How do you know if you have a UTI?

If you have bladder problems, you are at risk of developing a urinary tract infection. It is important that you recognise the different symptoms of UTIs, as anuntreated UTI can be harmful to your bladder and kidneys.

But be aware of other symptoms, which are more subtle and therefore harder to recognise as UTI-symptoms. Symptoms that may be related to UTIs: 

• Pain or discomfort when passing urine 
• An urge to pass urine frequently 
• Cloudy and strongly smelling urine (unrelated to foods that can cause urine odour) 
• Blood in the urine  
• Unexpected leakage 
• Fever/sweating or chills 
• Pain in the bladder (above pubic bone area) 
• Pain in the kidney area (lower back area) 

How to check if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) 

Your physician may perform a quick urine test which can give a rough indication of whether or not bacteria are present. To determine whether you do have a UTI, your doctor will check with a urine culture and may also want to take a blood test in order to assess other factors. If you suffer from recurring UTIs your doctor may want you to see a urologist for further testing. 

There are a number of precautions that might help you prevent recurring urinary tract infections:

1. Get enough fluids

Everyone needs daily fluids to maintain their health. Drinking 6–8 glasses of fluids each day is the usual recommended amount, but it is not for everyone. You should first consult with your healthcare provider to determine the amount that is best for you based on your individual medical condition(s). Beverages containing caffeine (such as soft drinks, coffee, tea and some energy drinks) and artificial sweeteners are known bladder irritants and may need to be kept to a minimum.

Why?
Drinking lots of water dilutes the urine and flushes bacteria out of the bladder. If you regularly empty your bladder as directed by your healthcare professional, you may remove urine with potential bacteria each time you catheterise. Make sure you drain the bladder completely each time.

2. Maintain a good personal hygiene

Always wash your hands thoroughly – especially before you use your intermittent catheter. Also, carefully clean around the urethral opening before inserting the catheter.

Why?
Bacteria from improper hand washing, or bacteria near the urethral opening, can be introduced into the urinary tract when using a catheter.

3. Regularly empty your bladder completely as prescribed by your healthcare professional.

Maintaining your catheterisation schedule may help in the prevention of urinary tract infections.

Why?
Staying on a regular schedule and emptying your bladder completely with intermittent catheterisation, reduces the amount of urine sitting in the bladder and the time that urine is left to sit stagnant in your bladder. Each time you catheterise you remove urine in the bladder along with any bacteria that may be present.  

4. Use a sterile catheter every time

Use a new, sterile, well-lubricated (hydrophilic-coated or pre-lubricated) catheter every time you catheterise, in order to reduce friction as you insert and remove your catheter. You may also want to discuss the amount of catheters you are allowed each month with your GP or prescriber.

Why?
A well-lubricated, (hydrophilic coated or pre-lubricated) catheter may make the process more comfortable and may lessen the friction during insertion and withdrawal of the catheter.

Tip: Every once in a while, measure the amount of urine you empty. The goal is to keep the catheterised urine at a volume (400ml) which avoids overstretching the bladder and prevents leaking. If you empty more than this amount, ask your healthcare professional if you need to use intermittent catheterisation more often.

Special advice for women on UTIs

Women have a higher risk of UTI. Read our advice for good routines.

Besides drinking adequate fluids, regularly emptying the bladder and maintaining a good personal hygiene, women need to include some extra routines to reduce the risk of getting urinary tract infection.

Precautions when you have sex

During intercourse your genital area will always be introduced to bacteria – either from yourself or from your partner. Follow these rules before, during and after sex to limit the amount of bacteria:

Before sex:

Empty your bladder as a full bladder gives better conditions for bacteria to settle down and grow.

During sex:

If you feel dry during intercourse use a water-soluble gel (lubricant) to help reduce friction and stress of the tissue, which can lead to infection. Diaphragms and spermicides can also cause irritation, which can lead to infections. If you have frequent UTIs talk to your doctor about another form of birth control.

After sex:

Empty your bladder immediately after having sex, even if there is only a small amount of urine in your bladder. This will flush out potential bacteria. Drink 2–3 glasses of water and urinate when you have the urge to do so. The goal is to have a good steady stream of urine to flush any bacteria from the bladder.

Avoid fragrance down there

Don’t use sprays, deodorants, powders or heavily scented soap on the genital area. Some laundry detergents, bleaches and fabric softeners leave residue in your underwear. Use unscented products instead.

Why?
Perfume or other fragranced chemicals can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions.

Wear cotton and loose-fitting clothes

Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes, so air can keep the area around the urethra dry. Tight-fitting jeans and nylon underwear are not good, because they can trap moisture and help bacteria grow.

Other good advice:

• Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently during menstruation
• Be careful how you wipe yourself – always wipe from front to back, so that the bacteria from your anal area is not pushed into the urethra.