What is Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Most UTIs involve the lower urinary tract—the bladder and the urethra. Bacteria cause UTIs, typically Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally live in the intestines but can sometimes enter the urinary tract. While UTIs are usually easy to treat, they can become serious if the infection spreads to the kidneys. Typical symptoms of a UTI include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain.
What Causes UTIs?
UTIs are most commonly caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra. Women are more prone to UTIs than men because their urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Sexual activity, improper wiping (from back to front), and certain types of birth control, like diaphragms or spermicides, can increase the risk of developing a UTI. Menopause leads to changes in the urinary tract that increase the risk of UTIs as women age. Underlying medical conditions like diabetes, urinary or fecal incontinence, and kidney stones can also increase the risk of UTIs.
Available Treatments for UTIs
At New Jersey Urogyn, we offer a range of treatments to effectively manage and prevent urinary tract infections. Our goal is to relieve symptoms and help reduce the risk of recurrent infections.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotics are the primary treatment for culture-proven UTIs. They work by killing the bacteria causing the infection. The specific type and duration of antibiotic treatment depend on the severity of the infection and your medical history. It’s important to complete the prescribed course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully cleared and prevent resistance.
- Vaginal Estrogen Therapy: For postmenopausal women, decreased estrogen levels can lead to changes in the urinary tract that make it more susceptible to infections. Vaginal estrogen therapy can help restore the natural balance of the vaginal and urinary environments, reducing the risk of recurrent UTIs. This treatment is available in various forms, including creams, tablets, and rings. Vaginal estrogen is the most important and highest yield prevention that women can do for their vaginal and lower urinary tract health. When used correctly, it decreases the risk of UTIs by approximately 50%. There is minimal risk associated with local vaginal estrogen therapy, and nearly all women are good candidates for it.
- Urinary tract health and Hygiene counseling: Education on proper urinary tract care is key to preventing UTIs. Our team will provide practical advice to help reduce your risk of infection.
- Preventative Antibiotic Therapy: This may be recommended for women who experience frequent UTIs. This involves taking a low-dose antibiotic over a longer period to prevent infections from developing. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to take after sexual intercourse, a common trigger for UTIs in some women.
- Non-antibiotic Prevention: Non-antibiotic options for preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) include natural supplements like cranberry products, D-mannose, and probiotics. Cranberry may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. D-mannose is a sugar that also interferes with bacterial attachment, and probiotics aim to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary tract. While these approaches are generally safe, the scientific evidence on their effectiveness varies, so discussing them with your healthcare provider is important
