Urinary Tract Infections - Columbia Urology

Male Urinary Disorders - Urinary Tract Infections

Return to Urology Specialties

About Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. They develop when bacteria find their way to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply, then travel up the urethra into the bladder or the kidney. UTIs are a serious health problem that affects millions of people each year.

A urinary tract infection that develops in the urethra, the channel that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, is called urethritis. A bacterial infection that has moved up from the urethra into the bladder is called cystitis. An infection that has traveled farther up the urinary tract into the kidneys is called pyelonephritis. This is the most dangerous type of urinary tract infection, and generally requires the longest course of therapy.

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

While not everyone with a UTI experiences symptoms, most people do. The most common symptoms include: frequent urination; a painful, burning feeling during urination; fever; urine appears cloudy or reddish in color (blood may be present in the urine); pain, even when not urinating; fatigue; pain in the back or side, below the ribs; nausea and/or vomiting; despite an intense urge to urinate, only a small amount of urine is passed.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infections

Most cases of cystitis are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a species of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Men with enlarged prostates and urinary retention are also more prone to developing UTIs. People with indwelling catheters, and those who are immunocompromised, are also susceptible to UTIs. In many cases the cause is unknown.

Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections

Doctors at The Center for Prostate Health and Male Voiding Dysfunction at Columbia University Department of Urology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital usually require a urine specimen if you have signs and symptoms of a UTI. Doctors diagnose UTIs by analyzing a urine specimen under a microscope for evidence of infection. They also culture the sample to determine which bacterial organism is causing the infection so they can choose the appropriate therapy. (Urine dipsticks, which test for blood and other substances in the urine, are often inaccurate.)

Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections

Treatment may include: antibacterial medications; medications such as Pyridium or Uristat and/or a heating pad to relieve pain; behavior modification including drinking plenty of water to help cleanse the urinary tract of bacteria.

Doctors prescribe antibiotics for varying lengths of time from three days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the infection, how frequently infections are developing, and whether the kidneys are involved. It is important to take antibiotics for as many days as prescribed to completely eradicate the bacteria.

Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections

To prevent UTIs it is important to drink plenty of water and urinate when you feel the urge rather than holding urine for extended periods. Certain substances, such as cranberry pills, lactobacillus, and methenamine may be prescribed to those who are frequently afflicted by UTIs.