UMHS Approved Clinical Care Guideline - Urinary Tract Infection in Women (UTI)

This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your health-care provider or make an appointment to be seen if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition.

The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Most unrinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria. Any part of the urinary tract may become infected. If left untreated, UTI can cause permanent damage to the bladder and kidneys.

Normally, a healthy bladder is free of bacteria. Bacteria that cause UTI often spread from the rectum to the urethra and then upward to the bladder or kidneys. Urinary tract infection is the result of bacteria that multiply and spread. These bacteria can cause inflammation of the urethra, bladder or kidney.

UTI is more common in women because the urethra is short, making it easy for bacteria to spread. The urethra is also located near the rectum in women.

are newly sexually active
are pregnant
are postmenopausal
have a history of diabetes, sickle-cell anemia, or abnormalities of the urinary tract
are on steroids
have been hospitalized recently.

pain or discomfort (burning) when urinating
frequent need to urinate (frequency)
uncontrollable urge to urinate (urgency)
strong-smelling urine
change in amount of urine, either more or less
cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
leaking of urine
pain in the lower pelvis, abdomen, lower back, or side
shaking chills, fever, sweats
pain during sexual intercourse.

Other conditions, inlcuding vaginitis or irritable bladder, may cause similar symptoms.

UTIs are treated with an antibiotic. You may take the antibiotic in a single dose or over 3 days or longer. If the prescribed treatment is prematurely stopped, the infection may recur.

If the infection is not treated, it may spread to the kidneys or to your blood, requiring hospitalization.

Urinary tract infections can be painful. The symptoms of UTI will usually disappear 24 hours after treatment begins. The doctor can prescribe a medication to relieve painful urination while the antibiotics are eliminating the infection. This medication may color your urine bright yellow and may stain contact lenses.

If you have the symptoms of UTI, follow your doctor’s treatment. Take all the antibiotic medication that your doctor prescribes, even when you feel better. In addition:

Drink plenty of water.
Empty your bladder regularly and completely.
Urinate after sexual intercourse.
To relieve cramps or abdominal pain, you may want to use a hot water bottle or an electric heating pad on a low setting.

If you have a fever above 100 degrees F (38 degrees C), rest. After your temperature has fallen below 100 degrees F (38 degrees C), you may be more active.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Ask your doctor what medication you should take to control your fever.
Keep a daily record of your temperature.

If symptoms continue more than 3 days after starting your antibiotic, or if you develop new symptoms, call your doctor.

To prevent urinary tract infections:

Drink plenty of fluids.
Empty your bladder regulary and completely.
Drink cranberry juice regulary.
If you use a diaphragm for contraception, consider checking the fit or using another method of contraception.
Urinate after sexual intercourse.
After a bowel movement, wipe yourself from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus from getting near the urethra.
Keep the genital area clean.
Wear loose all-cotton or cotton-crotch underwear and pantyhose.

For additional information on this health topic, contact the U of M Health System’s Health Education Resource Center at (734) 647-5645.

Adapted from material developed by Phyllis G. Cooper, R.N., M.N., and Clinical Reference Systems, Ltd.
This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.