A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. UTIs are typically caused by bacteria and are much more common in women than men. Symptoms of a UTI include a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination, urine that appears cloudy or smells foul, pelvic pain in women, or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.
While UTIs can often be easily treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, there are some factors that can worsen the infection or make it more difficult to treat. Identifying what makes a UTI worse is important in order to avoid complications and get prompt symptom relief.
Delaying Treatment
One of the most significant things that makes a UTI worse is delaying treatment. Bacteria multiply quickly, so putting off seeing a doctor at the first signs of a UTI allows the infection to progress and worsen in severity. Mild symptoms can escalate to severe bladder and kidney infections in a short time without prompt antibiotic treatment.
As soon as UTI symptoms appear, such as burning with urination, urinary frequency or urgency, foul-smelling urine or pelvic pain, it is important to call a doctor. Getting a urine culture to identify the bacteria causing the infection is key, as the doctor can then prescribe the antibiotic most likely to treat that specific infection. Delaying testing and treatment even a few days can allow the infection to spread to the kidneys, causing flank pain, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting.
So if you suspect a UTI, do not wait. Seek medical attention within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms to avoid complications and get relief as quickly as possible. The sooner appropriate treatment begins, the faster the infection will clear.
Using the Wrong Antibiotics
While antibiotics are the first line treatment for UTIs, using the wrong type of antibiotic can worsen the infection. Certain bacteria are resistant to some antibiotic types, while susceptible to others. Taking an antibiotic that the bacteria causing the UTI is resistant to may fail to treat the infection at all.
Getting a urine culture identifies the bacteria responsible for the infection. The doctor can then tailor the antibiotic treatment accordingly. Without this information, antibiotics may be prescribed that allow antibiotic-resistant bacteria to flourish while medications that could treat the infection are not used. Using the wrong antibiotics allows the bacteria to multiply unchecked.
Even if a urine culture is done, providers may prescribe an antibiotic that doesn’t target the identified bacteria. This mismatched treatment can cause the UTI to get worse instead of better. Make sure to clarify with the doctor that the prescribed antibiotic correctly aligns with the results of the urine culture. Completing the entire course as directed is also vital, even if symptoms resolve prior to finishing all the medication.
Ask the doctor for the urine culture results and the antibiotic’s appropriateness for the identified bacteria. This helps prevent worsening of the infection due to using the wrong antibiotic type.
Holding Urine for Too Long
While it may seem logical to urinate as little as possible to avoid painful urination during a UTI, holding urine in the bladder can actually worsen the infection. The normal flow of urine helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract. When urine sits stagnant in the bladder, bacterial growth is encouraged rather than flushed out.
Try to urinate at least every 3-4 hours while awake to maintain urine flow. Drink plenty of fluids as well to dilute the urine and support healthy urination habits. Avoid holding urine for long stretches of time, as allowing bacterial accumulation can worsen UTI pain and inflammation. Letting the urine flow regularly hinders further bacterial spread.
Poor Hydration
Staying hydrated is key when fighting any infection, especially UTIs. Drinking adequate fluids helps dilute urine so that bacteria can be flushed out during urination. Water and other unsweetened beverages are best choices. Sugary drinks, alcohol, and too much caffeine can irritate the bladder, worsening UTI symptoms.
Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily. Cranberry juice is also a good option, as it creates an acidic environment unfavorable to bacterial growth. Hydration supports the body’s natural defenses against infection. Inadequate fluid intake allows bacteria to thrive, whereas plentiful hydration promotes washing bacteria out of the urinary tract. Drink up!
Unsanitary Bathroom Habits
Women are at higher UTI risk in part due to shorter urethras that allow bacteria quick access to the bladder. Practicing proper hygiene after using the bathroom can help lower UTI risk and keep an infection from worsening.
Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This avoids spreading bacteria like E. coli from the rectum towards the urethra. Additionally, urinate shortly after intercourse to flush away bacteria that may have been introduced. Other healthy bathroom habits include showering rather than bathing, and wearing cotton underwear instead of nylon or other synthetic fabrics that can trap moisture and breed bacteria.
Maintaining cleanliness before and after bathroom use helps prevent bacterial spread that could worsen an existing UTI. Adopting healthy lifelong bathroom habits enhances hygiene.
Sexual Activity
Having sex while a UTI is present can frequently worsen symptoms. Sex introduces additional bacteria into the urinary tract, which can cause a mild UTI to become a more severe kidney infection. Avoid all types of sexual activity, including oral, anal and vaginal sex, while recovering from a UTI.
In addition, strong sexual arousal and orgasm during a UTI can cause painful bladder muscle contractions. The jostling motion of intercourse may also worsen painful urinary symptoms. Wait until finishing the entire antibiotic course and urinary symptoms have fully resolved before resuming any sexual activity. This allows the infection to clear without complicating factors that could make it worse.
Discuss birth control needs with your doctor if avoiding sex during a UTI. Do not have sex without birth control if necessary, as introducing semen into the urinary tract can further worsen the infection. Take proper precautions and wait until the UTI has resolved to restart a healthy sex life.
Using Spermicides
Some birth control methods also come with UTI risk. Spermicides are commonly implicated in worsening UTIs. The chemicals in spermicides can irritate the urethra and bladder, allowing bacteria an opening to take hold and multiply. Diaphragms or condoms with spermicidal lubricants can promote infection growth.
Avoid using spermicides while an active UTI is present. Consider switching temporary birth control methods if necessary while recovering from the infection. Also take care with prolonged exposure to spermicides for birth control even when a UTI is not present, as these chemicals frequently cause urinary tract irritation that allows infection take hold.
Showering Habits
While showering is recommended over bathing for genital hygiene during a UTI, the way a woman showers can also worsen symptoms if not done correctly. Spray from a handheld showerhead directly onto the urethra or using a pulsating shower stream can irritate the already inflamed urinary tract tissues. This can worsen the painful urinary symptoms of a UTI.
Instead, allow water to lightly flow over the genital area without directly targeting the urethral opening. Soap up and clean the area gently using your hands rather than relying on the shower spray. Also avoid taking lengthy hot showers, as this dries out genital tissues and removes protective oils that help avoid infection.
Be attentive to showering habits during a UTI and make adjustments to prevent worsening symptoms as the infection resolves. Sometimes the little things make a big difference in UTI recovery.
Tampon Use
Women are advised to avoid using tampons during a UTI, as these can introduce additional bacteria into the bladder. The string and material of tampons provide a route for bacteria to travel up into the urethra. Tampon use also causes microtears in the vaginal wall that allow bacterial entry.
Stick with sanitary pads until the UTI has fully cleared. Change pads frequently to avoid bacterial growth in a moist environment. When tampons are used again after the infection resolves, be sure to insert them hygienically with clean hands and change them regularly. Improper tampon use is a frequent contributor to UTIs and can prolong existing infections.
Conclusion
While UTIs are often easily treated, neglecting prompt treatment or engaging in certain behaviors can worsen the infection. Quickly starting appropriate antibiotic therapy based on a urine culture is key, while avoiding activities like sex, spermicide use and prolonged holding of urine. Staying hydrated, urinating frequently, practicing good hygiene and being aware of aggravating factors allows the fastest symptom relief and infection clearance with no lasting complications. Paying attention to factors that could worsen a UTI guides treatment decisions and supports optimal recovery. With proper care and healthy precautions, the misery of a UTI will quickly give way to comfort and wellness once again.