Urinary tract infections can become life-threatening if left untreated.
By Dahna M. Chandler, Woman'sDay
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are relatively common in women: They account for 8.1 million doctor's office visits annually.
[post_ads]According to the American Urological Association and National Institutes of Health, a woman's risk of developing a UTI in her lifetime is between 40 and 50%, especially among the newly sexually active and those in menopause. Women who are pregnant, obese, or have certain chronic illnesses are also at an increased risk for more frequent infection.
With each UTI you get, your chances of experiencing another rise. Infections are usually characterized by a burning sensation when urinating, more frequent urination, and an urgent feeling when you need to go. You may find yourself waking up at night for multiple trips to the bathroom or notice your urine has a foul odor.
Signs of a progressing UTI include:
- lower back pain
- blood in the urine
- abdominal pain
- fever
- chills
"Chills and back pain could mean the infection has spread to your kidneys," says Michael Ingber, M.D., a board-certified urogynecologist at The Center for Specialized Women's Health in Morristown, NJ.
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Some women are more prone to UTIs than others
Your unique anatomy means UTIs may peak twice in your life, becoming more likely when you're first sexually active and then again around menopause. Younger women who've been infected are more at risk for developing cystitis or bladder infections if E. coli get pushed from the urethra into the bladder.
In middle-aged women, hormones can provide a welcoming environment for UTIs. "When estrogen levels decline, the vaginal pH increases, or otherwise becomes more alkaline," says Dr. Ingber. "This is an environment where E. coli and other bacteria like to grow."
Pregnant women and those with immune-compromising diseases or conditions like diabetes or obesity should get UTI checks more often. They may need more aggressive UTI treatment to prevent kidney infections from developing.
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Your unique anatomy means UTIs may peak twice in your life, becoming more likely when you're first sexually active and then again around menopause. Younger women who've been infected are more at risk for developing cystitis or bladder infections if E. coli get pushed from the urethra into the bladder.
In middle-aged women, hormones can provide a welcoming environment for UTIs. "When estrogen levels decline, the vaginal pH increases, or otherwise becomes more alkaline," says Dr. Ingber. "This is an environment where E. coli and other bacteria like to grow."
Pregnant women and those with immune-compromising diseases or conditions like diabetes or obesity should get UTI checks more often. They may need more aggressive UTI treatment to prevent kidney infections from developing.
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Other conditions that have similar symptoms
Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and herpes can cause urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, which presents similarly to a UTI. Interstitial or non-infectious cystitis, which also has similar symptoms, affects nearly 6 million women annually, according to Dr. Ingber.
Kidney stones, anatomic problems in the kidney, or an inflamed pouch on the urethra may also mimic a UTI. Only doctor's office tests will help distinguish between UTIs and these other problems to get the right care.
Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and herpes can cause urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, which presents similarly to a UTI. Interstitial or non-infectious cystitis, which also has similar symptoms, affects nearly 6 million women annually, according to Dr. Ingber.
Kidney stones, anatomic problems in the kidney, or an inflamed pouch on the urethra may also mimic a UTI. Only doctor's office tests will help distinguish between UTIs and these other problems to get the right care.
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