Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are a common problem for men and women of all ages. Some groups are more susceptible to getting UTIs, such as women and the elderly. Whether you fall into these at-risk categories or not, it’s important to recognize UTI symptoms, as severe infections can cause kidney damage and compromise other organ systems. Although mild UTIs can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, most will require antibiotics and other medical intervention. If you think you have a urinary tract infection, you can always see a doctor online or over the phone through MeMD. Learn more about UTIs, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments, with MeMD's Urinary Tract Infection Health Guide. You can also see this information on MeMD's website: http://bit.ly/1b8piUD

1. Guide to Urinary Tract
Infections
from

2. What Does the Urinary Tract
System Do?
2
§ The urinary tract
system carries liquid
waste out of the body
§ The system includes:
§ Kidneys, remove toxins
from ingested liquids
§ Bladder, stores urine
until release
§ Urethra, passes urine
out of the body
§ Ureter, connect the
system

3. What is a Urinary Tract Infection
(UTI)?
3
§ A urinary tract
infection occurs
when any of the 4
system components
becomes infected
§ The medical term
varies by location:
§ Bladder infection =
Cystitis
§ Urethra infection =
Urethritis
§ Kidney infection =
Pyelonephritis

4. Which is the Most Common
Type of UTI?
4
§ Bladder infections
(cystitis) are the most
common, and occur
when the bladder
becomes obstructed or
exposed to bacteria
§ Cystitis is fairly mild, but
if left untreated, can
spread to the kidneys
§ Kidney infections
(pyelonephritis) are
much more serious and
can do permanent
damage
Bladder

5. UTI = STD
Is a UTI the Same as an STD or a
Prostate Disorder?5
§ No, urinary tract
infections are not
the same as
infections of sexual
organs or enlarged
prostates
§ The symptoms are
sometimes the
same, but these
conditions have
different root causes
and require different
treatments

6. What Causes a UTI?
6
§ Most UTIs are bacterial, beginning when fecal
bacteria from the anus enters the urethra and
travels up to the bladder and kidneys
§ Fecal bacteria can enter the urinary tract
through:
§ Poor bathroom hygiene
§ Chronic diarrhea
§ Sex acts involving the anus
§ Long stretches without urinating
§ Blockages in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones
§ Exposure to unsanitary water, such as ponds or rivers
§ Suppressed or compromised immune systems,
especially in the elderly

7. What Causes a UTI? (continued)
7
§ Sexually transmitted
diseases mimic the
effects of urinary
tract infections
§ However, certain
STDs can also cause
UTIs
§ Have your urine
tested to determine
if you have an STD,
UTI, or both

8. Are Certain Groups At-Risk for a
UTI?8
§ Women are more
prone to urinary
tract infections
than men, due to
their short urethras
and the close
proximity of the
vagina, anus, and
urethra
§ Elderly and those
with compromised
immune systems
are also at-risk

9. Signs of a Urinary Tract Infection
in Women9
§ Frequent urges to urinate, with only small
amounts of urine
§ Cloudy or dark urine
§ Blood in urine
§ Foul-smelling urine
§ Burning sensation while urinating
§ Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen
§ Pain in the back just below the ribs

10. Signs of a Urinary Tract Infection
in Men10
§ Frequent urges to urinate, with only small
amounts of urine
§ Cloudy or dark urine
§ Blood in urine
§ Urine with a strong, foul odor
§ Burning sensation while urinating
§ Penis pain or discharge
§ Pain in the back just below the ribs

11. UTI Diagnosis
11
§ Speak with a
physician to
receive a proper
diagnosis
§ During the
consultation, be
sure to tell the
doctor if you
have a history of
UTIs, as this may
affect the
diagnosis and
treatment

12. UTI Treatment
12
§ Most UTIs are treated with
antibiotics
§ Amoxicillin, Bactrim, and
Ciprofloxacin are the most
commonly prescribed meds
§ In addition to antibiotics, the
doctor may also
recommend AZO or Uristat,
over-the-counter drugs that
relieve UTI discomfort
§ If UTI has spread to the
kidneys, hospitalization may
be required

13. When Should I Seek Professional
Treatment for a UTI?13
§ Connect with a doctor if
symptoms persist
§ If you develop lower
back pain along with a
fever or nausea, seek
medical assistance
immediately, as the
infection has worsened
and spread to the kidneys
§ Pregnant women, the
elderly, and those with
kidney disease should
always seek professional
care

14. Preventative Tips
14
§ Stay hydrated to flush
out the urinary tract
§ Drink pure, undiluted
cranberry juice to make
your bladder less
vulnerable to bacteria
§ Eat blueberries and
pineapples for their anti-
inflammatory properties
§ Take vitamin C to boost
your immune system
§ Maintain good hygiene
before and after sex

15. H e a l t h c a r e V i r t u a l l y A n y w h e r e
Create a free account with MeMD and receive monthly
health updates plus access to low-cost online
consultations with medical providers.
www.memd.me
1-855-MEMD-NOW
(1-855-636-3669)

16. Information Provided By:
16
We hope you found this
information useful!
And remember - if you
think you have a urinary
tract infection, you can
always see a doctor
online or over the
phone through

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