Women & HIV/AIDS

UTI

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UTIs (urinary tract infections) affect women more than men. The urinary tract makes and stores urine (pee). A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria that get into your urinary tract. A UTI can happen in parts of your urinary tract, like your kidneys, bladder, or urethra (yuh-ree-thra).

If you have a UTI, you may have some of these signs:

• Frequent urge to pass urine, but only able to go a little bit at a time
• Pain or stinging when you pass urine
• Urine that smells bad
• Urine that looks milky or cloudy or reddish (blood tinged)
• Feeling of pressure in your lower belly
• Feeling tired or shaky
• Fever

Many things cause UTIs:

• Bacteria in your bowel movements (BM) or poop. Sometimes, after you have a BM, the bacteria in it can get into your urinary tract.
• Having vaginal sex. Bacteria are pushed into the bladder.
• Using certain types of birth control, like a diaphragm or spermicide.
• Anything that blocks the flow of urine, like a kidney stone.
• Having diabetes, which makes it harder for your body to fight other health problems.
• Having a tube in your bladder to help you pass urine (also called a catheter [KA-thuh-tur]). The tube can get bacteria in it.
• Losing estrogen and changes in your vagina after menopause put you more at risk.

UTIs are treated with medicines that kill bacteria. Your doctor will tell you how long you need to take the medicine. Make sure you take all of your medicine, even if you feel better!

You can take steps to prevent a UTI:

• Urinate when you have to. Don't hold it.
• After using the toilet, always wipe from front to back.
• Drink a lot of water every day.
• Clean your vagina and anus each day with mild soap and water.
• Urinate after having sex.
• Don't use feminine hygiene products, such as douches, sprays, or powders.
• Wear panties with a cotton crotch and avoid tight-fitting underwear or pants.
• Use condoms or lubricants that don't have spermicide.
• See your doctor as soon as you have signs of a UTI.

Additional Resources:

Publications

1.   Frequently Asked Questions — Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) — This easy-to-read publication explains what a urinary tract infection or UTI is, what causes it, how it is diagnosed, how it is treated, and how you can keep from getting one.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/Easyread/uti-etr.htm

2.   Your Urinary System and How It Works — This publication gives information on how the body removes waste products from the blood that end in the urine. Also, it explains what causes urinary system problems and how these problems are detected and treated.

   http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yoururinary/index.htm

3. Painful Urination (Copyright © AAFP) — This publication gives information on the many possible causes of painful urination, what you will need to tell your doctor, the types of tests you will need to have, how urinary tract infection (UTI) is treated, and what to do if a UTI keeps coming back.

   http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/gen-health/284.html

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 4, 2009.