At University Health Services, we see many women for urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Because they are so common, with as many as 50 percent of women having at least one in their lifetime, it is important for young women to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

Blame it on that extra X chromosome!

This is an odd but true answer to the question: How did I get a bladder infection?

UTIs occur more frequently in women than in men due to anatomical differences.

Women have short urethras (only one-and-a-half inches long) and the opening is close to both the rectum and vagina, which makes it easier to introduce bacteria from the rectal area during wiping or sexual intercourse.

Thong underwear can also facilitate this type of infection.

E. coli, a bacteria that normally lives in our digestive system, causes the majority of UTIs.

UTIs can be lower, affecting the bladder and urethra, or upper (pyelonephritis), involving the kidneys and ureters.

Symptoms of a lower UTI include burning with urination, urgency, urinating small amounts, lower abdominal pressure, and/or blood in the urine. In addition to these symptoms, upper UTIs may also cause fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the back or side.

UTIs are diagnosed by taking a history, performing a physical exam, and testing the urine.

If the symptoms and/or urinalysis indicate an infection is present, antibiotics are prescribed.

To prevent a recurrent infection, all of the antibiotic doses should be finished.

Drinking plenty of water also helps flush the organism from the bladder. Upper UTIs are more serious due to the risk of kidney scarring and require closer follow-up, longer antibiotic courses, and in some cases hospitalization.

To prevent UTIs, always urinate after intercourse, wipe front-to-back after urinating or having a bowel movement, empty the bladder completely and often, wear cotton underwear, and maintain good hygiene.

UHS clinicians and nurses get many questions about urinary tract infections.

Here are two of the most frequent.

How do you know if you're drinking enough to help treat a bladder infection?

Your urine should be clear by noon (i.e. no yellow), and stay clear the remainder of the day.

Water and cranberry juice are the best choices.

Limit the amount of other fruit juices and milk you consume, as these can alkalinize the urine and make the antibiotic less effective.

You should also stay away from alcohol and caffeine because these can dehydrate your system.

Can using spermicides with condoms or diaphragms increase your risk for UTIs?

Yes. Spermicides may change the normal vaginal flora or environment, allowing more harmful bacteria to colonize the vagina and urethra.

Spermicides may also increase your risk for contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Latex condoms with plain lubrication are what UHS providers recommend, and are the type of condoms sold at the UHS Pharmacy.