Skip to main content
B2CUTI

Are UTIs Common?

By September 13, 2019September 15th, 2021No Comments

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common. The most common bacterial infection in women, UTIs occur much more often in women than men. Unfortunately, over half of adult women have had at least one UTI in their life, with 20 to 30 percent experiencing recurrent UTIs. Women are more susceptible because they have shorter urethras than men, and bacteria, such as E. coli from the gastrointestinal tract, have easier access to the bladder. It’s an unfortunate anatomical explanation that, in women, bacteria that live in the pelvic region simply don’t have as far to travel in order to infect the bladder.

UTIs are usually not very serious, but if the bacteria spreads, you can have a much more serious problem: a kidney infection, or pyelonephritis. This is less common but can happen if a UTI is not treated. A kidney infection is also more common with:

UTIs are very common, accounting for almost 10 million doctor visits a year. Some women can get a recurrent UTI, which is two or more infections in six months, or three or more in one year. Frequent sexual intercourse is one of the greatest risk factors for recurrent UTIs. UTIs are also more common with other risk factors, including:

  • Increased sexual activity

  • Certain types of birth control, like diaphragms or spermicidal agents

  • Kidney stones

  • Immobility or prolonged bed rest

  • Pregnancy

UTIs are not more common in pregnant women, but if one does occur while a woman is pregnant, the infection is more likely to travel to the kidneys. This is because of changes in the urinary tract during pregnancy.

UTIs can be treated effectively with antibiotics. People with recurrent UTIs may need additional tests to check for other health problems, but recurrent UTIs can be usually be treated with long term, low-dose antibiotics or antibiotic therapy.

*Reviewed and approved by Dr. Rob Lapporte

If you think you have UTI symptoms, get a telemedicine consultation for UTI now and get a prescription if appropriate within just minutes…without ever leaving your home! Please also check out our telemedicine consultations for flu, strep, and anemia.