UTIs: What You Should Know
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections I see in practice.
If you have a vagina, chances are you’ve experienced one at some point — or you will. In fact, about 50–60% of women will develop a UTI at least once in their lifetime, and many will experience recurrent infections. The good news is that most UTIs are treatable and often preventable once you understand why they happen.
Let’s walk through the basics.
What is a UTI?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and begin multiplying. Most infections involve the bladder (called cystitis), but bacteria can also travel upward and infect the kidneys if left untreated.
The most common bacteria responsible is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally lives in the digestive tract.
Common UTI Symptoms
Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
Burning or pain when urinating
Frequent urge to urinate
Passing only small amounts of urine
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Pink or red urine (a sign of blood)
Pelvic pressure or lower abdominal discomfort
Some people may also experience pain during intercourse or a general feeling of bladder irritation.
If a kidney infection develops, symptoms can include fever, chills, back pain, nausea, or vomiting, which require urgent medical care.
Why Do UTIs Happen?
UTIs occur when bacteria travel up the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) and reach the bladder.
Several factors can increase the risk.
Common risk factors include:
Female anatomy (shorter urethra makes bacterial entry easier)
Sexual activity
Certain birth control methods (spermicides or diaphragms)
Menopause and hormonal changes
Catheter use
Conditions that affect immune function
People with vaginas are more prone to UTIs because the urethra is shorter and located closer to the rectum, which makes bacterial transfer easier.
Men can also develop UTIs, but they are less common and may require further investigation.
How Can We Help Prevent UTIs?
While not every infection can be prevented, a few habits can significantly reduce risk.
Helpful strategies include:
Urinating after sexual activity
Drinking adequate water throughout the day
Avoiding spermicidal birth control if prone to UTIs
Wearing breathable cotton underwear
Avoiding scented hygiene products (pads, tampons, cleansers/soaps etc)
Supporting overall immune health through diet, sleep, and stress management
For people who experience recurrent UTIs, additional strategies may be helpful and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
How Are UTIs Treated?
Sometimes UTIs occur even when you are doing everything right — and that’s okay. Treatment options are available and should be tailored to the individual situation.
Common treatment approaches may include:
Antibiotics (first-line treatment for most confirmed infections)
D-mannose to help prevent bacterial adhesion in the bladder
Probiotics to support the microbiome, particularly after antibiotics
Cranberry products which may reduce recurrence risk in some individuals
Herbal support such as Arctostaphylos uva-ursi with practitioner guidance
Topical vaginal estrogen for individuals with a low estrogen state (menopause/post-partum)
In more severe cases — such as kidney infections — hospital treatment or IV antibiotics may be required.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
UTIs should always be taken seriously.
You should seek medical care if you experience:
Fever or chills
Back or kidney pain
Nausea or vomiting
Symptoms that worsen or do not improve
Recurrent infections
Proper diagnosis is important because not all urinary symptoms are caused by infection. If you experience recurrent UTIs or ongoing bladder symptoms, it may be time to reach out for support so we can identify the underlying factors and create a plan to prevent future infections.
The Bottom Line
UTIs are common, uncomfortable, and sometimes frustrating — but they are also very manageable with the right care.
Understanding the risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment options can go a long way in protecting urinary and bladder health.
If you suspect a UTI, it’s always best to speak with a healthcare provider such as an ND, MD, or pharmacist to ensure appropriate treatment.
Did you find this helpful? I love hearing what topics patients want to learn about. If there’s a health topic you’d like me to cover next, feel free to send me a message.
References
Flores-Mireles AL, Walker JN, Caparon M, Hultgren SJ. Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options. Nature Reviews Microbiology. 2015.
Gupta K, Hooton TM, Naber KG, et al. International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2011.
Foxman B. The epidemiology of urinary tract infections. Nature Reviews Urology. 2014.
Hooton TM. Uncomplicated urinary tract infection. New England Journal of Medicine. 2012.
Kranjčec B, Papeš D, Altarac S. D-mannose powder for prophylaxis of recurrent urinary tract infections in women: a randomized clinical trial. World Journal of Urology. 2014.
Williams G, et al. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2023.
Perrotta C, et al. Oestrogens for preventing recurrent urinary tract infection in postmenopausal women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2008.
