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Ut I Prevention

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and travels up to the bladder or kidneys. Symptoms include burning with urination, frequent urination, and abdominal or back pain. UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urethra, often due to poor hygiene or holding urine. To prevent UTIs, it is important to practice good genital hygiene, stay hydrated, empty the bladder fully after urinating, and urinate after intercourse. Anyone suspecting a UTI should see their doctor for testing and treatment if needed.

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133 views3 pages

Ut I Prevention

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and travels up to the bladder or kidneys. Symptoms include burning with urination, frequent urination, and abdominal or back pain. UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urethra, often due to poor hygiene or holding urine. To prevent UTIs, it is important to practice good genital hygiene, stay hydrated, empty the bladder fully after urinating, and urinate after intercourse. Anyone suspecting a UTI should see their doctor for testing and treatment if needed.

Uploaded by

Tewodros abayneh Teddy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to Prevent a Urinary Tract

Infection (UTI)
What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A Urinary Tract Infection happens when bacteria enter the urethra and travels
up to the bladder or another part of the urinary system such as the kidneys.

Below: the male and female urinary systems with kidneys, ureter, bladder,
prostate and urethra labeled.

What are the symptoms of a bladder infection?


 Burning or pain when urinating
 Urinating more often than usual
 Feeling a strong urge or need to urinate but only get a few drops out
 Pain in your lower abdomen, pelvic area, or lower back
 Fever (sometimes)

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What are the symptoms of a Kidney infection?
 Fever (101 degrees Fahrenheit or greater) and upper back pain, located
behind your ribcage usually on one side
 Nausea and vomiting

What causes UTIs?


A large number of bacteria live on your skin and the areas around the vagina,
penis, and rectum. The bacteria may get into the urine from the urethra and
travel up to the bladder or even as far as the kidneys. This can occur by:
• Not keeping the genital area clean and dry.
• Contamination from stool after having a bowel movement.
• Being dehydrated
• Holding your urine (not going to the bathroom when you really need to)
• Not giving yourself time to completely empty your bladder while voiding.
• Not voiding after intercourse.

How do I prevent UTIs?


There are steps you can take to prevent UTIs:
1. Keep your genital area clean and avoid sitting in wet or soiled
undergarments for prolonged periods of time.
2. After urinating or having a bowel movement, cleanse thoroughly and always
wipe front to back.
3. Drink plenty of fluids to keep well hydrated.
4. Don’t hold off urinating when you need to go and don’t rush to finish; give
yourself time to completely empty your bladder.
5. Always urinate after having intercourse.

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How to Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
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What do I do if I suspect I have a UTI?
Contact your primary care doctor to have your urine tested. Don’t wait until
the symptoms are severe. A simple bladder infection can easily be treated with
antibiotics. If untreated it can quickly turn into a kidney infection
(pyelonephritis) which can be more complicated to manage.

Disclaimer: This document contains information and/or instructional materials developed by


Michigan Medicine for the typical patient with your condition. It may include links to online
content that was not created by Michigan Medicine and for which Michigan Medicine does not
assume responsibility. It does not replace medical advice from your health care provider
because your experience may differ from that of the typical patient. Talk to your health care
provider if you have any questions about this document, your condition or your treatment
plan.

Author: Rachel M. Orfei, AGCNS-BC


Reviewers: Mary C. Nowlin, PA-C
Edited by: Karelyn Munro BA

Patient Education by Michigan Medicine is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-


NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License. Last Revised 06/2021

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