Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – Patient Education

1. What It Is

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is when germs, usually bacteria, get into the urinary system and cause infection.
Your urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most UTIs are in the bladder, but the infection can spread to the kidneys, which is more serious.

2. Causes and Risk Factors

A UTI happens when bacteria get into the urinary tract, often from the skin around the anus or genitals.
You are more likely to get a UTI if you:

• Are female (shorter urethra)
  
  

• Are sexually active
  
  

• Use certain types of birth control (like spermicides or diaphragms)
  
  

• Have gone through menopause
  
  

• Have diabetes
  
  

• Have kidney stones or urinary blockage
  
  

• Do not drink enough water
  
  

• Use a urinary catheter
  
  

3. Signs and Symptoms (Including Early Warning Signs)

Early warning signs:

• Burning or pain when urinating
  
  

• Needing to urinate often
  
  

• Feeling an urgent need to urinate even when little comes out
  
  

Other common symptoms:

• Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
  
  

• Strong-smelling urine
  
  

• Pressure or cramping in lower belly or back
  
  

• Feeling tired or unwell
  
  

• Fever or chills (may mean infection is spreading)
  
  

4. Complications If Untreated or Not Following Care Plan

If not treated, a UTI can lead to:

• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
  
  

• Permanent kidney damage
  
  

• Sepsis (life-threatening infection in the blood)
  
  

• Frequent, repeated infections
  
  

5. Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Medical Treatments:

• Antibiotics: Kill the bacteria causing the infection.
  
  

  • Side effects: Stomach upset, diarrhea, allergic reactions.
    
    

• Pain relief medicines: May be given to ease bladder pain.
  
  

  • Side effects: Orange/red urine color, upset stomach.
    
    

Self-Care:

• Drink plenty of fluids (unless on fluid restriction for another health problem).
  
  

• Take all antibiotics exactly as prescribed — finish the whole course, even if you feel better.
  
  

• Rest and avoid bladder irritants (coffee, alcohol, spicy foods).
  
  

6. Dietary Needs

• Drink at least 6–8 glasses of water daily (unless restricted).
  
  

• Cranberry products may help some people prevent future UTIs (check with your doctor first).
  
  

• Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder.
  
  

7. Lifestyle Changes

• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
  
  

• Urinate after sexual activity.
  
  

• Avoid holding urine for long periods.
  
  

• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
  
  

• Avoid douches, scented feminine products, or harsh soaps in the genital area.
  
  

8. Safety Considerations

• Untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys quickly — report symptoms early.
  
  

• If you have frequent UTIs, your doctor may order special urine tests or imaging.
  
  

• People with catheters should follow strict cleaning and care steps to avoid infection.
  
  

9. Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Stay well hydrated.
  
  

• Empty your bladder regularly.
  
  

• Maintain good personal hygiene.
  
  

• Manage health conditions (like diabetes) that raise infection risk.
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call Your Home Health Agency or Doctor If:

• You have burning or pain when urinating.
  
  

• You notice cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine.
  
  

• You feel the urge to urinate more often than usual.
  
  

• You have new back or lower belly discomfort.
  
  

• You develop a mild fever (100–101°F) without other symptoms.
  
  

• You have side effects from your medicines.
  
  

Go to the Emergency Room or Call 911 If:

• You have a high fever (over 102°F).
  
  

• You have shaking chills.
  
  

• You have severe back or side pain.
  
  

• You feel confused, very weak, or lightheaded.
  
  

• You cannot urinate at all.
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement. Write “True” if correct, “False” if incorrect. If false, correct it to make it true.

1. True or False: A UTI is an infection in the urinary tract caused by bacteria.
   
   

2. True or False: Only women can get UTIs.
   
   

3. True or False: Burning when urinating can be an early sign of a UTI.
   
   

4. True or False: A UTI can spread to the kidneys if untreated.
   
   

5. True or False: Drinking water can help flush bacteria from the bladder.
   
   

6. True or False: You should stop antibiotics as soon as you feel better.
   
   

7. True or False: Cranberry juice can help some people prevent UTIs.
   
   

8. True or False: Cloudy or bloody urine can be a symptom of a UTI.
   
   

9. True or False: People with catheters have no risk of UTIs.
   
   

10. True or False: Urinating after sex may help prevent UTIs.
    
    

11. True or False: Wearing cotton underwear can reduce UTI risk.
    
    

12. True or False: Fever and chills may mean a UTI is becoming more serious.
    
    

13. True or False: Pain in your back or side can be a sign of kidney infection.
    
    

14. True or False: Wiping from back to front helps prevent UTIs.
    
    

15. True or False: Caffeine can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms.
    
    

16. True or False: Strong-smelling urine is always normal and nothing to worry about.
    
    

17. True or False: Avoiding holding your urine for long periods can help prevent UTIs.
    
    

18. True or False: UTIs can be prevented by drinking plenty of fluids and practicing good hygiene.
    
    

19. True or False: Antibiotics are the most common treatment for UTIs.
    
    

20. True or False: If you have frequent UTIs, you should discuss prevention with your doctor.
    
    

Individualized Patient Questions

(For discussion with the patient to personalize care)

1. When did your symptoms start?
   
   

2. Have you had UTIs before? How many in the last year?
   
   

3. Do you have any chronic health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease?
   
   

4. Are you on any medications that might affect your immune system?
   
   

5. How much water do you drink daily?
   
   

6. Do you drink caffeine or alcohol? How much?
   
   

7. Do you use a catheter? If yes, what is your cleaning routine?
   
   

8. Have you noticed any changes in your urine color, smell, or amount?
   
   

9. Do you finish your antibiotics when prescribed?
   
   

10. Do you wipe front to back after using the toilet?
    
    

11. Have you had fever, chills, or back pain?
    
    

12. Do you urinate after sexual activity?
    
    

13. What type of underwear and clothing do you wear most often?
    
    

14. Do you know what bacteria caused your last UTI (from lab results)?
    
    

15. Do you have a plan for what to do if symptoms return?