Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A UTI occurs when bacteria, most often E. coli, enter the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) and travel to the bladder. The infection can affect the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent more serious complications. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections, affecting millions of people each year.

Risk Factors for UTIs

UTIs can affect anyone, but some people are more prone to infection. Common risk factors include:

Being sexually active
Men with an enlarged prostate, which can make it harder to empty the bladder
Postmenopausal women
People with diabetes
Individuals using catheters
Poor hygiene of the genital area
Holding urine or not emptying the bladder fully

What Are the Symptoms of a UTI?

Symptoms of a bladder infection may include:

Frequent urination
Strong urge to urinate
Frequently urinating small amounts
Pain or burning with urination
Seeing blood in your urine

In older adults, symptoms may be less typical—confusion, dizziness, or fatigue may be early signs of a UTI.

Symptoms of a kidney infection may include the bladder infection symptoms listed above, plus:

Fever
Chills
Pain in your mid back, usually on one side
Nausea and/or vomiting
Severe fatigue

How to Prevent UTIs

Practicing good habits can reduce your risk of developing a UTI:

Drink plenty of water
Empty your bladder regularly, especially after sexual activity
Wipe front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra
Avoid douches and scented feminine hygiene products
Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants

These steps can help reduce bacteria around the urethra and prevent UTIs before they start.

UR Medicine's Treatments for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

At UR Medicine, our experts diagnose and treat UTIs with evidence-based care and a focus on prevention—especially for those most at risk, including older adults and people with chronic conditions.

When to Seek Care

If you have symptoms of a UTI, don’t wait. Prompt treatment can prevent the infection from spreading to your kidneys. You can:

Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider
Visit a UR Medicine local urgent care
Use our virtual urgent care for fast, convenient treatment

Depending on the severity, the provider may refer you to a urogynecologist or urologist. Catching and treating a UTI as soon as possible can help keep the infection from spreading or worsening.

Diagnosing UTIs

Evaluation for a bladder or kidney infection may include a general physical exam, a pelvic exam if needed, and a urine test. If you are not able to provide a urine sample for any reason, a small catheter may be placed into the bladder to collect your urine for testing.

Testing may include:

A urine dipstick may be performed in your doctor’s office. It screens the urine for white blood cells, red blood cells, protein, and nitrates—all of which are typically present when there is an infection. Results are available immediately.
A urinalysis is a screening test performed in a lab that also counts the number of white and red blood cells in the urine. Results are typically available within a few hours.
A urine culture is the best way to diagnose a bladder or kidney infection. This test can identify whether bacteria are present in the urine, what type of bacteria, and how many. It will also help identify the best antibiotic for treatment. Results are typically available in 24-72 hours.

Treating UTIs

UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics. It can take a day or two after starting the antibiotic for your symptoms to improve. Your provider will prescribe the right antibiotics to treat your specific infection. Most cases resolve quickly, but it’s important to finish the full course, even if symptoms improve.

Your provider may prescribe a pain reliever called phenazopyridine (Pyridium) that can help with symptoms of pain with urination, increased urge to urinate, and frequent urination. You can also try over the counter medications like AZO and drinking more water to help with these symptoms.

Frequent bladder infections are diagnosed when you have more than 3 urinary tract infections within 1 year. For people with frequent UTIs, we may recommend:

Low-dose daily antibiotics
Changes in personal hygiene
Evaluating underlying conditions like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate

If you are diagnosed with frequent bladder infections, you may be referred to a urogynecologist or urologist for further evaluation.

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine offers the most current treatments, guided by advanced research and the expertise of nationally recognized physicians. Our extensive clinical network allows patients across the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region the convenience of receiving high-quality care close to home.

For UTI treatment, we encourage you to visit your primary care physician or local UR Medicine urgent care facility. If referred to a urogynecologist or urologist, the UR Medicine Adult Pelvic Health & Continence Care program offers custom-tailored treatment options for each patient.