Infección Urinaria

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

July 16, 2025

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Have you ever felt burning when you urinate or the need to go to the bathroom constantly? You could have had a urinary tract infection (UTI), one of the most common infections affecting millions of people every year.

At Dzeus, we believe in the importance of informing you so that you can take care of your health. Here we tell you what UTIs are, why they occur and how to manage them.

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria infect any part of the urinary tract, including:

  • Urethra

  • Bladder

  • Ureters

  • Kidneys

The most common cause is Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacteria normally present in the intestines, responsible for more than 85% of cases.

Why Do UTIs Occur?

Most UTIs start when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra. Because the female urethra is shorter and closer to the anus and vagina, women are approximately 50 times more likely of developing a UTI between the ages of 20 and 50 than men.

Once inside, bacteria can:

  • Infecting the bladder → causing cystitis

  • Climb up to the kidneys → causing pyelonephritis, a more serious infection

Less commonly, bacteria reach the urinary tract through the bloodstream, usually affecting the kidneys.

Types of UTI

ITU Low (bladder and urethral infection)

  • Most common

  • Generally less severe

High ITU (kidney infection)

  • Less common

  • More serious and may cause systemic symptoms

Symptoms of a UTI

Low UTI (Bladder Infection):

  • Burning or pain when urinating (dysuria)

  • Frequent urge to urinate, often in small amounts

  • Feeling of not emptying the bladder completely

  • Cloudy or bloody urine

  • Pressure or pain in the lower abdomen or groin

High UTI (Kidney Infection):

  • Fever and chills

  • Pain in the side or lower back

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Feeling of general malaise

In children, symptoms may be less specific, with fever being the only sign.

Risk Factors for UTIs

Some factors increase the risk of having UTIs:

  • Female gender (for anatomical reasons)

  • Sexual activity

  • Abnormalities or blockages in the urinary tract

  • Use of urinary catheters

  • Older age, especially in men with prostate problems

  • Background of previous UTIs

How Are UTIs Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of UTI is based on:

  • Your symptoms

  • A urinalysis (urinalysis)

  • Urine culture to identify the causative bacteria, especially in complicated cases

UTI treatment

  • Uncomplicated UTI (common in healthy women): It is usually treated with a short course of antibiotics.

  • Complicated UTI (e.g., in men, pregnant women, or people with structural anomalies): Requires longer treatments, often 7 days or more.

  • Kidney infections (pyelonephritis): They need urgent medical attention and sometimes intravenous antibiotics.

Final Reflection

UTIs are common, but very treatable. Knowing the symptoms will help you seek early care and avoid complications.

If you feel burning when you urinate, fever, or pain in your back don't wait—consult your doctor. Your well-being is the most important thing!

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always see your doctor for personalized attention.

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