WHAT IS A URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI)?

The urinary tract is the system that produces urine and carries it out of the body. It includes the kidneys (where urine is made), the bladder (where urine is stored before urination), the ureters (tubes that connect the kidney to the bladder and transport urine down into it) and the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is usually caused when bacteria from the digestive tract get into the urethra, multiply and move into the bladder.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

UTI symptoms include pain or burning when urinating, repeatedly having an urgent need to urinate, blood in the urine or back or lower abdomen pain.

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

A UTI is diagnosed through laboratory testing of a urine sample. Bacteria or white blood cells in the urine sample indicate infection.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?

UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Many women who have had one UTI will have another. If you have UTIs more than three times per year, let your Esse Health doctor know, as you may require more prolonged doses of antibiotics or further testing to determine if other underlying conditions may be present.