Is it normal to have urinary tract infection

If the test results are normal, you may need to take a small dose of antibiotics every day to prevent infection. Your doctor may also give you a supply of antibiotics to take after sex or at the first sign of infection. Department of Health and Human Services. ET closed on federal holidays.

Breadcrumb Home A-Z health topics Urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections Urinary tract infections UTIs are most often caused by bacteria germs that get into the bladder, which is part of the urinary tract.

What is a urinary tract infection UTI? Who gets UTIs? Are some women more at risk for UTIs? You may be at greater risk for a UTI if you: 1 , 5 Are sexually active. Sexual activity can move germs that cause UTIs from other areas, such as the vagina, to the urethra. Use a diaphragm for birth control or use spermicides creams that kill sperm with a diaphragm or with condoms. Spermicides can kill good bacteria that protect you from UTIs.

Are pregnant. Pregnancy hormones can change the bacteria in the urinary tract, making UTIs more likely. Also, many pregnant women have trouble completely emptying the bladder, because the uterus womb with the developing baby sits on top of the bladder during pregnancy.

Leftover urine with bacteria in it can cause a UTI. Have gone through menopause. After menopause, loss of the hormone estrogen causes vaginal tissue to become thin and dry. This can make it easier for harmful bacteria to grow and cause a UTI. Have diabetes, which can lower your immune defense system and cause nerve damage that makes it hard to completely empty your bladder Have any condition, like a kidney stone, that may block the flow of urine between your kidneys and bladder Have or recently had a catheter in place.

A catheter is a thin tube put through the urethra into the bladder. Catheters drain urine when you cannot pass urine on your own, such as during surgery. What are the symptoms of a UTI? If you have a UTI, you may have some or all of these symptoms: 6 , 7 Pain or burning when urinating An urge to urinate often, but not much comes out when you go Pressure in your lower abdomen Urine that smells bad or looks milky or cloudy Blood in the urine.

This is more common in younger women. If you see blood in your urine, tell a doctor or nurse right away. Feeling tired, shaky, confused, or weak. This is more common in older women. Having a fever, which may mean the infection has reached your kidneys. What causes UTIs? How is a UTI diagnosed? These tests may include: A cystogram.

This is a special type of x-ray of your urinary tract. These x-rays can show any problems, including swelling or kidney stones. A cystoscopic exam. The cystoscope is a small tube the doctor puts into the urethra to see inside of the urethra and bladder for any problems. How is a UTI treated? What can happen if a UTI is not treated? Sometimes the infection can get in the bloodstream. This is rare but life-threatening.

How do UTIs affect pregnancy? A UTI is usually easiest to treat in the lower urinary tract. An infection that spreads to the upper urinary tract is much more difficult to treat and is more likely to spread into your blood, causing sepsis.

This is a life threatening event. If you suspect that you have a UTI, contact your doctor as soon as possible. A simple examination and urine or blood test could save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Women are 30 times more likely than men to get UTIs. Certain steps may help prevent UTIs in women. If your doctor believes that intercourse is a factor of your recurrent UTIs, they may recommend taking preventive antibiotics after sex, or long term.

Some studies have shown that long-term preventive use of antibiotics in older adults reduced the risk for UTIs. Taking daily cranberry supplements or using vaginal probiotics , like lactobacillus , may also help in the prevention of UTIs. Some studies suggest that using probiotic vaginal suppositories can decrease the occurrence and recurrence of UTIs, by changing the bacteria found in the vagina.

UTIs are a relatively common condition. They can involve infection of the bladder, urethra, ureters, or kidneys. The most common cause is bacteria, though they can also be caused by viruses or fungi. Though you should always check with your healthcare provider about your treatment options, research suggests some mild and uncomplicated UTIs can be…. Cramps are a common symptom of a UTI. In addition to cramps, you may also feel pressure….

Urinary tract infections are common for pregnant women. Is treating a UTI without antibiotics possible? Because of antibiotic resistance, more and more women are seeking out alternative treatments for UTIs…. Does drinking cranberry juice actually help treat UTIs or reduce your risk of getting one?

This article separates the myths from the science. Here are six home remedies to prevent and treat UTIs urinary tract infections.

These are very common and can be painful or even dangerous. Millet is a gluten-free ancient grain that offers several health benefits. This article tells you everything you need to know about millet. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. Your urinary tract is made up of your: kidneys ureters bladder urethra Most UTIs only involve the urethra and bladder, in the lower tract. Share on Pinterest. UTI symptoms.

UTI symptoms in men. UTI symptoms in women. UTI causes and risk factors. Additional UTI risk factors for men. Additional UTI risk factors for women. UTI diagnosis. Chronic UTIs. UTIs during pregnancy. UTI treatment. Antibiotics for a UTI. Home remedies for a UTI. Untreated UTIs. UTI prevention. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Female urinary system Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Female urinary system Your urinary system — which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra — removes waste from your body through urine. Male urinary system Open pop-up dialog box Close. Male urinary system Your urinary system — which includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra — removes waste from your body through urine.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Wein AJ, et al. Infections of the urinary tract. In: Campbell-Walsh Urology.

Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed June 30, Ferri FF. Urinary tract infection. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Bladder infection urinary tract infection—UTI in adults.

Urinary tract infections UTIs. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Urinary tract infections. National Institutes of Health. Hooton TM, et al.