What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• UTI (Women)
• UTI in Women

What is Urinary Tract Infection in Women? (Definition/Background Information)

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Women is a common infection that occurs within the urinary tract system, which consists of the urethra, bladder, ureter, and kidneys
• The infection is named after the location in the urinary tract, where it occurs:
  • Infection of the ureter is urethritis
  • Infection of the bladder is cystitis
  • Infection of the kidneys is pyelonephritis
• Urinary Tract Infection is generally caused by a microbe, such as bacteria. The infection occurs more frequently in women than men, due to the anatomical structure of the female urinary system
• The signs and symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Women include fever, frequent urination, a burning sensation while urinating, and pelvic pain
• Urinary Tract Infections in Women are commonly treated with antibiotics (when the infection is caused by bacteria), which can bring about positive outcomes within 48 hours
• However, severe complications can occur if the condition is left untreated such as the spread of the infection to the kidneys or to the bloodstream

Who gets Urinary Tract Infection in Women? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Urinary Tract Infections in Women generally affect adult women, though a wide age range is observed
• Around 30% of the infected women are between the ages 20-40 years. Even girls of school-going age may be affected
• Women of all races and ethnicities are equally susceptible to UTIs, which is a very common condition especially in women
• It is estimated that about 20% of all women may be infected at some point in their lives

What are the Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection in Women? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for developing Urinary Tract Infections in Women include:

• The female anatomy, which has a short urethra that allows easy access of bacteria to the urinary tract. Due to this main reason, UTIs are generally more frequent in women than men
• Postmenopausal women are at an increased risk of developing UTI due to low estrogen levels
• Wiping back to front after bowel movement, which can cause microbes near the anus to reach the urinary tract
• Increased sexual activity: A higher incidence of UTIs are seen in women who are sexually-active, especially with multiple partners
• Regularly using birth control, such as diaphragms and anti-spermicidal agents
• Blockages in the urinary tract, such as due to kidney stones, which impair the flow of urine
• Urinary bladder catheter placement (or use) can disrupt the normal flow of urine, which help wash away the microbes. A urinary bladder catheter is usually used for various medical conditions to facilitate urine outflow
• Weakened immune system due to the use of certain medications or the presence of HIV
• Having poorly-controlled diabetes
• Congenital and acquired structural abnormalities of the kidney and urinary bladder

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Urinary Tract Infection in Women? (Etiology)

• Urinary Tract Infections in Women are usually caused due to infection by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, or Staphylococcus
• The infection can spread from the urethra through the urinary tract and reach the bloodstream from the kidneys
• Rarely, fungus and other parasites can also cause UTI in Women

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Women?

The signs and symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection in Women may include:

• Painful or difficult urination (dysuria)
• Changes in urinary frequency
• Changes in consistency, smell, or color of the urine
• Fever and chills
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Additional signs and symptoms may arise depending on the location of the infection which includes:

• Urethral infection (urethritis) causing discharge from the urethra
• Bladder infection (cystitis) leading to:
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Pelvic pressure
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) causing:
  • High fever
  • Back and side pain (near the ribs)
  • Episodes of chills with shivering
  • Nausea and vomiting 

How is Urinary Tract Infection in Women Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose Urinary Tract Infections in Women include:

• A complete physical examination with a detailed medical and surgical history
• Laboratory testing through tests such as:
  • Urine analysis, such as a dipstick test
  • Urine cultures to detect the pathogen causing the infection
  • Blood tests 
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP), which is a series of x-rays using contrast dyes to detect abnormalities in the urinary tract
• Ultrasonography to detect kidney stones 

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Urinary Tract Infection in Women?

The complications from a Urinary Tract Infection in Women could include:

• Urinary discomfort
• Recurrent infections (recurrent UTIs)
• Heightened risk of delivering premature children in pregnant women
• Infertility
• Kidney infections that could lead to kidney failure
• Spread of infection to the bloodstream, leading to sepsis

How is Urinary Tract Infection in Women Treated?

The treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Women depends on many factors including the:

• Location of infection
• Species of bacteria (or pathogen) causing the infection

Common treatments for UTIs in Women include:

• Oral or IV antibiotics to specifically target the bacteria causing the infection, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin
• Surgery to repair damaged portions of the kidneys: Congenital or acquired conditions of the kidney can cause abnormal kidney structure that can lead to increased risk for developing infection

Some infections are known to be self-limiting and get better without any treatment.

How can Urinary Tract Infection in Women be Prevented?

The following factors may help prevent Urinary Tract Infections in Women or reduce the risk for an infection:

• Drinking large amounts of water to increase urination, which can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract
• Wiping from front to back, after a bowel movement, to avoid spreading harmful bacteria
• Changing birth control forms: Switching from spermicidal solutions to oral contraceptives, etc. may help
• Emptying the bladder after intercourse
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene, especially before and after sexual activities
• Having safe sex, such as by using condoms and avoiding multiple partners
• Avoiding holding-in of the urine regularly: Postponing urination when there is an urge to urinate can cause pooling of urine within the bladder. Such pooling over a prolonged period of time can create an environment for favorable bacterial growth
• Keeping diabetes (blood sugar levels) under control
• Sexual partners may also have to be treated for infections
• Individuals with poor immune system have to be additionally careful as they are higher prone to infections

What is Prognosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Women? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• In general, the prognosis for Urinary Tract Infections in Women is excellent, if treatment is begun immediately on onset of symptoms
• UTI symptoms typically disappear after 48 hours, however if the infection is localized to the kidneys, it make take up to a week to become better
• In some cases, the condition resolves on its own without any treatment
• Recurrent UTIs are not uncommon; some women are more prone to recurrent infections
• In some rare cases without proper treatment, UTI can spread, causing fatal kidney damage and blood infections

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Urinary Tract Infection in Women:

• The most common cause of Urinary Tract Infection is E. coli bacterium, which can be found in the intestines
• In some cases, antibiotics may increase one’s risk of developing UTI by promoting the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria