Download Urinary tract Infection (UTI) Information Sheet

BURNHAM & BERROW MEDICAL CENTRE
BURNHAM MEDICAL CENTRE, LOVE LANE, BURNHAM ON SEA, SOMERSET
TA8 IEU
TEL: (01278) 795445 FAX: (01278) 793024
Patient Information Sheet 4
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common. They can be painful and uncomfortable, but
they usually pass within a few days or can be easily treated with a course of antibiotics.
Symptoms of UTI
If you develop a UTI, you're likely to feel:
 pain or a burning sensation when urinating (doctors refer to this as dysuria)
 a need to urinate often
 pain in the lower abdomen (tummy)
Causes of UTI
In women, urinary tract infections are usually caused by bacteria that live on the skin near the
rectum or vagina. These bacteria can travel through the urinary tract and can cause infections in
the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract.
UTI’s in men are rare and usually indicate an abnormal urinary tract or an enlarged prostate.
Children can also get UTIs, although this is less common
The most common causes of urinary tract infections are:
Sexual intercourse – the back and forth motion of the penis during intercourse can push bacteria
into the urethra. Bladder infections are more common in women who have had multiple sexual
partners or have frequent intercourse.
Waiting too long to urinate – The bladder is a muscle that gets bigger when it holds urine and
shrinks to push it out. Waiting too long to urinate can cause the bladder muscles to stretch too
much. Stretching weakens the muscle so not all the urine is pushed out, increasing the risk of a
urinary tract infection.
Other causes can include:
 Kidney Stones that may physically block the free flow of urine
 Cystocele (SIS-toh-seel) – relaxing of the bladder and the vaginal area, which causes pools
of urine to remain in the bladder
 Diverticula (die-ver-TICK-you-la)- infections that develop on the inside wall of the of the
urethra, allowing urine to collect.
 Urethral stenosis (steh-NO-sis) a narrowing of the urethra, preventing an easy flow of urine
out of the body – this can be present at birth or result from a number of conditions or
activities
Prevention
You can help prevent urinary tract infections by practicing the following health habits:
 Understand the causes.
 Practice good personal hygiene. Always wipe from front to back.
 Drink plenty of fluids (at least three or four glasses of water each day) to help flush bacteria
out of the urinary tract.
 Empty your bladder completely as soon as you feel the urge, or at least every three hours.
 Get plenty of Vitamin C. It makes urine acidic and helps keep bacteria down. Vitamin C is
found in orange juice, citrus fruit and broccoli.
 Wear cotton underwear. Bacteria grow better in moist places. Cotton does not trap
moisture.
 If you contract an infection, consult with your doctor and follow the prescribed treatment.
Several additional measures are helpful for women:
Patient Information Sheet 4
Urinary Tract Infection
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During intercourse, try different positions that cause less friction between your urethra
and your partner’s penis.
Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently during menstruation.
After intercourse, urinate as soon as possible. This will help to flush out any bacteria that
may have gone into the urinary tract.
Diaphragms and condoms – using a diaphragm for contraception can increase the risk of
getting a UTI. This is because the diaphragm may press on your bladder and prevent it
emptying completely when you urinate. If you use a diaphragm and experience recurring
UTI’s you may want to consider using another of the 15 methods of contraception
available.
If you use condoms, try using one of the many condoms that don’t have a spermicide
lubricant on them (it will say on the packet if it does or not) Spermicide lubricant can cause
irritation and increase the risk of a UTI
Treat constipation promptly
Constipation can increase your chances of developing a UTI. Recommended treatment includes:
 increasing the amount of fibre in your diet ?(20g t- 30g of fibre a day)
 using a mild laxative on a short term basis
 drinking plenty of fluids
Consult with your GP if your symptoms don’t improve or your child is constipated
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, consult with a doctor as soon as possible.
With proper treatment, the infection can be cleared up before it causes serious problems.
Continence Service
If you have any problems with your bladder and /or bowel, don’t be embarrassed about getting
medical help. The symptoms can be improved and sometimes cured, often with simple methods.
The Continence Service are happy to accept self-referrals as well as referrals from all other
professionals, carers and family members.
If you wish to self-refer please contact us on 01935 846432 / 01823 346158.
You will be offered a clinic appointment when you are referred to the service. Clinics are held at
Burnham Community Hospital but if you are unable to leave the house to get to a clinic a visit from
the community nursing service can be arranged.
To contact the service please call 01935 846432 / 01823 346158 or fax 01935 848268.
The Continence Service is part of Somerset Partnership Foundation Trust.
Further information is available on request from the Practice or see the NHS Choices Website