How to Know if You Have a UTI and How to Treat It

The urinary tract includes kidneys, bladder, and urethra. As blood passes through the kidneys, it removes waste and stores it in the bladder as urine, where it is then carried away by the urethra. Microbes can get into the urethra in a variety of ways. Wiping improperly and not urinating after sexual activity are common ways people can get urinary tract infections.

So now that we know what causes UTIs, how do you know if you have one? Typically a UTI can cause pain or a burning sensation during urination and you may experience a feeling of heaviness or fullness. This may make you feel as though you need to urinate but aren't able to. UTIs can also cause the opposite to happen; you'll urinate more often than usual. Your urine may be dark, cloudy, bloody, or odorous.

While both men and women are susceptible, UTIs are more common in women. Because the length of the urethra is shorter in women, thus giving the microbes a shorter distance to travel to the bladder, the result is a higher chance of getting a UTI. Children are also susceptible to UTIs, so caregivers should remember to teach proper wiping techniques during potty training and forgo bubble baths so as not to introduce bacteria into the urethra.

A urinalysis will help your doctor determine the type of UTI you have. They'll take note of your symptoms and perform an exam to get an exact diagnosis. Your results shouldn't take long, and you'll likely leave the doctor's office with an immediate treatment plan.

Urinary tract infection types
"Urinary tract infections tend to incorporate a number of different entities to include kidney infections, bladder infections, and prostate infections," Dr. Robert Matthews explained in this video from Wakemed Health and Hospitals in North Carolina. "Those can be given other names, but what they all have in common is that they are typically bacterial infections of the urinary tract."

Healthy men and women experiencing a UTI will likely feel better after a course of antibiotics. Of course, every doctor will remind you to continue taking the antibiotic for the entire course, even if you start to feel better after a few days. Dr. Matthews notes that if left untreated, UTIs can affect other organs.

Complications of a urinary tract infection
"A few other things to note of urinary tract infection in women, in particular, is that they can progress to pyelonephritis or kidney infection with some speed," Dr. Matthews continued. "Bladder infections tend to present lower-tract irritative symptoms; burning with urination, going frequently, small volumes with each urination. Kidney infections are typically distinguished with the hallmark fever, chills, and flank pain. That presents a greater challenge, it's a more serious illness and needs prompter attention."

One of the most common urinary tract infection home remedies is drinking cranberry juice, which can work for some to prevent UTIs. Patients who are taking the blood thinner Warfarin are urged to consult their physician before opting for cranberry juice to treat a urinary tract infection.

Drinking water can also flush out bacteria that cause UTIs, going when you need to vs. holding it, wiping from front to back, and wearing cotton underwear are simple ways to avoid a urinary tract infection, but there are countless snippets of advice and home remedies when it comes to avoiding and treating urinary tract infections.

"Have your partner wash their hands and brush their teeth before sex. And make sure you pee after any sexual activity, including individual pleasure parties," mom of three Anitra Allen suggested to Mom.com. "The temperature and content of the urine will help to wash away any bacteria that could lead to the UTI."

Virginia Duan told Mom.com that she opts for natural remedy urinary tract infection treatments. "I use a mix of distilled water, frankincense, and lavender essential oils, and spray onto my under parts when I feel a UTI or vaginal irritation coming."

There are over-the-counter products that promote urinary tract health and treat the pain and discomfort that come with a UTI. Brands like AZO, Uricalm, and Uristat offer a variety of treatment and preventive options. Women with recurrent urinary tract infections, however, may wish to visit their doctor for a long-term treatment plan.

"Some women require suppressive antibiotics for three months or more at a time where they take an antibiotic pill each night before bedtime in order to establish a sterilized bladder that does not have any bacteria, Dr. Matthews imparted. "Then they go on from there and have a more normal pattern without recurring infections."