A urinary tract infection often requires medication
Urinary tract infection in a nutshell
- Urinary tract infections are divided into lower (bladder infection) and upper urinary tract infections (renal pelvis infection).
- Typical symptoms of a bladder infection include painful urination, an increased need to urinate and lower abdominal pain.
- At the appointment, the gynaecologist makes sure that it is a urinary tract infection and not another condition that requires treatment.
What is an urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infections are a common problem for women. About half of women have a bladder infection at least once. A urinary tract infection usually occurs in the lower urinary tract, i.e. the bladder or the urethra. Sometimes the infection spreads to the upper urinary tract, to the kidneys. This leads to a less common and more severe infection of the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
In most cases, urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria. Usually, it is the body’s own bacteria, E. coli, which originates from the intestines.
Urinary tract infection symptoms in women
The urinary tract infection symptoms in women can range from mild to severe and can occur suddenly.
Common urinary tract infection symptoms in women:
- Painful urination, i.e. a burning sensation or pain when urinating.
- A need to urinate frequently, even when there is only a small amount of urine.
- A strong and sudden need to urinate.
- Blood in urine or reddish urine.
- Cloudy urine or white flakes in urine.
- A strong or foul smell in urine.
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain or discomfort.
- A general feeling of nausea, fever, fatigue or weakness may be associated with more serious urinary tract infections, even without urinary symptoms.
- Back and side pain may be associated with kidney infection. Urinary problems do not always occur.
Home care for a urinary tract infection
In mild cases, a urinary tract infection can be treated at home in the early stages of the infection. You can try the following for treating a urinary tract infection:
- Abundant drinking helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Water is the best option. Drinking 1.5 litres of water per day significantly reduces the risk of infection.
- Cranberry juice can prevent urinary tract infections. The effects of cranberry juice vary from person to person, so not everyone benefits from it.
- Regular emptying of the bladder helps to remove bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
When should you see a doctor regarding a urinary tract infection?
If you are a healthy woman aged 18–65 and have typical lower urinary tract infection symptoms, i.e. urination is painful and the need to urinate has increased. You can use our Digital Clinic or book a remote appointment with a gynaecologist. Otherwise, book an appointment with a gynaecologist online or by calling our customer service at +358 10 414 00 (local network rate/mobile charge).
In the following situations, the urinary tract infection requires contacting a doctor:
- The symptoms are severe
- The symptoms become worse
- Home care does not alleviate the symptoms in a few days
- You are pregnant
- You have fever, lower abdominal pain, back pain and vomiting. They may indicate a more serious kidney infection that requires immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis of a urinary tract infection at a gynaecologist’s appointment
During the appointment, our gynaecologist examines the situation and makes sure that it is a urinary tract infection and not another condition causing similar symptoms.
The doctor asks you about your symptoms, their duration and severity. The doctor may also ask about your sexual activity, previous urinary tract infections and other factors affecting your health.
If necessary, the doctor performs a physical examination, which may include palpation of the abdomen, pelvis, and kidney area to determine pain or tenderness.
The most important diagnostic test is a bacterial culture sample of urine, which is examined for bacteria that are a sign of the infection.
If urinary tract infections are recurring or if upper urinary tract infections or other potential causes are suspected, additional tests, such as laboratory tests, ultrasound examinations, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary to assess the structure and functioning of the urinary tract.
Once a urinary tract infection has been diagnosed, the doctor prescribes the necessary antibiotic treatment. Usually, monitoring is not necessary. If the problem recurs within four weeks, you should see a doctor. Pregnant women are always examined after treatment.
Treatment of a urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics. The length of the course of medication depends on the severity of the infection. You can take normal painkillers for pain. It is important to drink enough.
Urinary tract infection symptoms subside in a few days. Nevertheless, use the course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, in its entirety, to prevent the urinary tract infection from recurring.
If urinary tract infections recur continuously, prophylactic medication may be considered if non-pharmacological methods and, in postmenopausal women, a local oestrogen preparation have been found to be ineffective.
Preventing urinary tract infection
There are several ways to prevent urinary tract infections. For example, the following can help reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection:
- Drink enough water every day. Drinking 1.5 litres of liquids every day significantly reduces the risk of infection.
- Go to the toilet regularly every couple of hours and do not postpone urinating for long periods of time.
- Wash the genital area daily.
- In the toilet, always wipe from front to back.
- Avoid irritating detergents and unnecessary use of panty liners.
- Cranberry juice or cranberry supplements may prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls.
- Urinate as soon as possible after having sex.
- Avoid constipation.
- For menopausal women, using a local oestrogen preparation protects the mucous membranes of the genito-urinary tract and reduces the risk of a urinary tract infection.
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Revised 8/5/2024
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Urinary tract infection-related problems
Frequently asked questions about urinary tract infections
Bladder and urethra infections are infections of the lower urinary tract. Infections of the lower urinary tract are a common problem for women. A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria getting into the lower urinary tract, from where it can also spread to the upper urinary tract.
In most cases, urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria. Usually, it is the body’s own intestinal bacteria, most commonly E. coli, which has got into the urethra and then into the bladder and, in the worst case, the kidneys. A urinary tract infection cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
When a urinary tract infection has spread to the kidneys, i.e. the upper urinary tract, the symptoms are severe and include fever, nausea and back and side pain. In the elderly, the only symptom of kidney infection can sometimes be a collapse in general health. In this case, make an appointment to see a doctor.
A renal pelvis infection is an infection of the upper urinary tract. This is a less common but serious infection that requires immediate medical attention.
The symptoms of a renal pelvis infection are clearly different from the symptoms of a bladder infection. Symptoms that may indicate a renal pelvis inflection are side and back pain and fever. It may also be the case that the only symptoms are a deterioration in general health, general nausea, fatigue or weakness without typical urinary problems.
Renal pelvis infection symptoms include:
- side and back pain
- fever
- nausea
- deterioration of general health
A urinary tract infection can sometimes occur without a stinging sensation when urinating. It may be the case that the only symptoms of a severe upper urinary tract infection are back and side pain or a deterioration of general health. Sometimes, a routine urine sample of a completely asymptomatic woman indicates bacterial growth, which is a normal finding and does not usually require treatment.
However, if the woman in question is pregnant, even asymptomatic bacterial growth in the urine is always treated with antibiotics because bacteria in the urine has been found to increase the risk of a renal urinary tract infection and also premature labour. After treatment, pregnant women should have a urine test to confirm the success of the treatment.