The urinary tract comprises the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection caused by bacteria, fungi or parasites in any of the structures that comprise the urinary tract. UTIs are common, more common in women than men, leading to approximately 8.3 million doctor visits per year. Although some infections go unnoticed, UTIs can cause problems that range from dysuria (pain and/or burning when urinating) to organ damage and even death.
The kidneys are the active organs that, during their average production of about 1.5 quarts of urine per day, function to help keep electrolytes and fluids (for example, potassium, sodium, water) in balance, assist removal of waste products (urea), and produce a hormone that aids to form red blood cells. If kidneys are injured or destroyed by infection, these vital functions can be damaged or lost. While some investigators state that UTIs are not transmitted from person to person, other investigators dispute this and say UTIs may be contagious and recommend that sex partners avoid relations until the UTI has cleared. There is no dispute about UTIs caused by sexually transmitted disease (STD) organisms; these infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia) are easily transmitted between sex partners and are very contagious.
UTI causes and risk factors
The most common causes of UTI infections are Escherichia coli bacterial strains that usually inhabit the colon. However, many other bacteria can occasionally cause an infection. There are many risk factors for UTIs. In general, any interruption of the usual flow of urine is a risk factor for a UTI. For example, kidney stones, urethral strictures, enlarged prostate. This is due in part to the flushing or wash-out effect of flowing urine
People who require catheters have an increased risk (about 30 per cent of patients with indwelling catheters get UTIs) as the catheter has none of the protective immune systems to eliminate bacteria and offers a direct connection to the bladder.
There are reports that suggest that women who use a diaphragm or who have partners that use condoms with spermicidal foam are at increased risk for UTIs. In addition, females who become sexually active seem to have a higher risk of UTI; some investigators term these UTIs as "honeymoon cystitis." Men over 60 have a higher risk for UTIs because many men at or above that age develop enlarged prostates that may cause slow and incomplete bladder emptying. Occasionally, people with bacteria in the bloodstream have the infecting bacteria lodge in the kidney. Similarly, people with infected areas that are connected to the urinary tract are more likely to get a UTI. Additionally, patients who undergo urologic surgery also have an increased risk of UTIs. Pregnancy does not apparently increase the risk of UTIs according to some clinicians; others think there is an increased risk between weeks six through 26 of the pregnancy. Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetics or those who are immunosuppressed (HIV or cancer patients) also are at higher risk.
What are UTI symptoms and signs?
The UTI symptoms and signs may vary according to age, sex, and location of the infection in the tract. Some individuals will have no symptoms or mild symptoms and may clear the infection in about two to five days. Many people will not spontaneously clear the infection; some of the most frequent signs and symptoms experienced by most patients is a frequent urge to urinate, accompanied by pain or burning on urination. The urine often appears cloudy and occasionally reddish if blood is present. The urine may develop an unpleasant odour. Women often have lower abdominal discomfort or feel bloated and experience sensations like their bladder is full. Women may also complain of a vaginal discharge, especially if their urethra is infected, or if they have an STD. Although men may complain of dysuria, frequency, and urgency, other symptoms may include rectal, testicular, penile, or abdominal pain. Toddlers and children with UTIs often show blood in the urine, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting along with pain and urgency with urination. (medicinenet.com)