As women, we deal with many bodily changes and discomforts throughout our lives, from cramps to menopause. Urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs, are also a prominent part of many women’s lives and they can be incredibly painful and annoying.
It has been estimated that 40% of women will have a UTI in their lifetime, and many women will experience multiple cases. In contrast, only 12% of men develop a UTI. Women are naturally more prone to UTIs because they have a shorter urethra, meaning harmful bacteria is able to reach the bladder easier.
A urinary tract infection affects all the parts of the body that urine passes through before being eliminated from the body (kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureters). In order to understand how UTIs affect your body (and ultimately how to prevent it), you must first know the purpose of each of these body parts:
- Bladder – the organ that collects and stores urine
- Kidneys – one or two organs (depending on whether you have donated a kidney) responsible for removing excess water from the blood and releasing it in the form of urine
- Ureters – the body part that drains the urine from each kidney into the bladder.
- Urethra – the small tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body, allowing you to urinate.
Continue reading to learn about the symptoms, possible prevention and treatment of these painful infections, or talk to your well women care physician.
UTI Prevention
Sometimes you may experience a UTI even when you take all precautions necessary to avoid them. However, these tips can help reduce your risk of contracting a UTI:
- Drink plenty of water. This helps you urinate more frequently and eliminates bad bacteria from your urinary tract.
- Avoid feminine hygiene products that could cause irritation. Deodorants, sprays, powder and douches can irritate the urethra. (Read about why you should never douche.)
- Always wipe from front to back. This helps prevent anal bacteria from reaching the vaginal area.
- Physicians recommend that you empty your bladder after intercourse to eliminate potential bacteria.
- Avoid non-breathable, tight clothing. This can cause moisture build-up and create a possible UTI.
UTI Symptoms
Below are the most common symptoms a person may experience with a UTI. Some people may experience all of these symptoms, while others may only have one or none.
- A burning sensation when you urinate.
- Inability to urinate, but you feel like you need to empty your bladder.
- Pressure or pain in your abdomen or lower back.
- Urine that smells strange or has a cloudy, dark appearance.
- Some people actually get a fever with a UTI, which generally means the infection has reached the kidneys.
UTI Treatment
If you suspect that you have a UTI, see your doctor immediately. Most likely you will be prescribed an antibiotic to eliminate the bad bacteria from your body. Make certain to finish all of the medication even if you start feeling better.
Some doctors also suggest you drink lots of water and cranberry juice. If you are in a tremendous amount of pain, the doctor may prescribe pain medicine as well as recommend you use a heating pad to help alleviate the pain.
FAQs about UTI symptoms in women
How can you tell if a UTI is starting?
Early symptoms of a urinary tract infection can sometimes be subtle, but one of the first signs that many women report is a constant feeling that they need to urinate even if they recently emptied their bladder. For some women, this urge is also accompanied by pressure or a general discomfort in their lower abdomen or pelvis.
What can be mistaken for a UTI?
Several conditions have similar symptoms to UTIs, so it’s important to always visit your gynecologist for a diagnosis and treatment. These conditions can include:
- Vaginal infections (like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis)
- Kidney stones
- Interstitial cystitis (a chronic bladder condition)
- Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Overactive bladder
- Bladder cancer
All of these conditions have the potential to cause burning, urgency, or pelvic discomfort similar to a UTI.
Can you have a UTI without burning?
Yes, you can have a UTI even if you don’t feel a burning sensation when you urinate. While many women experience some sort of pain with a UTI, not everyone does. For some women, the only clue that they have a UTI is cloudy urine or urinary urgency.
In older adults, UTI symptoms can be even less obvious, with some seniors experiencing fatigue, dizziness, or confusion at the onset of a UTI without any associated pain while urinating.
Because the signs of a UTI in women can vary greatly, it’s always best to visit your health care provider if you suspect you have a urinary tract infection.
How do I check myself for a UTI?
While you can find UTI home test kits online and in stores, they aren’t 100% reliable and can sometimes give false results. Since UTIs can mimic other serious conditions and may worsen without proper treatment, the best way to know for sure is to see a doctor.
A medical provider can perform an accurate urine test right in their office to confirm the infection and prescribe the right medication to help you recover quickly and avoid complications.
Concerned you may have a UTI? Schedule an appointment with All About Women Advanced Gynecology!
If you suspect you have a UTI or any other woman’s health issue, please don’t hesitate to contact the compassionate and knowledgeable gynecologists at All About Women in Gainesville or Lake City, Florida, immediately for a checkup.
We are here for you and will help you along every step of your wellness journey!
