The term "urinary tract" refers to the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. In males there is also a prostate gland. While any of these organs might become infected, the most common site is the urinary bladder. An infection of the bladder is called cystitis.
What causes urinary tract infections? The urine is normally free of bacteria, but the skin around the opening of the urethra is not. If these bacteria gain entrance into the bladder, they reproduce rapidly and cause severe irritation of the bladder wall. This can occur at the time of sexual activity, or even with frequent tampon changes. As a result you might feel the urge to urinate frequently, even if there is very little urine in the bladder. If the infection is severe enough, the bladder wall becomes swollen and irritated. You might feel pain as you urinate or see blood in the urine.
What should I do if I think I have a urinary tract infection? If you experience pain during urination, see blood in your urine, or experience the urge to urinate frequently, go to Student Health Services so your urine can be examined for bacteria. You will be given a sterile container to collect the urine specimen and some skin disinfectant to clean around the urethral opening. This sample will be tested in the laboratory, and the preliminary results should be available the following day.
How is a urinary infection treated? The laboratory examination of your urine will enable us to identify which type of bacterium is causing your infection and which antibiotic is appropriate for its treatment. Besides taking the medicine for the full time prescribed, it is also advisable to drink large amounts of fluids (excluding alcohol and carbonated drinks). This will help to wash the bacteria out of the bladder. You will be advised if you need to return for a follow-up urine test.
How can I prevent urinary tract infections? Certain habits can decrease your chances of getting a urinary tract infection:
Don't hold urine in for a prolonged time. Empty your bladder as soon as possible when you have the "urge."
Avoid large quantities of carbonated, sugary, caffeine-containing beverages.
After having a bowel movement, women should wipe from front to back only.
Empty your bladder completely within a half hour before and after sexual intercourse.
Are there any complications from urinary tract infections? Repeated attacks of cystitis in women and any case of cystitis in men might be warning signs of a urinary tract abnormality. Special examinations would be recommended in these cases. Sometimes the infection might spread from the bladder to the kidneys. This can result in a severe infection with chills, high fever, pain, and vomiting. With early treatment, you should be able to avoid these complications.
Hudson Health Center Athens, Ohio 45701 T: (740) 593-1660
