A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria affect any part of your urinary system, from the bladder to the kidneys. UTIs mostly affect the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) compared to the upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters). Even though upper urinary tract infections are rare, they are more severe.
Statistics reveal that about 60% of women and 12% of men will get at least one UTI during their lifetime. Though UTIs are usually mild infections they can become serious, and understanding their causes and symptoms will help you identify them and seek treatment for them earlier, avoiding further complications.
UTI symptoms vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is infected.
Upper tract UTI symptoms remain similar for men and women. Nevertheless, a lower tract UTI may cause pelvic pain in women and rectal pain in men, besides other signs.
Are Females More Prone to UTIs Than Males?
Women are 30 times more likely to develop UTIs than men. Besides, 4 in 10 women with a UTI will develop another within six months.
Here is what makes women more susceptible to UTIs than men:
Women's urethras are shorter than men’s, which makes it easier for the bacteria to enter the bladder. Also, the urethral opening is closer to the rectum, where bacteria reside, increasing the chances of UTIs.
Women's estrogen circulation will usually decrease post-menopause, causing changes in the urinary tract, thus making them vulnerable to infection.
Sexually active women and those using certain types of birth control, such as diaphragms and spermicidal agents, are at higher risk of getting UTIs.
Women may get recurrent UTIs due to:
Urethritis occurs due to sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and mycoplasma) or when gastrointestinal bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra.
Cystitis is usually caused by intercourse (even if you are not sexually active) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. However, sometimes, other bacteria can also cause it.
Water and other fluids help to keep your bladder tissue healthy and hydrated. It also lowers the concentration of bacteria in the bladder by diluting your urine. Sometimes, fluids can help clear an infection. Ensure to drink at least 1.5 liters of fluids daily to prevent infections.
Urine contains waste products, so regularly emptying your bladder ensures that those wastes won’t stay in your bladder for longer periods, which could otherwise encourage bacteria to grow and multiply, causing an infection. Consider emptying your bladder 4-8 times per day.
Taking cranberry supplements could be helpful in preventing UTIs, by interfering with bacteria attaching to the bladder sidewalls. Instead of cranberry juice, you can try a concentrated over-the-counter cranberry supplement, as it provides more benefits while eliminating extra sugar found in juice.
Using products such as douches, powders, and deodorant sprays in your genital area can irritate the urethra, resulting in an infection.
At our Urgent Care locations in Fountain Valley Urgent Care, Irvine Woodbridge Urgent Care, and Costa Mesa Urgent Care California, we can take a careful history and perform a urine test. If an infection is detected, we can prescribe antibiotics and other medications, and if the infection is severe, we can refer you to a specialist if needed for further comprehensive care.
While mild UTIs are not a cause for concern, untreated severe UTIs may cause complications, such as kidney damage, fainting, and more widespread infection. If you or your family members experience UTI symptoms, contact us today for prompt medical assistance and care.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
