Bladder Infections
Overview: Also called an UTI or urinary tract infection, a bladder infection happens when bacteria from the skin gets into the bladder.
Bacteria can be spread by the way you wipe after going to the bathroom.
Bacteria can spread when you have sex.
An infection may also happen if something is blocking the flow of urine. For example, an enlarged prostate gland in a man or pressure from a baby in a pregnant woman might cause this problem.
Women get bladder infections more often than men.
Symptoms may include the following:
You feel the need to urinate a lot
You may feel burning or stinging when you urinate
You may have cramps or pain in your lower belly or back
You urine is cloudy and smells bad.
There may be blood in your urine.
You may leak urine.
You may have a fever or chills.
If you are a woman, it is important to:
Keep the area around your vagina clean.
Wipe from front to back after you go to the bathroom.
Gently wash the area around your vagina when you bathe or shower. Wear cotton underwear.
Use pantyhose with cotton crotches.
Avoid tight fitting clothing. Wear loose pants.
Do not wear a wet swimming suit for long periods of time.
Drink plenty of water.
If you are a man, remember to:
Always wash your penis when you bathe or shower. If you are not circumcised, gently pull back the foreskin and wash the tip of the penis when you bathe.
What Thielen Student Health Center Can Do For You: If you think you may have a bladder infection, a TSHC healthcare provider can do a physical exam and test your urine for bacteria.
If your lab results show a bladder infection, your healthcare provider will give you antibiotics. You may also need pain medicine. If you get treated early, you will get well quickly. Most of the time, the medicine makes you feel better in 1 to 2 days. Sometimes it may take several days to feel better.
Last update: 09 Dec 2008
For more information, please contact:
Iowa State University
Thielen Student Health Center
515-294-5801
