If you think you may have an UTI, you should drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, urinate frequently, rest and seek medical attention within the next 24-48 hours. Call Health Services at 573-592-4222 for an appointment.

If you develop the following symptoms as well,

you may have a more serious condition

and need to seek care within the next 24 hours:

• Fever over 101.0F
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue or Malaise
• New and different low back pain
• Severe abdominal pain

Signs of an uncomplicated UTI

• Pain or burning with urination.
• Need to urinate frequently.
• The urge to urinate, but not being able to produce any urine.
• Pink tinge or blood in the urine or upon wiping.

• Urine with a bad smell.
• Leaking a little urine.

Taking care of yourself

while you have a UTI:

• Drink plenty of fluids-at least 8 glasses or 2 liters daily.
• Avoid fluids that have alcohol and caffeine.
• One glass of cranberry juice a day has been shown to help prevent future infection.
• Urinate frequently. Bacteria numbers double quickly in the bladder. Emptying it often gets rid of them.
• Phenazopyridine is an over the counter urinary pain reliever. It is available as: Azo Standard, Uristat, Azotabs and others.
• Rest.
• Heat to abdomen or back is sometimes soothing.

If you are not improving within two days

of starting antibiotics for a UTI;

you should return to health services.

Call 573-592-4222 for an appointment

How to avoid future UTIs:

• Always wipe with tissue from front to back.
• Drink plenty of fluids-at least 8 glasses or 2 liters daily.
• Avoid fluids that have alcohol and caffeine.
• One glass of cranberry juice a day may prevent future infection.
• Don’t hold your urine. Go when you feel the urge.
• Wear cotton lined underwear.
• Avoid bubble bath, harsh soaps, feminine hygiene sprays, douches, and deodorant tampons.
• Have adequate lubrication during sexual intercourse and activity.
• Urinate soon after sexual activity.
• Stop drinking fluids 1-2 hours before bedtime.
• Urinate just prior to going to sleep.

The Urinary Tract consists of kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.

Other names for uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are bladder infections and cystitis, as the infection is only in the lower part of the urinary tract-the bladder and the urethra. More severe and uncommon UTIs are called pyelonephritis and kidney infections. Bacteria cause these infections.

If you think you may have an UTI, you should drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, urinate frequently, rest and seek medical attention within the next 24-48 hours. If you develop the following symptoms as well, you may have a more serious condition and need to seek care within the next 24 hours:

• Fever over 101.0F.
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue or Malaise
• New and different low back pain.
• Severe abdominal pain

The most common treatment for UTIs is antibiotics. Presence of the UTI is determined by a physical exam and urinalysis. Occasionally, a woman may know that she doesn’t feel well; but not be sure exactly what the problem is. She may be worried about a sexually transmitted disease (STD) as the symptoms are similar. A visit to a clinic can usually determine the cause.

The Nurse Practitioner at William Woods University Health Services is able to examine, perform lab tests and prescribe treatment for these problems.

It is not unusual for a woman to have one UTI. If a woman has 3 or 4 UTIs in a six-month period, she may need further testing or preventive medication. Check with the Nurse Practitioner at Health Services if you have this concern.

Women get UTIs more easily than men for several reasons. Women have a shorter urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside of the body), thus it is easier for bacteria to enter a woman’s bladder. The urethral opening is close to both the rectum and the vagina on women. Bacteria from the rectum can get into the woman’s urethra, to be introduced into the bladder, where it can cause an infection. Sexual activity, even without the presence of STDs, may put women at risk for UTIs.    

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