INFECTIONS OF THE URINARY TRACT AN INFORMATION LEAFLET. Written by: Department of Urology. July 2016

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1 INFECTIONS OF THE URINARY TRACT AN INFORMATION LEAFLET Written by: Department of Urology July 2016 Stockport: Website:w w w. s t o c k p o r t. n h s. u k Tameside: /6698 Website: w w w. t a m e s i d e. n h s. u k Macclesfield:

2 What Is A Urinary Tract Infection? Urinary tract infections (UTI s) are the second most common type of infection in the body. They are most common in women but men can get them as well. The urinary tract is the group of internal organs that make, transport, store and remove urine from the body (see diagram). These include the kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). The most common part of the urine tract to get an infection is the bladder; an infection here is called cystitis. Most UTI s are caused by bacteria (often e-coli which live in the digestive tract). Yeast and fungi can be other causes. Usually the body flushes out the bacteria when you pass urine. However, this may not always happen. Symptoms of a UTI Symptoms of a UTI may include: A burning/stinging sensation when passing urine. Frequent or strong urges to pass urine, even when you have little to pass. Cloudy, dark or blood stained urine. Foul smelling urine. Pain in your back or lower abdomen. Confusion (especially in the elderly). You may not experience all of these symptoms but may still have a UTI. Causes of UTI s Some groups of people are more prone to getting UTI s than others. These include those with the following: Kidney or bladder stones. Diabetes or any other disorder that can affect the immune system. Faecal/bowel incontinence. Urinary catheters (a permanent tube in the urethra which drains the urine away from the bladder). Restricted flow of urine/the bladder not being able to empty properly (causing the accumulation of stale urine). This may be caused by: Prostate problems in men, causing bladder outlet obstruction. Narrowing (stricture) in the urethra, also causing bladder outlet obstruction. An under-active or weak bladder muscle Menopause

3 The elderly are also more prone to UTI s, as are those who suffer with constipation or do not drink sufficient amounts of fluids (less than six to eight glasses of water a day or the equivalent). Some women find they often get UTI s after sexual intercourse, especially those who use the diaphragm as a contraceptive. Diagnosis and Treatment UTI s are diagnosed by sending a sample of urine to the laboratory and are treated with antibiotics. In most cases, the UTI will quickly clear up, although in susceptible people it may return. If you have had several UTI s in a short period of time, your doctor or specialist nurse may send you for a kidney ultrasound scan to check for any abnormalities within the kidneys, which may be causing the recurrent infections. The doctor or nurse may also perform a flexible cystoscopy (camera test of the bladder) to check inside the bladder for any abnormalities. Advice on the Prevention of UTI s A number of things are believed to help prevent UTI s. These include: Drinking plenty of water every day (at least six to eight glasses), to maintain a good urinary output which helps to flush out the urinary system. Passing urine when you feel the need to, and not letting the bladder get over full. Making sure you empty the bladder fully when you pass urine. Avoiding nylon underwear and feminine hygiene sprays, which may irritate the urethra. Avoiding the use of tampons. Avoiding becoming constipated. If you are prone to getting UTI s after sexual intercourse: Cleanse the genital area before intercourse (but do not douche). Pass urine as soon as possible afterwards. If you are a female using a diaphragm or spermicidal creams, you may wish to choose a different form of contraception, as these can increase the risk of UTI s. Use enough lubrication (e.g. KY jelly) during sex, if you are prone to dryness. There is some evidence that drinking cranberry juice (one glass per day) can help prevent UTI s coming back. However, this is not advised if you take warfarin to thin the blood or have a personal or family history of kidney stones. If you find the drink bitter, try mixing it with another fruit juice or you may prefer to take cranberry tablets, which are available as an over the counter preparation at most chemists.

4 Other Useful Contacts or Information If you have any questions you want to ask, you can use this space below to make notes to remind you. Source In compiling this information leaflet, a number of recognised professional bodies have been used, including the British Association of Urological Surgeons. Accredited good practice guidelines have been used. If you have a visual impairment this leaflet can be made available in bigger print or on audiotape. If you require either of these options please contact the Health Information Centre on If you would like any further information please telephone the Urology Nurse Specialists at your local Urology Department on: Stepping Hill Tameside /6698 Macclesfield

5 Author: Division/Department: Date Created: Reference Number: Version: Urology Department Elective Services 1997 Version of 5