Urinary tract infections are typically separated into two main categories: upper urinary tract infections and lower urinary tract infections. 

Lower urinary tract infections are more common and affect the urethra and bladder. Upper urinary tract infections affect the kidneys and can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as urosepsis.

UTIs can also be broken up into four smaller categories:

• Urethritis – infection of the urethra
• Cystitis – infection of the bladder
• Pyelonephritis – infection of the kidneys
• Vaginitis – infection of the vagina

Lower UTI symptoms to look out for include:

• Pain or burning while urinating
• A frequent and urgent need to urinate, even if it’s just a few drops
• Leaking or incontinence
• Smelly, bloody, cloudy or dark urine
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
• Fever
• Pain and tenderness in the lower back and sides

Upper UTI symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness in the lower back and sides
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

While women are 8 times more likely to contract a UTI, men can get them too. You can read this article to learn more about male UTIs.

Urinary tract infections are caused by microorganisms, usually a bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli). This bacteria naturally occurs around the vagina and anus. 

There are many things that can increase your chances of a UTI:

• Wiping back to front after going to the bathroom
• Sexual intercourse
• Menopause
• Reduced mobility
• Reduced pelvic floor strength
• Spermicides causing skin irritation

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should speak to a doctor to find out the right treatment for you. You can request a telehealth consultation with one of our Australian-registered doctors from anywhere in Australia, seven days a week.

The symptoms of a UTI can last for days and become quite serious if not treated correctly. You should consult a doctor to find out the right treatment for you. You can request a telehealth consultation with one of our Australian-registered doctors from anywhere in Australia, seven days a week.

While there’s no foolproof method of preventing a UTI, there are many things you can do to reduce your chances of infection:

• Drink plenty of fluids to dilute your urine
• Don’t delay toilet breaks when you need to go
• Make sure to empty your bladder completely when going to the toilet
• Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse to clear any bacteria
• Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom
• Wear cotton underwear
• Treat vaginal infections promptly
• Avoid products that contain spermicides, especially diaphragms
• Eat a healthy diet to prevent constipation

There are many reasons why you might experience recurrent UTIs. Some people are just genetically predisposed to infections, while others may be unintentionally increasing their risks:

• Bathroom habits: failing to completely empty the bladder, ‘holding on’ when you need to go, or regularly wiping from back to front can all increase your chances of a UTI
• Sexual activity: bacteria can be moved into the urinary tract during sexual intercourse. This is why many experts recommend that women urinate after sex to flush the bacteria out
• Health issues: chronic health conditions and a suppressed immune system can make you more susceptible to a UTI. Diabetes, some autoimmune diseases and bladder and kidney stones can all increase the risk
• Lifestyle habits: Sitting for long periods, a sedentary lifestyle and not drinking enough water have all been found to increase the chances of UTIs
• Menopause: As estrogen levels fall, the changes in your body can make you more susceptible to recurrent UTIs

Once you start taking antibiotics, your UTI symptoms should begin to ease fairly quickly. However, there are some things you can do to relieve the symptoms of UTI in the short-term:

• Drink lots of water: while the temptation may be to drink less to avoid the burning sensation while urinating, drinking lots of water will help your body flush out the bacteria quickly
• Use a heat pad: Some people find that heat pads help to reduce the pain in your abdomen or lower back

Sex is not recommended while suffering from a UTI. Sex can irritate the sensitive tissue in your urinary tract and is likely to be too painful to enjoy. It can also introduce new bacteria while your body is already weakened by an existing infection.

The infection itself is not contagious, however, the bacteria that causes a UTI can be spread between people, usually during sexual intercourse.

UTIs can cause uncomfortable symptoms that may make it difficult to sleep. Here are some things you can do to relieve UTI pain for a better night’s sleep:

• Avoid alcohol, coffee, citrus juice or any soft drinks that contain caffeine
• Drink lots of fluids during the day, but less fluids before bed
• Use a heat pad to warm your abdomen and reduce bladder discomfort
• Empty your bladder completely before bed

During pregnancy, hormonal changes, the expansion of your uterus, and the growing challenge of keeping your perineal area clean can put you at higher risk of a UTI. 

While pregnant women are less likely to contract a bladder infection, UTIs during pregnancy are more likely to spread to the kidneys, a far more serious condition. UTIs during pregnancy can also cause high blood pressure and premature delivery, so it’s important to consult with your doctor if you begin to show signs of a UTI while pregnant.