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What can you do?
If you have a urinary tract infection there are a number of things you can do to feel better:
TAKE THE PRESCRIBED ANTIBIOTIC exactly as instructed. If you are unsure about any aspect of
your antibiotic treatment, ask for further explanation.
PAIN RELIEVERS such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help bladder discomfort. Your physician
or nurse practitioner may recommend a urinary pain
reliever if you have a lot of pain when you urinate. In
addition, urinary analgesics that contain phenazopyridine (brands A20-Gesic, A20-standard, others) may
help with increased urge to urinate or pain with urination. This medication does not treat the infection,
only symptoms
DRINK LOTS OF LIQUIDS. This “flushes out” your
urinary tract and may improve your symptoms.
Many health care practitioners believe that drinking
cranberry juice may be especially helpful. Also, avoid
caffeine and alcohol.
A HOT WATER BOTTLE OR HEATING PAD applied to the abdomen and/or lower back may help
you feel better.
ABSTAINING FROM SEXUAL ACTIVITY until the
infection is cleared up is recommended.
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Revised 10/13
UPJ–326573/SASH3
URINARY
TRACT
INFECTION
What is the urinary tract?
The urinary tract consists of two kidneys, locateddeep in the abdomen. The kidneys filter waste
substances from the blood and excrete them as
urine.Urine travels from the kidneys in small tubes
called ureters to a single bladder which stores urine.
Urine passes to the outside of the body through
the urethra. In females, the urethra ends above the
vagina; in males, it is contained in the penis.
What are the symptoms of infection?
• pain or burning on urination
• the need to urinate frequently
• urinating in small amounts
• feeling that urination is incomplete
• discolored or bloody urine
• mid or low back pain*
• chills, fever*, nausea, or vomiting
*indicates a more serious infection.
When is medical care needed?
What causes an infection?
A urinary tract infection is usually caused by
bacteria entering the urethra. Bacteria can cause
infection in any portion of the urinary tract. Infection
of the bladder is called cystitis and infection in the
kidney(s) is called pyelonephritis.
In women, the urethra is short and bacteria from
the vagina and rectum can easily enter the urinary
tract. Diarrhea, sexual activity, and wiping the rectal
area before the urethral area after urinating can
transfer bacteria into the urethra.
In men, the urethra is long and bacteria are less
likely to enter the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections in males may imply an underlying problem.
Anatomical irregularities in any part of the urinary tract can contribute to development of a urinary
tract infection.
Is it an STI?
A urinary tract infection is not considered a sexually transmitted infection. It is rarely contagious, and
the bacteria that cause it are different from bacteria
causing sexually transmitted diseases. However,
some urinary tract infections may result from sexual
activity.
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection,
you should seek prompt medical attention. Other
health problems (i.e. vaginitis, kidney stones) may
have similar symptoms and need to be ruled out
before treatment.
The results of a urine test will show whether you
have a urinary tract infection.
NOTE: Do not take any antibiotics before visiting a health care professional; doing so will make
diagnosis more difficult.
Consult Health Care Personnel:
• when you first notice symptoms.
• if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms
develop after your initial visit.
• if symptoms persist more than 3 days
despite treatment.
• anytime you are unsure about what to do.
A Note to Women:
There are a number of measures which, practiced
regularly, can help reduce the chances of getting a
urinary tract infection:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wipe from vaginal toward anal area (i.e. front
to back).
Urinate as soon as possible after sexual intercourse.
Drink lots of fluids.
Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.
Avoid harsh soaps in the genital area.
Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the
urge.