More than half of all women will experience a bladder infection or urinary tract (UTI) in their lifetime. And nearly as many women will experience a second one.
So, do you have a UTI?
The answer most often depends on two factors: symptoms and test results, explained Carilyn Van Kalsbeek, MD, Avera family medicine physician.
While UTIs are common, they also cause similar symptoms to things like constipation, overactive bladder and genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Cloudy pee, for instance, can also be a sign of diabetes or kidney stones.
What Are Signs of a UTI?
UTIs are most often caused by bacteria – E. coli being the No. 1 culprit. And because UTIs cause inflammation of the urinary tract – which includes the kidneys, bladder and urethra – if you have a UTI you can experience:
- Burning or pain when you pee
- Fever
- Chills
- Pain in your flank, abdomen, pelvic area or lower back
- Pain when you have sex
- Pressure in your lower pelvis
- Cloudy, foul-smelling pee
- Frequent urge or need to pee (more than typical)
- Inability to control urination
- Blood in pee
Read more: What does your pee color mean?
When Are UTIs Most Common?
Women are more at risk for UTIs during certain periods of their lives:
- Puberty
- After menopause
- During pregnancy
They also can occur postpartum, particularly for women who had a c-section and used a catheter.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The most important thing when it comes to UTIs is that women receive the correct diagnosis. Most UTIs are quickly and easily treated with antibiotics.
But if something else is going on, not only will the issue not be resolved, but women are then at risk for side effects associated with taking antibiotics when they don’t need them. Misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and many other long-term health issues.
“If you think you have a UTI, see a doctor for an exam and get your urine tested. Don’t just call the office and ask your doctor to write a prescription,” Van Kalsbeek said.
When it comes to over-the-counter UTI tests, Van Kalsbeek encourages women to discuss proper use with their doctor.
How to Prevent a UTI
Not all UTIs can be prevented. Sometimes a woman’s anatomy puts them at a higher risk for UTIs. Fortunately, doctors do have solutions for women with recurring UTIs. There are also some preventive measures that may help you lower your risk of a UTI:
- Increase water consumption: Drinking more water will dilute urine and increase urination frequency. This allows the body to flush out bacteria before an infection can begin.
- Cranberry tablets: Although studies are not conclusive, cranberry vitamins are not harmful and many women say they help.
- Wipe from front to back: Prevent the spread of bacteria by wiping from front to back whenever you use the bathroom.
- Empty your bladder right after having sex.
See a Provider
If you have symptoms, make an appointment to see your primary or after-hours care provider.
