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- Lawrence A. Fish, M.D.
- Leonard J. Mondschein, M.D.
- Gary Goldberg, M.D.
- Sarah K. Girardi, M.D.
- Christopher W. Johnson, M.D.
- Keith D. Bloom, M.D.
- Karen Hiller, R.N., M.S.N., A.N.P.
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Approximately 40% of women and 12% of men have a urinary tract infection at some time in their life. Women are more likely to develop these infections because the female urethra is short. Bacteria can reach the bladder from the urethra in a woman more easily than in a man. (Healthy Advice)
Definition
Urinary tract infections can affect the bladder, kidneys, and urethra. Bacteria are usually present in the bladder and urethra and may spread to the kidney and ureters. It occurs when bacteria, parasites, or fungi enter the urinary system.
Risk Factors
- Poor Hygiene—Wiping from back to front will facilitate bacteria entering the urethra and bladder. Always wipe from front to back to avoid infections, and keep the area clean with daily washing.
- Sexual Activity—May irritate and push bacteria into the urethra. Always empty the bladder before sexual intercourse.
- Poor Bladder Emptying—Not emptying the bladder every time the urge to urinate is present. May be aggravated by an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and urethral strictures.
- Inherited Disorders of the Kidneys—such as horseshoe kidney, ureteral duplication and vesicoureteral reflux) can result in increased risk of urinary infection due to abnormal urinary drainage.
- Menopause—Estrogen maintains an acidic environment in the vagina, which prevents urinary tract infections. The lack of estrogen associated with menopause makes infection more likely.
Symptoms
- Painful/burning urination
- Night time urination
- Pressure/pain in abdomen
- Urinary frequency
- Poor urinary stream
- Urine leakage (or leakage from penis in men)
- Urine odor
- Cloudy urine
- Blood in urine
Diagnosis
- Urine Culture—An examination of the urine that checks for the growth of bacteria and for which drugs they are sensitive to.
- Urinalysis—An examination of the urine used to detect an infection through an analysis of red/white blood cells and bacteria.
- Cystoscopy—An examination where a flexible scope is inserted into the urethra and then into the bladder to determine abnormalities in the bladder and lower urinary tract.
- Ultrasound—A procedure, which uses sound waves to create images of your bladder and kidneys.
- IVP—intravenous pyelogram: an x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder using dye injected into the arm.
Treatment
- Antibiotics—Used for acute infections. May be given once the urine is tested for sensitivity levels to a variety of antibiotics. May also be given to help prevent future infections.
Prevention
- Hygiene
- After using the bathroom, wipe from the front to the back (Women)
- No scented bubble baths
- No colored toilet paper
- Use condoms during sex
- Vitamins—Vitamin C 1000mg (Two 500mg pills a day)
- Cranberry—Two large glasses of juice or 800 mg of cranberry tablets a day
- Water—Drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses per day
- Estrogen Replacement Therapy—Estrace or Premarin cream, vagifem tablets or the estradiol ring can be used as local estrogen therapy. This is usually prescribed by the gynecologist after a discussion of the potential risks and benefits.
- Improved bladder emptying—Urine that is not voided may cause infections; empty your bladder whenever you feel the urge to urinate.
- Incontinence Pads—Use for leakage (do not use sanitary napkins).
- Antibiotics After Sex—If infections are related to sexual intercourse, one dose of an antibiotic after sex can be a very effective preventive measure.
- Bladder Sterilizers—If antibiotics are a concern because of a tendency to develop yeast infections, bladder sterilizers can be used. These are medications such as Mandelamine and Hiprex that create an environment in the bladder that is hostile to bacterial growth.
For an appointment, please call 516.627.6188, Extension 149
If you need to test your urine for a possible infection, please call your doctor's secretary to obtain a prescription for a urine culture at your local lab.
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