Symptoms of a UTI

• Most often, an urge to urinate is the first symptom of a UTI. This symptom may be combined with a burning sensation as you urinate and the feeling of having to urinate very frequently. You feel like you have a large amount of urine to excrete, but only a small amount is released when you try to urinate. Cloudy or bloody urine can be a sign of a UTI. If your urine has a foul or strong odor and you have a fever, you may have an UTI. Some people experience back pain if the UTI has spread to the kidneys. This symptom can be very painful. When a kidney is infected with a UTI, you may also experience nausea, chills and vomiting.
  
  

When to Visit a Doctor

• If any of the above symptoms appear, you should contact your physician immediately. The earlier you treat a UTI, the quicker it will disappear. An untreated UTI will spread to other parts of your urinary system and serious complications may arise.
  
  

Causes of a UTI

• UTIs are caused by bacteria contaminating the urinary system. Most often, with women, a UTI starts in the bladder or urethra. The anus and urethra of a women are physically close to each other so when a women participates in intercourse or practices poor hygiene, she runs the risk of a UTI.
  
  

Complications

• Complications occur from a UTI when symptoms are not addressed as soon as they are discovered. When symptoms from a UTI are not treated, acute or chronic kidney problems may arise. Pregnant women are at risk of having under-weight babies if their UTIs are not treated in a timely fashion during pregnancy. Premature births could also result from a UTI that was not addressed early at the onset.
  
  

Drugs for Treatment

• There are many drugs that can help cure a UTI. Antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed drugs to cure a UTI. These antibiotics include Cipro, Amoxicillan, Levaquin and Bactrim. If you are pregnant, be sure to alert your physician so he can prescribe an antibiotic that will be safe during your pregnancy.
  
  

Home Remedies

• Be sure to drink plenty of water to dilute the bacteria in your urine. Avoid drinking any liquid that may dehydrate you like coffee, tea or sodas. A heating pad may ease your bloated abdomen. Some natural remedies may include drinking cranberry juice or taking a daily supplement of cranberry pills. Try to avoid eating sugary foods. Sugar is thought to help the bacteria grow faster.
  
  

Prevention

• Women should wipe themselves from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus spreading to the urethra. Women should also consider urinating after intercourse. The acidity of urine is thought to be able to wash away the bacteria. Feminine products with strong fragrances should be avoided. These fragrances can be toxic and irritating.