urethra.
UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. Your body has natural defenses to keep bacteria out, but sometimes these defenses fail. When bacteria grow and spread, they cause inflammation and the uncomfortable symptoms many people associate with UTIs.
Most urinary tract infections are not serious if treated quickly. However, untreated infections can spread to the kidneys and cause more severe complications. Understanding the signs of a UTI helps you seek treatment early and avoid long-term health issues.
Symptoms
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate, even when little comes out
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain or pressure, especially in women
- Blood in the urine, which may appear pink or red
- Feeling tired or shaky
- Fever or chills if the infection reaches the kidneys
- Lower back pain or side pain near the kidneys
Some people with UTIs have no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. Others may experience only mild discomfort that they mistake for something else. This is why regular testing can help catch infections before they become serious.
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Causes and risk factors
UTIs occur when bacteria from the digestive tract or skin enter the urinary tract. The most common culprit is Escherichia coli, a type of bacteria normally found in the colon. Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, making UTIs more common in sexually active women. Using certain types of birth control, like diaphragms or spermicides, also increases risk. Menopause changes hormone levels and can make the urinary tract more vulnerable to infection.
Other risk factors include not drinking enough water, holding urine for too long, and having a urinary catheter. People with diabetes or weakened immune systems face higher UTI risk. Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can block urine flow and create an environment where bacteria thrive. Wiping from back to front after using the bathroom can transfer bacteria to the urethra in women.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose UTIs by analyzing a urine sample. A urinalysis looks for white blood cells, bacteria, nitrites, and leukocyte esterase in your urine. White blood cells indicate your body is fighting an infection. Bacteria confirm that infection-causing organisms are present. Nitrite appears when certain bacteria break down chemicals in urine. Leukocyte esterase is an enzyme released by white blood cells during infection.
Rite Aid offers testing at Quest Diagnostics locations nationwide to help detect urinary tract infections. Our panel includes markers like bacteria levels, leukocyte esterase, nitrite, and white blood cell counts. In men, we also measure PSA levels, which can rise during a UTI and return to normal after treatment. Getting tested helps you catch infections early and track your urinary health over time.
Treatment options
- Antibiotics prescribed by a doctor to kill the bacteria causing infection
- Drinking plenty of water to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods that can irritate the bladder
- Using a heating pad on the lower abdomen to reduce discomfort
- Urinating frequently and not holding urine for long periods
- Cranberry supplements or juice, which may help prevent future infections
- Taking probiotics to support healthy bacteria balance
- Wiping front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria spread
- Urinating after sexual activity to flush out any bacteria
- Wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding tight pants
Concerned about Urinary Tract Infection? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Common signs include a burning sensation when you urinate, frequent urges to use the bathroom, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. You might also experience pelvic discomfort or notice blood in your urine. Some people have no symptoms at all, which is why testing can be helpful. If you experience fever, chills, or back pain, the infection may have reached your kidneys and requires immediate medical attention.
UTIs happen when bacteria, usually from the digestive tract, enter the urinary system through the urethra. Sexual activity, certain birth control methods, and poor bathroom habits can introduce bacteria. Women are more prone to UTIs because their urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Other factors like dehydration, holding urine too long, and weakened immunity also increase risk.
Yes, men can get UTIs, though they occur less frequently than in women. Men with enlarged prostates, kidney stones, or urinary catheters face higher risk. UTIs in men can cause the prostate to become inflamed and may temporarily raise PSA levels. These levels typically return to normal once the infection is treated.
Diagnosis involves analyzing a urine sample for signs of infection. Tests look for white blood cells, bacteria, nitrite, and leukocyte esterase. White blood cells show your body is fighting infection, while bacteria confirm their presence. Nitrite appears when certain bacteria break down urine chemicals, and leukocyte esterase is an enzyme released during immune response.
Urine tests check for bacteria, white blood cells, leukocyte esterase, and nitrite levels. These markers indicate whether infection is present and how severe it may be. In men, PSA levels may be measured because UTIs can temporarily raise prostate-specific antigen. Transitional epithelial cells and albumin in urine can also provide clues about urinary tract health.
Most UTIs improve within 2 to 3 days of starting antibiotics. You should complete the full course of medication, which typically lasts 3 to 7 days, even if symptoms disappear. Stopping antibiotics early can allow bacteria to return and may lead to antibiotic resistance. If symptoms persist after a few days of treatment, contact your doctor.
Yes, several lifestyle habits help prevent UTIs. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush bacteria from your system. Urinate when you feel the urge and do not hold it for long periods. Wipe front to back after using the bathroom and urinate after sexual activity. Cranberry supplements and probiotics may also help reduce infection risk.
Untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys, causing a more serious infection called pyelonephritis. Kidney infections can lead to permanent damage, sepsis, or other life-threatening complications. Pregnant women with untreated UTIs face higher risk of delivering low birth weight or premature babies. Early treatment prevents these serious outcomes.
Women have a shorter urethra than men, which means bacteria have less distance to travel to reach the bladder. The urethra is also located closer to the anus in women, making bacterial transfer easier. Hormonal changes during menopause can thin urinary tract tissues and reduce protective bacteria. Sexual activity and certain birth control methods also increase UTI risk in women.
Yes, UTIs can temporarily raise PSA levels in men. The infection causes inflammation in the prostate, which releases more prostate-specific antigen into the bloodstream. Once the infection is treated, PSA levels usually return to their normal range. If your PSA is elevated, your doctor may recommend treating any infection first before interpreting the results.