FAQ: What you need to know about UTI

Getting a urinary tract infection or UTI can be painful and uncomfortable, but not uncommon. Learn everything you need to know about what causes UTI and how to prevent it in this article.

What is UTI?
A urinary tract infection is an infection involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. It most commonly involves the lower urinary tract, which contains the bladder and the urethra.

What are the symptoms?

Signs include:

• Burning feeling when you urinate
• Frequent or intense urge to urinate, even when little comes out when you do
• Pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen
• Cloudy, dark, bloody or strange-smelling urine

What are the causes of UTI?
UTI typically occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder.

Who can get UTI?
Both men and women may acquire UTI. However, women are at a higher risk to get UTI, with many experiencing repeat infections over their lifetime.

How do I get rid of UTI?
Doctors generally prescribe antibiotics to treat UTI. Certain home remedies may be done to curb early signs of UTI, such as drinking lots of fluids, using heating pads and peeing regularly.

How can I prevent UTI?
Reduce your risk of UTI with these steps:

• Drink plenty of water
• Wipe from front to back after urinating and bowel movement
• Empty your bladder soon after intercourse
• Avoid potentially irritating feminine products

When should I seek help?
Home remedies and treatment may be enough to treat early symptoms. However, if symptoms persist or you experience fever or chills, signs that the infection may have reached your kidneys - seek treatment immediately.