Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections are terms that are often used interchangeably– but are they really the same thing? While a bladder infection is a type of UTI, not all UTIs are limited to the bladder and the symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of infection. In this blog, we’ll explain the relationship between UTIs and bladder infections, what symptoms they share, and when to seek medical treatment.
For same-day UTI treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. Our board-certified medical providers are available seven days a week to diagnose your condition and plan treatment accordingly. Just walk-in today!
What Causes A Urinary Tract Infection?
As the name implies, a urinary tract infection is an infection of the body's urinary system. When this happens, the bacterium will find its way into your urinary system, where urine is kept ready and stored. There are three major kinds of UTIs, as the infection may then spread to cover the entire system, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys:
- Cystitis occurs in the bladder
- Urethritis, which occurs in the Urethra and ureter
- Pyelonephritis affects the kidneys
How Do You Know You Have a UTI or Bladder Infection?
Here are some of the symptoms that you’ll experience when you’ve caught a urinary tract infection:
- Constant pressure on the sides of your pelvis
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent pain in your pelvis and abdomen
- Urge to pee
- Odd-smelling pee
- Pain when peeing
- Chills
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Slight burning sensation in the ureter
- Nausea
All these symptoms are constant for urinary tract infection, but not all come up for bladder infection. The symptoms that show up for bladder infection are:
- Constant pressure on you to use the toilet
- Pain in your pelvic area
- Pain when urinating or defecating
What Causes a UTI?
1. Poor Hygiene
Most urinary tract infections are caused by E coli bacteria and this bacteria can get into the urinary tract system if you don’t practice good hygiene. It can quickly cause an infection in the ureter and the kidney if care isn’t taken, causing inflammation and sores there.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes not only disrupts your urinary system but also weakens your immunity, making you more vulnerable to infections in your urinary tract.
3. Holding Back Excretion
Retaining urine or feces also leads to UTI as they exert unnecessary pressure on the bladder, increasing the chances of the stored urine leading to infection within it. When urination is cut short or not fully completed, it forms a backflow that settles urine in the urethra and ureter. This backlogged urine creates a ripe environment within the tract for bacteria to take hold and grow.
4. Genetics
The reason for a person’s UTIs might have to do with the size of their urinary tract which is determined by their genes. People with narrow urinary tracts are more likely to develop UTIs than those with wider tracts.
5. Sexual Intercourse
Sex predisposes your urinary tract to strain and infection from a sex partner, especially when the said partner already has an infection. Masturbation and oral sex can also pass bacteria to the genitalia that may infect and inflame it.
6. Dehydration
Your body requires water to “flush” the body out via urine, and when you don’t have water, urinating becomes a challenge. Dehydration is making your blood sugar rise, your immunity go down, and you are more susceptible to getting infections because of it.
How To Treat UTIs
- Always wash your hands prior to touching your genitals
- Be sure to clean yourself well after a bowel movement
- Pee after sexual intercourse
- Do not overly delay the holding in of your pee or your feces
- Keep your underwear clean
- Consistently drink water
- Take antibiotics
- Take drinks with cranberry and orange to help you pee
In the worst-case scenario, the UTI persists and begins to cause full-blown fever and diarrhea, which is a sign that you should quickly see a doctor at the nearest urgent care facility.
Get Walk-In UTI Testing & Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove
UTIs and bladder infections do share many of the same symptoms– like burning during urination, frequent urges to go, and lower abdominal discomfort– but they’re not always identical. A UTI can affect different parts of the urinary tract, and if left untreated, it may progress to more serious infections involving the kidneys. If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms, increased pain, or fever, come visit AFC Urgent Care Cedar Grove. Prompt evaluation and treatment can help relieve discomfort and prevent complications. Our facility accepts most health insurance plans and offers low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about UTI treatment, please contact us directly at (973) 239-2300.
